City of Owen Sound Honours Long-Serving Employees and Launches New Employee Choice Awards

The City of Owen Sound proudly recognizes dedicated municipal employees for significant years of service and introduced new Employee Choice Awards this year.  These awards recognize staff who go above and beyond to demonstrate the City’s values of Integrity, Creativity, Caring, and Sustainability in their day-to-day work.

Years of Service Honourees

The City recognized employees who reached milestone service years in 2025. These individuals have demonstrated outstanding commitment to public service and to the Owen Sound community.

• 25 Years: Jody Long, Rob Martin, Steve Wagner
• 20 Years: Lee-Anne Kazarian
• 15 Years: Brian Bridges
• 10 Years: Troy Adair, Kate Allan, Brant Atton, Chris Downs, Matthew Given, Wade Nixon, Doug Robinson
• 5 Years: Shannon Bingeman, Bethany Chandler, Brad Cook, Ryan Gowan, Sheyenne Hooghiem, Jacklyn Iezzi, Robert Kean, Karen Leger, Graeme MacIntrye, Colin Price, Matthew Pullen, Tim Simmonds, Andrew Smart, Aidan Ware

Introducing the Employee Choice Awards

Nominated by peers across the organization, the Employee Choice Awards recognize colleagues who consistently go above and beyond and model the City’s values in daily service to residents, businesses, and visitors.  In its inaugural year, more than 30 employees were nominated from different departments, reflecting the professionalism, skills, and commitment that ensure residents receive reliable, high-quality service day in and day out.

• Integrity Award: Mark Young, for demonstrating honesty, accountability, and ethical leadership.
• Creativity Award: Christina McLean, for embracing curiosity and innovative thinking to improve services and collaborative opportunities.
• Caring Award: Amanda Tennant, for compassion, teamwork, and exceptional support to others.
• Sustainability Award: Andrew Smart, for championing long-term community well-being and building a resilient, inclusive workplace.
• Most Helpful Colleagues: Kelly Biggar and Michelle Prescott, for being go-to problem solvers and dependable, supportive colleagues who provide guidance and encouragement.

The City of Owen Sound delivers a broad range of municipal programs and services, including roads and infrastructure, water and wastewater, parks and recreation, fire services, cultural and visitor services, planning and development, and more. Recognizing excellence across the organization helps engage teams, retain experienced employees, and celebrate program quality for residents and visitors.

For more information, please contact Tim Simmonds, City Manager, at 519-376-4440 ext. 1210 or email tsimmonds@owensound.ca

Quotes:

“Behind every safe street, clean park, and welcoming space in Owen Sound are dedicated people who care deeply about this city. Today, we celebrate those who have served for years and those who go the extra mile every day to make life better for all of us. Our employees are our greatest asset. Their expertise powers the hundreds of services the City provides every day.”

• Tim Simmonds, City Manager

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