Ontario Parks Association takes great pride in taking time each year to recognize and celebrate the individuals, groups and companies whose work has significantly impacted our parks, the profession, and our environment in a positive way.
Do you know an individual, group or company who shows their passion for our parks, open spaces and/or environment in the work that they do, people who have worked to raise awareness of our parks, or had a significant impact on the betterment of our parks or the environment, or a staff member or team who has gone above and beyond in serving our industry? If so, show your appreciation for their dedication to our industry by nominating them for one of the Ontario Parks Association's Protecting Tomorrow Today®Awards.
Every member of OPA is entitled to submit nominations for any one or more of these awards. Deadline for nomination forms is September 5th, 2025. Nominees will be assessed by a selection committee comprised of members of our Board of Directors.
Please see below for a list of the available awards, and the information you will need to complete your nomination form.
Thank you for helping us celebrate the accomplishments of those who are helping us meet our mandate of Protecting Tomorrow Today®.
Recognition Categories
The following categories are open to any individual/group:
Community Engagement – This award recognizes an individual or group who have raised awareness of our parks, open spaces and/or environment in their local municipality through the development and/or implementation of community engagement activities.
Environmental Impact - Awarded to an individual or organization whose contributions have had a significant impact on the betterment of our parks, the profession, or the environment in Ontario.
Urban Design - Recognizing architects, landscape architects, urban designers, planners, developers, builders and other individuals responsible for the design of municipal parks, public spaces, streetscapes, and urban intensification projects that have a focus on protecting our environment through the use of sustainable green infrastructure innovations and technologies.
The following categories are open to OPA members only:
Parks Champion - Celebrating a staff member or team who have demonstrated a passion for the environment by: 1) going above and beyond - exhibiting a high level of commitment, initiative, cooperation, and dedication in their job responsibilities; or 2) impacting their municipality through new and innovative green strategies and mentorship.
President’s Award – Recognizing an individual or organization who has made a significant contribution to the Ontario Parks Association over a period of years.
Lifetime Achievement Award - This citation is the highest honour presented by OPA and is presented to an individual who, over a period of at least 10 years, has made exceptional contributions to the parks and open space industry and to the Association, contributing significantly to the good and welfare of the Association.
Information required to complete the nomination form:
- Your name and contact details
- Nominee's name and email address
- The applicable recognition category (i.e. Community Engagement, Environmental Impact, Urban Design, Parks Champion, President’s Award, Lifetime Achievement).
- Reason for the nomination - You will be asked to list the achievements of the nominee, keeping in mind the award description. You are encouraged to include supporting documents (i.e. photos, newspaper clippings, etc.) when submitting your completed form. In the case of an individual, please provide a brief biography that includes occupation and any pertinent personal data.
Once you are ready to proceed with your nomination just go to this link to submit your nomination or you can email Leesa at opa@ontarioparksassociation.ca
