File photo of a part of downtown Lethbridge (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

City recognizes “downtown champions” with Celebrate Downtown awards

Oct 29, 2020 | 9:48 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge’s Celebrate Downtown awards went virtual this year.

This adjustment was made in light of COVID-19. The fifth annual awards session was hosted by the Heart of Our City Committee and recognized “downtown champions”.

It was originally scheduled to be held in May, but that was shifted due to the pandemic.

The community brought forward 66 nominations and throughout the summer, organizers of the event worked hard with London Road Media to present the awards digitally.

“This year has posed a number of challenges to everybody, without questions, so to still see this type of response really shows the interest in this event and in the positive work being done in Downtown Lethbridge,” stated Andrew Malcolm, Lethbridge’s Urban Revitalization Manager.

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“The Heart of our City Committee congratulates all of the Celebrate Downtown 2020 nominees and winners.”

Below is a breakdown of this year’s seven awards:

• Unsung Hero Award: committed to taking care of the downtown community, often without recognition or praise. Award recipient: Lee Freeman
• Transformation Award: leading the transformation of downtown spaces, business and activities. Award recipient: Mortar and Brick
• Innovator Award: takes risks and is not scared to challenge the status quo as they work to create, maintain, support and promote an exciting downtown. Award recipient: Good Times
• From the Heart Award: social change agent, working to make downtown a welcoming place for all. Award recipient: Lane Sterr
• Event of the Year: event committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive downtown. Award recipient: Lethbridge Caribbean Association
• Volunteer of the Year: someone who freely gives up their time and energy to benefit downtown. Award recipient: Victor Wutor
• People’s Choice Award: overall downtown champion. Award recipient: Jeremy Rickaby – Hybrid Media
• Legacy Award: a very special award (first time ever) honouring a lifetime commitment to the improvement of downtown. Award recipient: Jean Johnstone

All of the award presentation videos were recorded at various times and with varying public health protocols. They can be viewed here via the City of Lethbridge’s YouTube channel.