City of Owen Sound Congratulates 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award Recipients

The City of Owen Sound is pleased to announce the 2025 Volunteer Award Recipients. On behalf of Owen Sound City Council, Mayor Ian Boddy, along with Chair of the Community Services Committee, Councillor Marion Keopke, and Bruce Grey Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers, awards were presented at the beginning of the April 28 Council meeting.

The recipients were:

2025 Volunteer of the Year – Jeff Nickel

2025 Volunteer of the Year – Dave Barber

2025 Youth Volunteer of the Year – Olive Borowski

2025 Senior of the Year – Evelyn Barnes

Mr. Nickel was nominated on behalf of Owen Sound Minor Basketball for being the founder and driving force behind a thriving minor sport organization that continues to grow in programming and participation. His role includes overseeing all aspects of the league providing an opportunity for young athletes to develop their skills, confidence, teamwork and sportsmanship. 

Mr. Barber was nominated on behalf of the Silver C’s of Owen Sound, a non-profit volunteer organization of retirees in the community. He is described as a selfless volunteer with a willingness to make his skills available to several groups and activities in Owen Sound. Mr. Barber volunteered for almost 600 hours in the past year.

Olive Borowski, a high school student in Owen Sound, was nominated on behalf of United Way of Bruce Grey. Olive is the founder of Banditfest, a grassroots music and arts festival that showcases emerging youth talent and fosters community engagement. Described as an innovative leader with an ability to foster collaboration.

Ms. Barnes was nominated on behalf of Scenic City Lions Club of Owen Sound. Her nominator described her as a perfect example to all Lions. Ms. Barnes has been an involved, dedicated Lioness and Lion for 48 years, holding many roles such as zone, chair, regional chair, secretary and president. Evelyn continues to be very active in her Scenic City Lions Club.

For more information, please contact Andy O’Leary, Facilities Booking Coordinator at 519-376-4440 ext. 1255 or email aoleary@owensound.ca

Quotes:

"Volunteers have such a positive impact on so many things right here in Owen Sound. By providing their time and expertise, volunteers continue to be the driving force behind the arts and cultural scene, sports and recreation, and service groups. Thank you to Jeff Nickel, Dave Barber, Olive Borowski, Evelyn Barnes and all the incredible volunteers in our community for making such a positive and impactful contribution.”

- Mayor Ian Boddy 

Quick Facts:

• The City has been recognizing community volunteers for over 40 years.
• The City recognizes volunteers annually in April to coincide with Volunteer Month in the province of Ontario.
• Nominations for 2026 will open in early 2026.

Pictured in photo attached (left to right): MPP Paul Vickers, Mayor Ian Boddy, Olive Borowski (Youth Volunteer of the Year), Jeff Nickel (Volunteer of the Year), Evelyn Barnes (Senior of the Year), Dave Barber (Volunteer of the Year), Councillor Marion Koepke

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