Nova Scotians can show their community pride by submitting nominations for this years Lieutenant-Governor’s Community Spirit Award.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Community Spirit Award celebrates the power, strength, and diversity of vibrant communities across Nova Scotia. It profiles their achievements and increases their visibility through a formal recognition program.
Up to four Nova Scotian communities are honoured each year. Recipients are chosen by a selection committee based on community applications that best fit the award’s criteria. Communities selected for the award promote citizen engagement, civic pride, and a positive outlook on the future.
Successful communities are honoured through celebration and recognition. The Lieutenant Governor attends a community celebration, presents a hand-crafted award, and unveils a sign to display in the community. There is also province-wide public recognition through the media.
Essential Criteria:
Any community that can demonstrate through evidence, measurement, anecdote and/or illustration each one of the following key criteria can apply for this Award:
- ability to build on unique strengths within the community
- a high degree of citizen participation in community projects of a wide variety, range and interest
- includes others and encourages diversity in all its forms
- clear evidence of community pride and
- a focus on creating an enduring community
Supportive Criteria:
The following criteria will strengthen your nomination. If any of these apply to your community include them as well. Please use evidence, measurement, story and/or illustration as outlined in the Criteria checklist found here.
Your community also:
- recognizes history, tradition, and cultural heritage
- welcomes newcomers and encourages them to stay
- finds solutions to community challenges by working together
- is adaptable and flexible
- has a willingness to start positive change
- has wide-spread support for recreational and cultural activity
- demonstrates youth involvement
- has an authentic respect for seniors
- forms unique and lasting partnerships (formal and/or informal)
- listens to one another in order to form better decisions
- respects the environment as shown through activities or programs
- respects faith-based or spiritual groups as contributors to a healthy community
When looking at how to support your nomination through measurement, statistical data can complement your community’s stories. Listed below are some suggestions – but don’t be limited to these:
- number of self-generated community initiatives
- number of residents attending community events (including cultural, social, and sporting events)
- number of citizen-sponsored programs for children, teens, and/or seniors
- community voter turnout number of volunteer agencies (also include approximate number of volunteers)
The deadline to submit a nomination is Monday, May 15, at 11:59 p.m.
Applications can be found online here.
All completed application forms and submissions must either be:
- emailed to communityspiritaward@novascotia.ca and communitiesNS@novascotia.ca
- or faxed to (902) 424-0710
- or mailed to:
Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Attn: Community Spirit Award
P.O. Box 456
1741 Brunswick Street, 3rd Floor
Halifax, NS B3J 2R5