Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond, on behalf of Premier Christy Clark, will present Pat Ashton, a well-known Slocan citizen, with the province’s newest honour, the Medal of Good Citizenship.
The ceremony will be held Tuesday, March 21 at 10 a.m. at the Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre, 803 Cranbrook St. N., Cranbrook.
Launched in July 2015 by Premier Clark, the prestigious Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes individuals who, through exceptional long-term service, have made outstanding contributions to their communities without expectation of remuneration or reward. The medal reflects their generosity, service, acts of selflessness and contributions to community life. Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round.
(flickr.com) Pat Ashton will be honoured for the incredible mark he has made on Slocan, improving its vibrancy, physical landscape and economic health in the 12 years he has resided there.
Starting at town hall meetings Ashton created community enthusiasm and built a 40-member volunteer quad to paint and renovate a former school to include a community gym and install new landscaping. He oversaw the relocation of the village cenotaph to the square and is now involved in planning the landscaping around the cenotaph and grounds. The beautification of the village is an ongoing part of Ashton’s volunteering and includes litter pick-up around the information site and repairs and painting of the village sign.
Ashton also devotes energy to improving the area’s economic health, serving for four years on the Slocan Economics Committee where he oversaw the contract to create a plan for a sustainable future for the Slocan.
His service to community and countless hours of volunteering include serving on the Spirit of Slocan Committee. Many community celebrations have benefitted from his ongoing involvement. He plays Santa at Christmas events, helps organize Halloween Hoot fireworks, and every Boxing Day he organizes a family skating party.
Ashton is the current president of the Slocan Valley Legion Branch 276 and as part of his support for the legion he organized renovations for the village-owned legion/community hall and researched grants that helped complete them. He does the yearly Poppy service at the school and officiates the community Remembrance Day service.
Ashton is among a select group of British Columbians who will receive the Medal of Good Citizenship.
(flickr.com) Quotes:
Premier Christy Clark –
“You could meet every citizen of this province and not meet someone more dedicated to their community than Pat Ashton. From creating family events, to preserving Slocan’s historical sites, to creating more economic opportunity, Pat goes the extra mile for Slocan and the people who call it home.”
Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, and chair of the Medal of Good Citizenship Selection Committee –
“The Medal of Good Citizenship recognizes the people in our province who generously and selflessly volunteer their time, effort and skills to make their community better. It was inspiring to work with the selection committee to review nominations and see how one person can make a difference. This year, as we celebrate Canada s 150th anniversary, it is important to recognize individuals who make their communities and, ultimately, their country better.”
Pat Ashton, Medal of Good Citizenship recipient –
“I am honoured and humbled that my peers would nominate me for such a prestigious award. I also feel somewhat undeserving when there are so many volunteers that do so much, and give freely of their time to make Slocan such a fantastic place to live. Giving back by volunteering helps to build a stronger, closer-knit community, in which everyone is proud to call home. I truly believe that if something needs to be done or someone needs help, one should step up and help out. The biggest reward is how I feel better about myself, that warm fuzzy glow inside, knowing by your actions life in our little town is perhaps better for all of us.”
Quick Facts:
- The Medal of Good Citizenship was launched in 2015 to recognize individuals who, through exceptional long-term volunteer efforts, have made outstanding contributions to the well-being of their communities.
- Nominations for the Medal of Good Citizenship are accepted year-round.
- An independent Selection Committee reviews nominations and recommends recipients.
- All regions in the province were represented on the Medal of Good Citizenship Selection Committee and members came from various professional backgrounds.
Learn More:
To learn more about the medal, or to nominate a good citizen in your community, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/medalofgoodcitizenship
To view photos of recipient ceremonies, visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHskw9MKjm
Find out more about previous recipients of the Medal of Good Citizenship:
