A Visual Journey Through the 2024 EOY Awards Ceremony
Our committee is pleased to announce that the 2024 Environmentalists of the Year Awards ceremony was held on April 4th, 2025, 6-9 PM at the LR Wilson Hall on the McMaster University campus.
We are thrilled to announce this year’s award winners for their environmental efforts and projects carried out in 2024:
- The Dr. Victor Cecilioni Environmentalist of the Year Award recognizes lifetime dedication to ecological restoration and stewardship in Hamilton. We are thrilled to announce Scott Peck as the winner for 2024. Through his role with Hamilton Conservation Authority, Scott has demonstrated continuous dedication to protecting, restoring and enhancing Hamilton’s watershed and conservation areas. In 2024, Scott led the creation and development of the Saltfleet Conservation Area.
- The Award of Merit recognizes individuals for their excellence in environmental efforts. This year two nominees were selected due to their outstanding work in the Hamilton community: Hamilton Naturalists’ club, Martha Howatt for her ongoing volunteer work and for her hard-working ‘boots on the ground’ approach to conservation. Adele Pierre for her involvement with the Depave Paradise Program and commitment to projects championing stormwater management and carbon impacts.
- Environmental Youth Group or School Public Service Award: This year, we are awarding two youth groups for their distinguished public service in environmental achievement. More Than Food for their dedication to sustainability and exemplary peer-led approach and,Roots to Justice for their community-led, grassroots approach to food accessibility in Hamilton.
- The Adam Chiravalle Post-Secondary Youth Conservation Award: Ofure Itua
Recognizing exceptional contributions by post-secondary students to environmental conservation and sustainability. Named in memory of a dedicated environmental advocate. This year, we will be awarding two Adam Chiravalle awards. First, sustainable transportation advocate Ofure Itua has been selected due to her ongoing involvement with cycling advocacy, pushing the envelope for cycling initiatives in the city and her work at McMaster University with the Trash to Treasure project and the Hamilton Sustainability Action Program. McMaster University student. And Areeb Iqbal for her commitment to the stewardship of natural lands in Hamilton, her work with the McMaster Academic Sustainability program and her exemplary leadership in the community.
- The Betty Blashill Environmental Prize: Charlie Briggs
- In memory of Betty Blashill for her exemplary behind-the-scenes work and her careful lifestyle that minimized her ecological footprint. Charlie Briggs receives this year’s Betty Blashill Environmental Prize, for his quiet, behind-the-scenes approach to getting work done, along with his engaging and enthusiastic teaching styles and his extensive knowledge of plant species (that he graciously shares with the community through various workshops and teaching opportunities).
- Eco Project Award: Glenn Meldrum
- Recognizes project-based work that exhibits exceptional achievement in planning a program that protects and regenerates the natural environment. Glenn Meldrum has been awarded for an innovative eco project: the creation of a barn swallow nesting shed at Johnson Tew Park in 2024.
In the heart of Hamilton, the EOY Awards Ceremony unfolded as a vibrant celebration of community achievements and shared aspirations. From the joyous expressions of award recipients to the enthusiastic participation of our attendees, these images encapsulate the essence of what makes Hamilton a remarkable community. Join us in reliving the highlights and recognizing the individuals and organizations that continue to shape our city’s vibrant future.
A special congratulations to all our award winners for their outstanding contributions. Your achievements are a beacon of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community.
Lastly, a huge shoutout to our organizing committee. Your tireless efforts turned our vision into reality, and for that, we are eternally grateful.
Once again, thank you for making the EOY Awards Ceremony a landmark event in our community. We are already looking forward to next year’s celebration and hope to see you there.
The 2024 Environmentalist of the Year Awards were held on April 4th, 2024 in L.R. Wilson Hall at McMaster University. Stay tuned for the 2025 EOY Awards!
