Inspired by kids and their liberal acceptance of the bizarre, Beaumont is widely known for creating whimsical, imaginative and masterful furniture pieces. Beaumont graduated from the 3-D department of the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design (ECU) in 1985, and since then has been producing one of-a-kind, interactive designs from his custom design studio, Straight Line Designs Inc. His company has completed unique design projects and installations throughout North America and around the world, including pieces for children’s hospitals, museums, libraries, Disney cruise ships and various exhibitions. His most recent initiative centres around his designs and products using wood from B.C.’s mountain pine beetle forests, thus taking an under-utilized raw material and creating beautiful and unique value-added wood pieces.
Award Year: 2009
Dolly Cartwright
For the past 50 years, Dolly Cartwright has been an extraordinary volunteer on Vancouver’s North Shore. Her commitment to her community has touched the lives of those in need through the Red Cross, the North Shore Health Board, the Canadian Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary and her endless hard work and support of seniors’ organizations. Dolly is a member of the Board of Directors for the North Shore Volunteers for Seniors and Lionsview Seniors Planning Society, as well as a co-chair of the North Shore Adults at Risk. Dolly is an inspiration and a role model and we are pleased to honour her today.
Lori Fry
Lori Fry serves her community with distinction. A member of the local community safety program and the Parents’ Advisory Committee, Lori also leads a vital program of Aquafit classes providing therapy and rehabilitation for her community. Lori is an active member of the regional White Cane Club where she has served in all executive capacities. Currently Lori is Vice President, BC and Yukon division of the Canadian Council of the Blind raising public awareness about vision loss and promoting equality for blind Canadians. Lori works in a respectful and kind manner, motivating others by her conscientious example.
Elizabeth Wolak
Elizabeth Wolak is a pioneer in building the musical tradition within Vancouver’s Jewish community. Since arriving in Vancouver in 1963, Elizabeth has continuously directed choirs, showcasing the traditions and beauty of Jewish choral music. In 1981, Elizabeth founded The Shiron Singers, a folk choir that has performed at concerts and in hospitals and seniors’ residences entertaining Jewish and multicultural audiences. As cultural ambassador for the Vancouver Jewish community, Elizabeth has been called ‘one of Canada’s national treasures’ for her contribution to choral work.
Metlakatla Development Corporation
The Metlakatla Development Corporation located outside of Prince Rupert, functions as an independent business arm for the Metlakatla First Nation. The corporation, established in 1989, owns and operates the Metlakatla Ferry Services Ltd., North Co-op Ferry Services Ltd., First Nations Training and Development Centre, Grassy Bay Services Ltd., Metlakatla Forestry Corporation, Seashore Charters Ltd., and Northland Marine Sales and Service Ltd.
Takaya Developments
Takaya Developments is a joint venture of the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation and Native Strategic Investments Ltd. Together, they have built nearly 800 homes in the Raven Woods community of North Vancouver over the past 15 years. When deciding to develop a residential community, the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation strove to preserve the natural setting. With their partners, they created quality homes, surrounded by the lush forest and great amenities of the North Shore. Takaya was the first business in North Vancouver to develop residential units on lease-hold land. It was an exceptional vision, coupled with a commitment to creating a brand recognized for quality and professionalism.
Carol Chapman
Every community wants and needs a Carol Chapman. Passionate about giving back to her Campbell River home, Carol Chapman helps others while contributing to the betterment of her community. Carol always say ‘yes’ to helping with projects that support community health, education and infrastructure. Known as Campbell River’s quintessential fundraiser, Carol has spearheaded initiatives for burn victims, cancer patients and the local SPCA. Carol has been instrumental in reviving the annual Canada Day celebrations, now Campbell River’s most successful annual event. Carol’s positive attitude and heartfelt desire for her community inspire and motivate all those who support the growth and development of Campbell River.
Jim Kojima
For over 50 years, Jim Kojima has volunteered countless hours in roles that benefit the quality of life in his Steveston neighbourhood. From the Steveston Community Society, the Richmond Minoru Senior Centre, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society, the Richmond Sister City Committee and most recently Richmond’s 2009 Senior’s Games Association, Jim’s contributions are diverse and far-reaching. Jim has made an indelible impact on Richmond youth and adults with his over 55 years of participation in the Steveston judo club. Jim epitomizes the strength and dedication of community spirit in Richmond.
Yosef Wosk
When Dr. Yosef Wosk speaks, people listen. As an educator, Dr. Wosk inspires and engages. As a scholar, Dr. Wosk’s influence and contribution to initiatives that enhance our intellectual progress is almost unequalled. As a philanthropist, Dr. Wosk’s generosity is enormous. Dr. Wosk is an integral force as a leader in Continuing Education at Simon Fraser University, establishing creative programs like the Philosophers’ Café, a popular series of discussion gatherings in which more than 60,000 people have participated. Every day, Yosef Wosk demonstrates his passion for preserving and enhancing the intellectual and cultural life of the university, his city and his province. We honour Yosef Wosk today for the visions he sees, the actions he takes and the legacies he establishes.
Nicola Pacific Forestry Products Ltd. partner: Ardew Wood Products Ltd.
The Upper Nicola Band in Merritt and Ardew Wood Products Ltd have been partners since 1996 in a forest licence specifically for conversion of overstocked small diameter lodgepole pines, often seen as waste product; by harvesting and replanting them they become productive trees for the future. A First Nations’ logging trucking company, road building forestry division and silviculture operations have been created as a result of this long-term partnership.
