Aurora Celebrates Outstanding Volunteers at the 2026 Community Recognition Awards

Aurora, ON – Many outstanding Aurora individuals and organizations were celebrated last night at the Town of Aurora Community Recognition Awards. Among the honourees was Mr. Doug Steele, who was honoured with the impressive title of 2026 Aurora Citizen of the Year and former Mayor Tim Jones was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of strong leadership and community involvement.

Mayor Tom Mrakas and members of Aurora Town Council welcomed more than 120 guests to the ceremony honouring outstanding volunteers in Aurora.

“Volunteers are vital to making Aurora a great place to live. They help build an inclusive, caring community and help to mentor future leaders. They support causes and drive initiatives that strengthen our town. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and leadership,” said Mayor Tom Mrakas.

In addition to the Citizen of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Community Recognition Award winners for the evening included:

• Nelia Pacheco, Arts and Culture Award
• Brock Weir, Community Leadership Award
• Men’s Shed, Community Safety Award
• Highland GM, Good Business Award
• Gord and Sandra Smith, Good Neighbour Award
• Aurora Community Arboretum, Green Award
• Jacqueline Stuart, Heritage Award
• Body Positive Fitness, Inclusivity Award
• Anthony Garramone, Older Adult Volunteer Award
• Luka Dean, Youth Volunteer Award

Awards were also given out to volunteers in recognition of 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of volunteer service to the community. The service award winners were:

• 20 years: Diane Buchanan
• 25 years: Carol Bartlett, Steve Hall, Carilyn McClenny
• 30 years: Marjorie Bare, Maureen Mewett, Alex Van Hemert
• 35 years: Lowell McClenny, Don Stubbs
• 40 years: Robert Cole, Ken Smith
• 45 years: Robert Kennedy

The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Tim Jones, former councillor and mayor of Aurora, exemplifies several years of dedicated leadership and impact on our community. His four decades of service have helped shape Aurora through visionary leadership, responsible growth, and a deep commitment to community wellbeing. Beyond his time in office, Tim has continued to make a difference through extensive volunteer work, including founding the Character Community Foundation of York Region, supporting local charities, and raising significant funds for programs serving vulnerable residents. Known for his humility, integrity, and dedication, his legacy can be seen and felt throughout Aurora, making him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Citizen of the Year, Doug Steele, is a wonderful example of dedication and impact. For more than 20 years, he has quietly made a profound impact on the Aurora community, beginning with leadership roles on the parent council at Light of Christ Catholic Elementary School and continuing through extensive service with Welcoming Arms. He started as a volunteer dishwasher at Welcoming Arms and went on to serve as Acting Executive Director during the COVID-19 pandemic—selflessly declining a salary to ensure resources supported those in need—and now provides ongoing leadership as Chair of the Board. His commitment extends to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and the Aurora Cares Community Action Team, where he helps support vulnerable residents. Known for his humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication, his contributions have helped build a stronger, more connected community, making him a truly deserving recipient of the 2026 Citizen of the Year Award.

For more information on Aurora’s Community Recognition Awards or to view a full list of award categories and criteria, please visit aurora.ca/CRA.