Annual Awards:  2011 Winners

Each year members of the Ecology Action Centre nominate and vote for individuals and organizations for four awards.  This year's winners were announced at our Annual General Meeting on June 29, 2011.

Sunshine Award

The Sunshine Award is given to a group or an individual who has made a particularly effective effort in an environmental issue in Nova Scotia during the prior year.

2011 Winner: HRM Bike Week Committee
HRM Bike Week Committee hosted the most events ever this year, and had the greatest number of partners. Both the opening night and the Open Streets parties had a record number of attendees. Over the past decade, many of the same people have been involved, and this year it seemed to have reached a real tipping point in terms of attendance and engagement. Bravo!

Runner Up: Hilda’s Unity Garden Society (H.U.G.S.)
This group of community members has worked tirelessly to build community and food security in Bayers Westwood, the centre of the region's largest housing community. Originating from a project at the Family Resource Centre, a small group of committed residents have gone ahead to build an expansive collective garden space in the neighbourhood park. With very little support but so much enthusiasm, H.U.G.S. has shown us what a community is capable of when they put their minds and their hearts to it.

Tarred Duck Award

The Tarred Duck Award is presented to a group or individual who has acted in violation of environmental issues or advocated for economic development without consideration for the environment.

This year, we had two "winners":

2011 Winner: Marine Stewardship Council
For recommending for certification the Atlantic Swordfish Longline fishery and thus supporting unsustainable fisheries and destructive fishing gear. The fishery, which takes place from April to November off the coast of Nova Scotia, catches and discards roughly 100,000 sharks and 1,400 endangered sea turtles every year with many thousands dying in order to catch about 20,000 swordfish! Their actions have undermined marine conservation initiatives for sustainable fisheries by certifying the status quo.

2011 Winner: Mayor Peter Kelly
Mayor Kelly deserves this award for his lack of leadership on Urban Develoment.  His legacy will include failed developments (Twisted Sisters, Waterside Centre) and new developments that do more damage than good (Roy Building, Discovery Centre, New Convention centre).  To say nothing of lukewarm action on urban bike transit, greenspace erosion (have you seen the commons lately), waste diversion (clear bags) and urban agriculture.

Runner Up: Minister Sterling Belliveau and the NS Government
For approving the the rapid expansion of industrial-scale salmon feedlots along Nova Scotia's coasts and for failing to adequately consult Nova Scotians. As a former fisherman and as Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Minster of the Environment Belliveau should know better. Decisions like these mean lobster fishermen from St. Mary’s Bay will no longer be able to fish in the 209 acre inshore waters that Cooke Aquaculture salmon farms will soon cover. It is shocking that this government has entirely failed to take the lead on sustainable aquaculture innovation and progressive coastal policies in general.

Bubby Moores Award

Bubby Mooers was a folk artist who carved interesting characters and figures out of wood. He gave very generously of his art and of himself. The EAC’s annual Garden Party auction benefited regularly from Bubby’s humorous and sensitive donated artwork. The Bubby Mooers Award is given to someone who has given of themselves, either over time or in the past year, to environmental issues in Nova Scotia and to the Ecology Action Centre in particular.

2011 Winner: Brad MacInnis
For being an outstanding EAC volunteer who has gone above and beyond on many occasions. This spring during the 40 Days of Action, I noticed the ever-present, helpful hand of Brad. I thought he was a new staff person. I am wowed to learn of the commitment of this dedicated volunteer who stepped up to the plate to keep us going during one of our busiest times. Thank you, Brad for keeping our computers working, for preventing the basement from turning into a monster, and for countless other jobs!

Runner Up: Rodrigo Hernandez-Gomez, Agne Kubiliute, Jyelle Vogel, Heather Wilkinson (a.k.a The Mural Team)
For hours and hours of dedication, creativity and good humour while creating the EAC’s new, interactive art installation on the exterior of our beloved Fern Lane home. This dynamic team was tireless! They met with all seven issues committees and cleverly reflected their work in the mural. They hosted workshops in the community and collaborated with countless volunteers. They used found materials to create something beautiful, meaningful and engaging: there are lights at night, a green roof, solar panels, a spinning bike wheel, and even the inside of a piano for passers-by to enjoy. You can’t help but love it, and them! 

Tooker Gomberg Award

Tooker Gomberg was a master with the media. From 'Golden Turkey Awards' to 'Burying a Car' to 'Robin Hood at the Toronto Stock Exchange', Tooker knew how to garner media attention. With Tooker as our 'greenspiration', the Gomberg Award goes to the person or event that most creatively and brilliantly 'made the news' in the past year.

 2011 Winner: Brigette DePape
Can there be a better nominee than the defrocked Senate page Brigette DePape who wore a STOP Harper sign to work? Among the things she condemned Harper for was his inactivity (and worse) on climate change.

Runner Up: Halifax Chapter of the World Naked Bike Ride
For bringing attention to cycling and the vulnerability of cyclists in spirited and memorable style!