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Mayor’s Gala
2026 Mayor's Gala
The Mayor’s Gala is an annual event to show our appreciation and recognize local businesses, individuals and organizations who make our community special!
Friday, September 18, 2026
MacKenzie Conference Centre
Cocktails: 5:30 p.m. | Dinner: 6:30 p.m. | Awards to follow
Semi-Formal Attire | Theme: 007
We invite you to nominate a hero of the community to be recognized at this year’s Mayor’s Gala and Community Recognition Awards Night! We are looking for businesses that go that extra mile, organizations that go above and beyond, and exceptional individuals or groups in the community!
Nominations open until June 30.
Details on the nomination criteria for each category can be found below.
Arts and Athletics Excellence Award
The Arts and Athletics Excellence Award celebrates the extraordinary talent, dedication, and community impact of individuals, teams, and organizations in Drayton Valley. This award recognizes those who have achieved excellence in the arts, music, or athletics, while making meaningful contributions that enrich our community. Whether through creative expression or athletic performance, recipients inspire pride, foster connection, and demonstrate a commitment to growth, innovation, and mentorship.
The arts and athletics are vital to the cultural and social fabric of our town. From artists and musicians who spark creativity and inspire others, to athletes and coaches who exemplify discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship, these individuals elevate the spirit of Drayton Valley.
Nomination criteria
Nominate an individual, organization, or not for profit group that:
- Demonstrates excellence and achievement in arts, music, or athletics
- Contributes positively to the community through participation, leadership, or mentorship
- Inspires others through creativity, performance, or athletic accomplishment
- Promotes inclusivity, teamwork, and community pride
- Shows dedication, innovation, and sustained commitment in their field
Community Spirit Award
The Community Spirit Award celebrates the heart and soul of Drayton Valley. This award is given to an individual, organization, or not-for-profit group that makes a significant and ongoing voluntary contribution to our community.
The recipients of this award display outstanding commitment to community enrichment, humanitarian service, and the well-being of others. Their selfless, courageous, and compassionate acts have improved the lives of those in need and have left a lasting impact on our town.
Nomination criteria
Nominate an individual, organization, or not for profit group that:
- Makes a significant or ongoing voluntary contribution to the community, or
- Displays outstanding contribution toward community enrichment or
- Contributes remarkable humanitarian service that has made a difference to the well-being of others, or
- Improves the lives of those in need through selfless, courageous, creative, and compassionate acts
Employer of the Year Award
This award recognizes an outstanding local employer that demonstrates exceptional commitment to its workforce, community, and overall economic impact. The recipient fosters a positive and inclusive workplace culture, supports employee growth and well-being, and contributes meaningfully to the vitality of the local economy. Through leadership, innovation, and community engagement, this employer sets a high standard for organizational excellence.
Nomination criteria
Nominate a local business or employer that:
- Demonstrates strong employee support (e.g. benefits, development opportunities, workplace culture), or
- Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization, or
- Shows measurable impact on the local community and economy (job creation, stability, growth), or
- Actively participates in or supports community initiatives, or
- Encourages innovation, leadership, and long-term sustainability
- Is located within Drayton Valley or Brazeau County boundaries
Healthcare and Emergency Services Award
The Healthcare and Emergency Services Award honours individuals who work in healthcare or emergency services. These are the people who display outstanding compassion and commitment in their fields, focusing on efforts to improve the well-being of people in our community.
Whether it’s a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, ambulance worker, RCMP officer, or firefighter, these individuals make a difference every day by improving our quality of life through their selfless, courageous, and compassionate actions.
Nomination criteria
Nominate an individual, organization, or not for profit group that:
- Is engaged in either the Healthcare or Emergency Services fields, (Nurse, Doctor, Pharmacist, Ambulance, RCMP, Fire Services) or
- Displays outstanding compassion and commitment in their field, or
- Focuses on efforts to improve the well-being of people in our community, or
- Makes a difference in our community by contributing to improving quality of life, or
- Improves the lives of those in need through selfless, courageous, and compassionate acts
Oil and Gas Award
The Oil and Gas Award is presented to a local business or corporation in the oil and gas sector that has made significant contributions to our community. This award is special because it reflects the impact a company has had — not just within the industry, but in the lives of its employees and the broader community.
The nominees in this category have been put forward by their employees, which speaks volumes about the positive impact they have within the workplace. These businesses are involved in community functions and events, they make a difference in the workplace, and they support their employees in meaningful ways.
Nomination criteria
Nominate a local business or corporation that:
- Has made significant contributions in the community
- Involved in community functions and events
- Make a difference in the workplace and support their employees
- Shows measurable impact on the local community and economy (job creation, stability, growth)
- It is located within Drayton Valley or Brazeau County boundaries
Youth Empowerment Award
The Youth Empowerment Award recognizes individuals of all ages who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of youth in our community. This award celebrates young leaders who inspire their peers through leadership, volunteerism, and creativity, as well as adults who dedicate their time to mentoring, supporting, and empowering youth to reach their full potential.
Whether by leading by example, fostering opportunities for growth, or addressing challenges facing young people, these individuals help shape a stronger, more connected community.
Nomination criteria
Nominate an individual, organization, or not for profit group that:
- Makes a meaningful difference in the lives of youth or youth peers within the community
- Is a youth that demonstrates leadership and positive influence among their peers, or contributes through volunteerism, or
- Supports, mentors, and empowers youth to reach their full potential, or
- Utilizes their talents, creativity, and initiative to address challenges faced by youth in the community
2025 Award Categories & Recipients
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Mayor’s Gala Awards
Arts & Music Award Recipients
The Arts and Music Award celebrates the extraordinary talent and creativity of local artists and musicians who have made significant contributions to Drayton Valley. This award recognizes those who have experienced achievements in the industry, have a positive impact, embrace innovation, and use their talents to teach and inspire others in our community.
The arts and music are vital to the cultural fabric of our town, and tonight, we honor those who enrich our lives with their creativity and passion
The recipients of the Art & Music Award for 2025 are:
Ayla Gartner | Erin Kay | Graham Long | Heather Karlstrom | Liz Lauer | Theresa Dufault
Business Achievement Award Recipients
The Business Achievement Award recognizes a local business or corporation that has set a remarkable standard in our community. This award honours a business that has not only experienced substantial growth, but also excels in customer service, demonstrates innovation in its core business model, or incorporates environmentally responsible practices.
The businesses we celebrate tonight are not just contributors to our economy—they are trailblazers, setting examples for others to follow. They remind us of the power of innovation, dedication, and responsibility in driving our community forward. Let’s take a moment to honor their outstanding achievements and commitment to making Drayton Valley a better place to live and work.
The recipients of the Business Achievement Award for 2025 are:
Amber Plaquin | DV Mighty Learners | Jasmin Voravongsa | Karla James | Kevin & Lori Young | Kevin Chehade | Ryan Fynn | Sugar Shack | Tri Electric Ltd.
Community Spirit Award Recipients
The Community Spirit Award celebrates the heart and soul of Drayton Valley. This award is given to an individual, organization, or not-for-profit group that makes a significant and ongoing voluntary contribution to our community. The recipients of this award display outstanding commitment to community enrichment, humanitarian service, and the well-being of others.
Their selfless, courageous, and compassionate acts have improved the lives of those in need and have left a lasting impact on our town. Tonight, we recognize their remarkable efforts and thank them for their unwavering dedication to making Drayton Valley a better place for all.
The recipients of the Community Spirit Award for 2025 are:
Carolin Charron | Danna Cropley | Dylan Fulks | Jennifer Myslicki | Karen Hickerty | Kelly Forster | Kickstand Drayton Valley Youth Hub | Les Hewlett | Lesley Gigg | Lori Noble & Amanda Krick | Lynn Belanger | Opportunity Home | Ryan Fynn | Sam Itchay | Tessa Viljoen-Hann | Trisha Howes
Excellence in Athletics Award Recipients
The Excellence in Athletics Award is presented to an individual, team, or coach who has shown outstanding dedication to their sport and to our community. This award honours those who display excellence in athletic endeavors, good sportsmanship, and a commitment to their training programs.
Whether they compete at an amateur or professional level, or volunteer throughout the community, these athletes bring pride to Drayton Valley with their accomplishments.
The recipients of the Excellence in Athletics Award for 2025 are:
Bill Campbell | Cody Blackmore | Joanne Nelson | Mandy Layden | Susan Aarts | Tiff Fertig | James Bullock (Head Coach of the DV Drillers Ringette U16 team) | Chris & Melissa Trider (Assistant Coaches of the DV Drillers Ringette U16 team)
Healthcare & Emergency Services Award Recipients
Our next award is the Healthcare & Emergency Services Award, which honours individuals who work in healthcare or emergency services. These are the people who display outstanding compassion and commitment in their fields, focusing on efforts to improve the well-being of people in our community.
Whether it’s a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, ambulance worker, RCMP officer, or firefighter, these individuals make a difference every day by improving our quality of life through their selfless, courageous, and compassionate actions.
The recipients of the Healthcare & Emergency Services Award for 2025 are:
Colleen Sekura | Dr. Michael Murphy | Krista Hanas | Raymond Houle| Ryan Hoetmer | Sheila Blackwood | Teri Yurkewich
New Community Organization Award Recipients
The New Community Organization Award is given to an organization that has been created within the last 18 months and is already making a significant impact in Drayton Valley. This award recognizes groups that are volunteering or contributing to improve the quality of life in our town and are providing new and innovative opportunities for our community to engage.
These organizations are the lifeblood of our community, bringing fresh ideas and energy to Drayton Valley. We celebrate their success and look forward to the continued positive impact they will have on our town.
The recipient of the New Community Organization Award for 2025 is:
Wendy Snow
Oil & Gas Award Recipients
The Oil and Gas Award is presented to a local business or corporation in the oil and gas sector that has made significant contributions to our community. This award is special because it reflects the impact a company has, not just within the industry but in the lives of its employees and the broader community.
The nominees in this category have been put forward by their employees, which speaks volumes about the positive impact they have within the workplace. These businesses are involved in community functions and events, they make a difference in the workplace, and they support their employees in meaningful ways.
The recipients of the Oil & Gas Award for 2025 are:
Stephen Fertig | Mitch Nelson (representing Nelson Bros.)
Teachers/Educators Award Recipients
The Teachers/Educators Award recognizes those who are shaping the future of our community by making a difference in the lives of their peers and our youth. This award honours teachers and educators who show compassion and a love for teaching, who utilize their talents and creativity to help our youth achieve their goals through extracurricular activities, and who serve as positive role models.
Educators play a crucial role in building a brighter future for Drayton Valley, and we celebrate their dedication to nurturing the minds and hearts of our young people.
The recipients of the Teacher & Educators Award for 2025 are:
Deanna Lang | Denise Perry | Georgeina McGee | Grace Wheaton | Joelle Vig | Julia Kormysh | Keri-Lynn Clark | Melissa Tuleta | Michelle Wirstiuk | Shannon Davie
Youth Empowerment Award Recipients
The Youth Empowerment Award shines a spotlight on the remarkable young individuals in our community who are making a difference. This award is for those under 18 who volunteer throughout the community, utilize their talents and creativity to tackle pressing challenges, and make a positive impact on the lives of their peers.
These young leaders are the future of Drayton Valley, and their commitment to making our town a better place is truly inspiring. We honor their contributions and encourage them to continue leading with passion and purpose.
The recipients of the Youth Empowerment Award for 2025 are:
Katrina Hamilton | Tyler Lamanilao
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