City Honours Seven Exceptional Volunteers with 2026 Mayor’s Civic Awards

By Aara Macauley, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.  

The recipients of this year’s Mayor’s Civic Awards were celebrated with a ceremony at last night’s council meeting.

The City of Kingston’s Civic Awards recognize volunteers who go above and beyond to strengthen their communities in areas including culture, heritage, recreation, sports, health, education, environment, safety and business. Seven individuals received awards in three categories.

Marion Westenberg received the First Capital Distinguished Citizen award, the highest civic honour in Kingston, recognizing a person who has spent their life doing volunteer work and who has made a significant impact on our community. 

The First Capital Honourable Achievement Award, which celebrates volunteers who have made a difference in the community through their volunteer work, went to three individuals – Rumit Sohal, Shawn Quigley and Alicia Gordon.

Three individuals received the Mayor’s Award for Youth Volunteerism. This award, open to ages 24 and under, recognizes youth who have demonstrated values of community service and inspired others through their volunteerism – Gabriel Bergeron, Zein Al Abideen Hammad, and Lucas Perri.

Mayor Bryan Paterson presented the awards.

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