Wilmot announces 2025 Citizen of the Year Award recipients

Each year, the Township of Wilmot shines a spotlight on Wilmot residents who have made outstanding contributions to the community. The following three individuals received the most votes from the community for their contributions in the categories of Community Service, Culture and Seniors. There were no nominations for the Athletic and Youth categories this year.

Community Service: Krista Straus

Krista is an engaged community member involved in the Fight For Farmland campaign and the Wilmot Civic Action Network, advocating for local issues while balancing a full-time career and family life. A professional horticulturist and arborist with a science degree from the University of Guelph, she lives in New Hamburg with her husband and two sons. She actively volunteers at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church as an assisting minister, technical broadcaster, and member of the Visioning Team. Krista is known for her warmth, positivity, and strong commitment to both her community and her faith.

Culture: Lisa Hagen

Lisa Hagen, founder of The Community Players, served as its Artistic Director for 14 years, shaping its artistic vision and inspiring hundreds in the local theatre community. She now leads Local Vocals, a Wilmot-based a cappella choir that performs at community events and fundraisers. Lisa launched The Wilmot Post (now Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette), serving as its first editor to help connect the community through local journalism. Her second feature film, Dancing on the Elephant, premiered locally, marking a major milestone in her creative career.

Seniors: Dean Peachey

Dean Peachey has been a driving force behind Let's Tree Wilmot, helping plant nearly 6,000 trees and securing over $200,000 in grants to support local tree care efforts. His leadership has strengthened partnerships with the Township of Wilmot and regional environmental groups. He also contributes to sustainability through the Nith Valley EcoBoosters and the EarthCare group he founded in his neighbourhood. In addition to his environmental work, Dean actively supports his community through civic involvement and volunteerism.

Award recipients will be presented with a plaque, a medal and a certificate by Mayor Natasha Salonen at the New Hamburg Fall Fair Opening Ceremonies on Friday, September 12 at 6:45p.m. Certificates will also be given to all 2025 Citizen of the Year Award nominees.

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Natasha Salonen, Mayor, Township of Wilmot

“We’re thrilled to honour three exceptional individuals whose contributions to culture, community service, and support for seniors have made a meaningful and lasting impact in Wilmot. Congratulations to our 2025 Citizen of the Year Award recipients—and thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination and voted. Your dedication and community spirit help make Wilmot the vibrant place we’re proud to call home.”

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For media inquiries:

Brett O’Reilly | Communications Specialist
brett.oreilly@wilmot.ca | 519-634-8519, ext. 9229