We're Proud to Announce the

2023 Excellence Awards Winners

Tumbler Ridge Business of the Year Sponsored by MLA Mike Bernier:

Recognition for operating a successful business and demonstrating initiative, community involvement, and sound business management.

Winner

Tumbler Ridgelines Newspaper

Runner Up

Home Hardware: Jan and Dean

"Tumbler Ridgelines is such an important resource to our community……Trent works tirelessly on the paper as well as volunteers for so many things in the Community . We are very fortunate to be the only Community in the South Peace with a newspaper that focuses on TR . Trent has one person helping with finding advertisers but does all of the writing, editing and delivery himself. Because of that and his commitment to the community, Trent attends all Community events. He has served on the Emperors Challenge planning committee, WNMS, the Youth Centre, the Library and the Chamber and this shows in his paper as he works hard to create community"

"Home hardware Is by far one of the best businesses in Tumbler Ridge. They have just about everything you could need for your home, but then they go above and beyond with pet food, toys, shoes, candy, you name it they probably carry it. Their prices are very fair, and they have helpful employees. And they also donate to so many fundraisers and non profits. They are an amazing business, definitely deserving of business of the year."

Citizen of the Year Sponsored by District of Tumbler Ridge

A  community member who works tirelessly for the community.

Winners

Tim Croston

Rose Snider

"Tim spends much of his time when he is not working, volunteering with the outdoor groups and taking care of trails. Tim is known for going above and beyond. He goes about cleaning areas where people have dumped just because he wants to ensure the areas surrounding TR are clean and beautiful.. He was on the Chamber board when the Chamber was successful in attaining a Job Creation Partnership grant and he was instrumental in ensuring that the new trails were built and improved properly and his knowledge and assistance was valuable. Whenever someone posts for assistance on the Facebook pages, Tim is almost always the first to offer help."

"Rose Snider is a long time resident of Tumbler Ridge who has dedicated the majority of her life to public service and helping others. To really understand all Rose has done for the community, one would have to go back to the day she moved to town. Rose is a generous, genuine and kind person who has given years of outstanding service for the betterment of our community and to write down all of her participation would take several pages."

Volunteer of the Year Sponsored by Urban Systems:

A community member who volunteers and goes above and beyond for the Community.

Winner

Erin Wanvig

Runner-Up

Don Blunden

"Erin is always helping out at functions, She takes great care of the Arts Council and all of it’s events. Erin is sight impaired but doesn’t let that slow her down. She is a great inspiration to the young people in the community. Erin gives so much of herself to TR and also maintains info on FB and runs a tight ship so there is nothing inappropriate on her pages"

"Don Blunden is a committee member of Tumbler Ridge Days Society. Not only does he commit to every event held, but he also contributes the most hours of any other committee member as a part of TR Days Society. Being a true jack-of all-trades, Don has demonstrated his ability to take on any task (construction, electrical, or mechanical)."

Non-Profit of the Year Sponsored by Urban Systems:

Community impact through leadership, philanthropy, volunteerism and vision.

Winner

Tumbler Ridge Days Society

Runner Up

Tumbler Ridge Community Gardens

"Terry Cosgrove and the TRDS have worked tirelessly for the community. The hours they have spent building a legacy for the community in the Fair Grounds, is inspirational. They have provided a spot for events, music, and family time. They have hosted fantastic family filled events which started many years ago with the Grizzly Valley Days, Grizfest and now includes the Fall Fair and the Blunden’s Halloween Haunt. They have done this for the Community of Tumbler Ridge. They go above and beyond to host unique and fun filled events. The many hours that go into events for our town go unnoticed by many but not all. Terry has dedicated her life to making Tumbler a better place for Families. Tumbler is so lucky she chooses to live here!"

"The Community Gardens give people a beautiful spot to enjoy in the community. Shauna Shea has worked hard, she went above and beyond for the gardens this year! Creating a even larger and amazing shared area and fundraising to get more beds next year. My favourite thing is the sprout boxes she got donated for kids gardening."

Educator of the Year Sponsored by Freshmart:

A teacher or instructor who demonstrates outstanding dedication to sharing their knowledge with others.

Winner

Mark Deeley

Runner Up

Cara McLean

"Mark works tirelessly to ensure all students find success in his classroom. He gives up weekends, evenings and summer days when students need help. Now that some students are adults, they ask him for advice, references and invite him to weddings. They bring their children for visits and tell him how he’s helped them, through school and life. As a principal, it makes me happy to know the students are cared for every day while learning the material with a passionate educator, as a wife, it makes me proud."

"Cara is a fantastic educator to the young people of Tumbler Ridge through both Preschool and the Strongstart program. She has a special place in the hearts of the children in this town, and goes above and beyond to make them feel welcomed, accepted, and cherished. The impact that she has had on our children is invaluable."

Employer of the Year Sponsored by Home Hardware:

Exceptional commitment to its employees demonstrated through job creation, training, support, recognition, awards, employee health and wellness.

Winners

Southpaw Rentals & Sales Inc.

The Tumbler Ridge Public Library

"Southpaw rentals offers competitive wages, apprenticeships, and benefit packages. Pernell even put an employee through training to get their Class A drivers license. They allow their workers the freedom to go get a proper education and then hands on training at work."

"The Tumbler Ridge Public Library is the place to work! Love the space, the patrons and you can earn a living wage. It has brought importance to my life in this community."

Outstanding Customer Service Award Sponsored by Parallel Projects Inc.

Recognition for demonstrating excellence in customer service, going above and beyond, always ready to help out with a smile.

Winner

Tammy Beers

Runner Up

Laura Benson

"Tammy ALWAYS provides clear, concise service, answers questions with professional knowledge, if she doesn’t know, she will get the answers. Responds to correspondence quickly, even during outside her working hours."

"Laura is just great, always helpful, always happy. Also does a great job of upselling, if I was her boss I’d be really happy with this employee!"

Up and Coming Business of the Year Award Sponsored by Tumbler RidgeLines:

Recognition of someone that has taken an idea by the horns and turned it into a great business.

Winner

Designs and Details

Runner Up

Twisted Seasons Bistro

"Designs and Details works with plenty of businesses in town and helps bring the community together. Eric always goes above and beyond. Eric has done an amazing job planning & executing Conuma Resources adult Christmas parties, kid’s Christmas parties, Golf Tournaments, Family BBQ’s. Eric possesses an extraordinary level of creativity, consistently demonstrating an exceptional ability to innovate and think outside the box. His keen eye for detail ensures that every aspect of his business is meticulously crafted, contributing to its overall excellence. Moreover, his pure dedication is evident in the relentless pursuit of success, making him a standout candidate for the Up and Coming Business of the Year Award."

"Service and food at Twisted Seasons Bistro is fantastic, the atmosphere is fun, professional and cozy. I have had great experiences there and I have read amazing reviews online from patrons. Ten out of ten. This new bistro is awesome! Love the food and amazing customer service. Such a great addition to Tumbler Ridge."

Sports Person or Organization Award Sponsored by Freshmart:

A community member or organisation who supports Tumbler Ridge through their involvement with Tumbler Ridge sports programs, promoting sportsmanship, health, fitness, hard work and dedication within the community.

Winner

Tumbler Ridge Mountain Bike Association

"Tumbler Ridge Mountain Bike Association, is an amazing group who envisions a thriving mountain biking community and works hard to establish Tumbler Ridge as a premier global biking destination. TRMBA is dedicated to providing educational programs and organizing various biking-related events accessible to trail users of all skill levels and ages. Their unwavering commitment extends to constructing secure and sustainable trails, ensuring the long-term vitality of the biking culture in Tumbler Ridge."

People's Choice Award Sponsored by Tumbler Ridge Chamber of Commerce:

The people's choice - a business or organization that deserves to be recognized for the reason you choose.

Winner

Amanda Hanna - Lush Desserts

“The Lush Desserts bakery offers a luxury to the little town of Tumbler Ridge - fresh and diverse baked goods. Various small coffee shops have come and gone from TR over the years, but in my memory, never one that focused on baked goods as well as specialty drinks that are ordinarily only accessible in bigger municipalities. The diversity offered by this business - lunch/savoury items, sweet treats, birthday cakes, cookie decorating kits, catering - allows many opportunities to benefit the population of TR. Lush Desserts loves supporting its community and deserves this award for its efforts! Amanda is constantly striving to provide a quality product and service to our community. She generously donates to good causes in town. She trains her bakers with valuable life skills and one even went on to open her own baking business!"

A Big Thank you to our

2023 Excellence Awards Sponsors