Civic Service Awards

Whistler's Council presented three Civic Service Awards to recognize Sue Lawther, Rhonda Millikin and John Hammons for their volunteer contributions on Council Committees.

The Civic Service Awards are held annually to recognize individuals that bring distinction to themselves and to the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) in volunteer roles through committees and boards of Council.

2021 was the 8th year that Civic Service Awards were presented to acknowledge Council Committee and Board volunteers for their outstanding achievements and service to the Whistler Community.

The Awards were given at the Regular Council meeting on October 19, 2021.

Sue Lawther’s award is for her contribution to the Accessibility and Inclusion Committee.

The Accessibility and Inclusion Committee focuses on matters related to enhancing accessibility and inclusion across the resort Community, as well as providing means to evaluate community progress in enabling people with disabilities to enjoy active participation.

Sue is currently serving as Chair and has been a dedicated volunteer member since 2012. Sue plays an active role in the conversation around the needs of vulnerable seniors, and continually works for housing, transportation and supports that will allow Whistler seniors to age-in-place. Sue has always been enthusiastic and thoughtful in her contributions. Sue is also part of the working group for the Whistler-Age Friendly Assessment and Action Plan project.

Rhonda Millikin’s award is for her work on the Forest and Wildland Advisory Committee (FWAC). This committee focuses on matters related to forestry, wildfire management, land use plans, public and commercial backcountry recreation, wildlife management and the Cheakamus Community Forest. Rhonda has been a member of this Committee since 2020.

Nominated twice for her exemplary contribution to the community, she has done extensive work outside of the FWAC meetings to bring evidence and data to the committee through citizen science, with regards to wildfire fuel thinning and reduction. She is noted for her outstanding commitment, always going the extra mile.

John Hammons’ award is also for his contribution to the Forest and Wildland Advisory Committee (FWAC).

John is a retired professional forester and long time outdoor enthusiast. After twenty years of volunteer service to the community management and protection of the forests around Whistler, he will be stepping down from the Committee at the end of this year. John was foundational in advocating for the establishment of the Cheakamus Community Forest in 2009. His volunteer contribution to our community includes many hours spent in the field and in meetings, researching and communicating the natural and forest history of the valley.

Mayor Jack Crompton expressed Council’s gratitude to all Committee and Board members during the awards presentation:

“The work of Council Committees and Boards is invaluable. Council depends on the expert and insightful work of these volunteers to guide Community input and recommendations into municipal decision making. Whistler is fortunate to benefit from their knowledge and advice. Thank you to all the volunteers on Council committees and boards who donate their time to the Resort Municipality of Whistler.”

Sue Lawther, Rhonda Millikin and John Hammons are three of approximately one hundred individuals on a total of 19 active Committees of Council and Council-Appointed Boards.