Sustainable Community Builder Award presented

Robert Williams has been awarded the 2015 Sustainable Community Builder Award by the City of Cranbrook in recognition of the countless hours he has spent working to enhance the social, environmental and cultural well-being of Cranbrook residents, the ʔaq’am community, and the Ktunaxa Nation.

Those who nominated him for the award describe Williams as having an unparalleled dedication to the lands. He is known for his leadership in environmental stewardship practices, and can always be found at the forefront of restoration and reclamation programs, working to ensure plants and animals are left with a habitat to benefit future generations.

Williams has spearheaded numerous events that bring healing and reconciliation to those around him, and facilitates healing circles for individuals to come together and council each other in a holistic setting free from judgment.

“It was quite a surprise when I learned about the award, but of course I am very humbled and honoured to receive such a distinction,” says Williams.

City of Cranbrook Mayor Lee Pratt and Wayne Eburne, Cranbrook and District Community Foundation (CDCF) President jointly presented Williams with the Sustainable Community Builder Award on behalf of Council just prior to Monday’s meeting.

“On behalf of council, I wish to congratulate Robert on receiving this award,” said Pratt. “We appreciate his dedication, his leadership and all of his contributions to Cranbrook and area.”

The annual award is given to an individual, group, club, agency or society that has contributed to the social, arts/cultural, economic and/or environmental sustainability of Cranbrook. It includes $500 to be donated to a registered charity of Williams’ choice. He is choosing to donate the funds to the BC SPCA East Kootenay Branch.

The $500 in funding for the Sustainable Community Builder Award comes from the legacy fund left to the CDCF by the Knights of Pythias, Crescent Lodge #33 of Cranbrook.

“We congratulate Robert, and thank him for his committed and determined effort to protect our environment and enhance the health and vitality of our collective community,” said Riley Wilcox, Executive Director of the CDCF.