The 25th annual Community Awards event celebrated and acknowledged the contributions to our community made by the businesses and volunteers in 2022. We are grateful for the generous supporters who have sponsored these awards, as well as those many individuals who have recognized local people, groups and businesses by submitting nominations for our eight award categories. Congratulations to all!
Tourism Award winner: Hills Meaford
Awarded to a business with a commitment to local tourism through a welcoming attitude, awareness and promotion of local attractions. Sponsored by: Bayview Escarpment Fine Furniture & Cabinetry
Nominees: Christmas on the Bay, Grandma Lambes, Hills Meaford, Leeky Canoe, Little Wren Hair Studio, McGinty’s, Stillfield’s, Ted’s Range Road Diner, The Red Door
Customer Service Award winner: Simply Unique Flowers and Gifts
Presented to a business that consistently goes out of its way to provide superior service to its customers. Sponsored by: Knights’ Home Building Centre
Nominees: Cook’s Insulation, Frankie Santini, Godard’s Your Independent Grocer, HomeButtons, L’Ab, Leaky Canoe, McGinty’s, Simply Unique Flowers and Gifts, Pompoms, Sushi2go, The Keep Refillery, The Kitchen, The Red Door, This ‘N That, Trimtech Hair Studio
Farmer of the Year winner: Good Family Farms
Presented to an active farmer in the Municipality of Meaford who exemplifies all or most of these characteristics: leadership, volunteerism, youth participation, community service and special achievements. Sponsored by: Robert’s Farm Equipment
Nominees: Ethan and Julie Higginson, Good Family Farms, Vail’s
Most Improved Business winner: McGinty’s Cafe
Presented to an existing business that has significantly expanded its operation or an improvement of the premises making the community more attractive. Sponsored by: BrokerLink Canada
Nominees: Amici, Bobi’s Playschool,Crystal Dragon, Dairy Queen, Frankie Santini, Gingerbug, Grey Heron, L’Ab, Leeky Canoe, Love Me Long Time Boutique, Maria Mikailitchenko (owner of Red door), McGinty’s, Simply Unique Flowers and Gifts, Solo-fit, The Dam Pub, The Keep Refillery, The Red Door, Vision Construction
Business Owner of the Year winner: Little Wren Hair Studio
Presented to an owner who has made an outstanding contribution to the Municipality of Meaford. Demonstrates: leadership within a business; dedication to the betterment of the whole community; good citizenship; care for the environment; sound employee relations. Sponsored by The Co-operators
Nominees: Frankie Santini, Hope Farrow, Leeky Canoe, Little Wren Hair Studio, Maria Mikailichenko, Meaford Rotary Club, Megan Fisher, Nancy Ellis, Your Independent Grocer, Leeky Canoe, Stillfields Brewery, The Keep Refillery
Agribusiness Award winner: Higginson Farms
Presented to an agribusiness that has invested in sustainable farming practices and has successfully developed innovative products, processes and marketing channels. Sponsored by: Bruce Street Technologies
Nominees: Higginson Farms, Top Shelf Mushrooms
Peter Francis Award winner: Mackenzie Fleming
Presented to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary volunteer leadership over many years and who has made a significant contribution to community development in the Municipality of Meaford. This individual must exhibit strong leadership through example. This is a lifetime achievement award. Sponsored by: Meaford Chamber of Commerce
Nominees: Grace Morin, Mackenzie Fleming, Nancy Ellis
Special Merit Award winner: Rotary Club of Meaford
Presented to a volunteer organization or service club for exceptional effort over the past year that has enhanced the quality of life within our community. Sponsored by: Municipality of Meaford
Nominees: Beautiful Joe Heritage Society, Hockey Hits Cancer, Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Centre, Little Wren Hair Studio, Meaford Culture Foundation, Rotary Club of Meaford, Summerfest