Voting now open for Wilmot’s 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards

Voting is now open for Wilmot’s 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards, which recognize residents who have made outstanding contributions to the community.

This year, 11 eligible residents have been nominated; 8 in the Community Service category and 3 in the Seniors category. The community can now choose the person from each category they feel is most deserving.

Votes can be cast until July 12, 2026. Detailed information about each of the nominees and the voting form are available at www.wilmot.ca/citizenoftheyear.

The list of nominees, by category, is:

Community Service

• Alena Barreca
• Brittney Harpell
• Janice Bechamp
• Kathryn Gray
• Kristy Chambers
• Lou Divita
• Melanie Austin
• Samantha Lernout

Seniors

• Arlene McBride
• Helen Rempel
• Shirley Mennel

Winners will receive their awards from Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen at the New Hamburg Fall Fair on Friday, September 18, 2026.

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For media inquiries:

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