A pair of Kootenay residents have been recognized by the Province for their contributions to their communities, as each have been awarded a Medal of Good Citizenship.
In Invermere, Janice Dallaire was honoured for pioneering fire rescue, while Ymir resident Carla Stephenson was recognized for championing arts and community engagement in the Kootenays.
Dallaire and Stephenson joined a number of other British Columbians from across the province who were awarded the Medal of Good Citizenship, which "celebrates individuals who have acted in a particularly generous, kind or selfless manner for the betterment of their communities without expectation of reward," according to a news release.
“These 18 people have made a profound impact on their communities and a positive difference in the lives of so many,” said Premier David Eby. “By sharing their time, energy and talents, they are making B.C. a better place. Their selfless generosity is a model for us all and I thank them for it.”
Medal presentation ceremonies will be held in the province in August 2024 and early September 2024.
In biographies that accompanied the province's news release, both recipients were lauded for their contributions to their respective communities.
Dallaire has profoundly impacted her community through her dedicated service and leadership since joining Invermere Fire Rescue in 2017. As the first female lieutenant of Invermere Fire Rescue, Janice leads with exceptional skill, ensuring her crew’s training, morale, and effectiveness.
She has spearheaded vital fundraising efforts, including those for the structural protection unit, which deploys sprinklers to protect buildings from fire. Her organizational prowess shines in events like the annual Firefighters Ball, which raises crucial funds for emergency equipment and training opportunities.
Beyond her firefighting duties, Janice has been deployed to several major wildfire operations including Logan Lake and Kelowna, balancing these demands with local firefighting and rescue calls. Her contributions extend to the Invermere Fire Rescue Association, where she served as either chair or vice-chair for 6 years, helping manage and maintain association facilities.
Janice’s community spirit is evident in her participation in events like “Feed the Town” and her leadership in initiatives such as the firefighters’ stair climb in Calgary and Seattle for the 9/11memorial, fostering team unity and community pride.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Janice handmade and distributed masks free of charge to first responders, providing a significant benefit to her community. Her involvement with the Invermere Christmas Bureau as the toy drive coordinator ensures that local children in need have gifts during the holiday season.
As a mentor and instructor with the Camp Ignite program, Janice inspires young women to pursue their dreams, showcasing her commitment to empowering the next generation.
In the West Kootenay, Stephenson was recognized for remarkable contributions to the arts sector, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
As founder and lead of the Rural Arts Inclusion Lab, director of the Pathways program, a dedicated member of the steering committee of the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance and the Insight team of Arts BC, Carla’s efforts have had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of the province.
She has been instrumental in creating and leading initiatives that amplify diverse voices and bring the arts to rural and remote areas.
Carla co-founded the Tiny Lights Festival, which has become a vibrant celebration of music and arts, uniting artists and audiences from various backgrounds. Her work in developing the Rural Arts Inclusion Lab has opened doors for underrepresented artists, ensuring that the arts are accessible to everyone.
Carla is a co-leader of the Pathways Project, a partnership with B.C. Arts Council which focuses on increasing representation and inclusivity within the arts community.
Beyond her professional achievements, Carla’s volunteer work is a testament to her dedication and generosity.
She shares her extensive knowledge and experience with various organizations, providing invaluable guidance and support. Her efforts have empowered numerous artists and cultural groups to thrive and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Despite her incredibly full schedule Carla consistently goes above and beyond to support others and address challenges in a way that sets everyone up for
success.
Carla’s leadership and advocacy have fostered a sense of unity and collaboration, overcoming geographic and resource challenges to create a more inclusive and vibrant arts community.
