Though being bestowed with one of the City of Prince Rupert's Civic Recognition Awards is a true honour in itself, the presentation of the distinction will now occur with a wider audience.
Having recipients previously accept their Civic Recognition Award at a scheduled council meeting within council chambers, the Prince Rupert Special Events Society suggested in a letter to mayor and council that the award presentations be held on the July 1 Canada Day ceremonies.
"The bestowment of an award of such magnitude is a wonderful tribute for their contributions to our community and we would like to encourage mayor and council to review the possibility to have the awards presented in front of a large community audience," the Special Events board of directors wrote in their communication.
"Not only do Canada Day festivities attract many members of the community, but a day on which our country's birthday is celebrated is fitting of an award ceremony that recognizes the contributions of citizens to our community and nation," the letter continued.
Mayor Brain was supportive of the notion at last Monday's council meeting, saying "It's nice to have the whole community there [celebrating] ... what they're being recognized for and it adds a new layer to the Canada Day celebrations, so I'm definitely in favour of this motion".
Councillor Joy Thorkelson noted that having the nomination process in November for an award that will be presented in July of next year may be a long time to wait and Councillor Wade Niesh recommended that the nomination period be moved up to May or June for recipients of the award.
Council passed the recommendation and will present the 2015 Civic Recognition Awards on Canada Day.