Saugeen Shores Rail Trail Association was awarded the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for their efforts in volunteerism April 26 at a ceremony in Toronto. Left to right, Ontario Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Alexander Bezzina, SRTA Municipal Representative and Saugeen Shores Councillor Cheryl Grace, SRTA Committee member Gabrielle DiFrancesco, SRTA Past President Bruce Alexander, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson and Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Laura Albanese. Photo submitted

Hub Staff

The Saugeen Rail Trail Association (SRTA) has been recognized by the Government of Ontario for their outstanding achievement in volunteerism at a recent awards ceremony in Toronto.

The June Callwood Awards were held April 26 and the Honourable Laura Albanese, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, said the ceremony was to “help us recognize the contributions that have been made of this impressive group of Ontarians.”

Albanese explained that the awards are in honour of June Callwood, a journalist, author and activist, who was well known for her regular columns in The Globe and Mail and Maclean's. “She was also one of Canada's most prominent voices on behalf of women, children and marginalized people,” she said at the ceremony, adding that June Callwood co-founded over 50 action groups and organizations including the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Casey House.

“Like June Callwood, all of you have made a lasting impact on your communities,” said Albanese. “You don't volunteer for recognition, you give your time and effort because you want to create the better world for your family, for your friends, for you neighbours. You deserve to be recognized. Each one of you truly embodies June Callwood's legacy of making a difference.”

Accepting the award on behalf of the SRTA was SRTA Past President Bruce Alexander, Committee member Gabrielle DiFrancesco and Saugeen Shores Councillor Cheryl Grace.

“Saugeen Rail Trail Association of Port Elgin has developed, maintained and connected over 50 kilometres of accessible, non-motorized community trails since 1990,” said Ontario Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Alexander Bezzina, who introduced winners at the ceremony. “In addition to trail maintenance, they have also planted trees and built pavilions, historic interpretive sites, rest stations and trail side gardens including the memorial garden and a hurricane hazel memorial site.”

Bezzina said that the value of the fundraising and volunteer hours dedicated to the improvement and maintenance of the trails is valued at over $3 million. “None of this would have been possible if not for extensive lobbying to first buy the CN rail land after the railroad lines were decommissioned; and then to develop the land for recreational rather than commercial use.” He said that the trail system was now used by countless people of all ages and abilities and that the Saugeen Rail Trail had improved the well being of local residents and has left a legacy for years to come.

The June Callwood Outstanding Volunteer Award was given to the Saugeen Rail Trail Association April 26 for their efforts in volunteerism. Photo submitted