From dedication to the local sporting community to a passion for history, the city is recognizing the efforts of more people in the community.
Three Heart of Gold Civic Awards were handed out at the Timmins council meeting tonight (March 19). Steve Meunier and Douglas Nicholls were at city hall to pick up the honour, with Stéphanie Morin-Robert also being recognized, though she wasn't at the meeting.
Morin-Robert is a former École secondaire catholique Theriault student, who has made a name for herself in the arts.
"Her original one-woman show set primarily in Porcupine, recounts her younger years as a cancer survivor and the importance of resiliency and self acceptance. By performing her award-winning show in French, Morin-Robert continues to support and strengthen francophone culture and language," said Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau.
Meunier is a familiar face at the McIntyre Curling Club. On the curling rink, he's been a player, trainer, coach, volunteer board member and now serves as the club president.
"His participation in bringing the 2023 Canadian U18 Curling Championships to Timmins has set the standard for sports tourism events in the city," reads the city news release.
Off the ice, Meunier is involved with MADD Timmins Chapter and the Canadian Cancer Society/Cops for Cancer. He's also a volunteer firefighter with the Whitney Fire Department.
For more than three decades, Nicholls has been volunteering with the Connaught and District Historical Society, which marked its 30th anniversary last year.
"As a director, he was instrumental in fundraising for the Connaught and District Pioneer Museum’s original construction, and continues to help operate the museum. His history of volunteering for the community began in the early '90s, and included fundraising with the Connaught Community Association for a new community centre, which remains a place of pride for residents on the shores of Frederick House Lake," reads the release.
Recipients of the Heart of Gold recognition program are being honoured monthly at a council meeting.
Nominations can be made in the categories of volunteer and community service, youth community and civic engagement, achievement in sports, and achievement in STEAM. More details on the program and the nomination form are available here.
