Citizen of the Year
The Town of Aurora's Citizen of the Year Award is an annual award recognizing the exceptional contributions made by a local citizen to our community. The Citizen of the Year Award has been awarded by the Town of Aurora since 1970. This individual is selected by the Office of the Mayor in consultation with a small group of dedicated community volunteers.
This award recipient has demonstrated all-round community involvement rather than specific activity or contribution.
Congratulations to the 2026 Citizen of the Year
Doug Steele
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.
| Year | Award Winner |
|---|---|
| 2025 |
Sandy Bundy |
| 2024 |
Vern Cunningham |
| 2023 |
Wendy Browne |
| 2022 |
Sam Saberi |
| 2021 |
Eric McCartney |
| 2020 | Tom Connor |
| 2019 | Barb Allan |
| 2018 | Josie Kearney |
| 2017 | Peter van Schaik |
| 2016 | Mary Georgopoulos |
| 2015 | Diane Buchanan |
| 2014 | Beverley Wood |
| 2013 | Ron Wallace |
| 2012 | Brian North |
| 2011 | Jo-anne Spitzer |
| 2010 | Gordon Barnes |
| 2009 | David Tomlinson |
| 2008 | Susan Walmer |
| 2007 | Dorothy Clark-McClure |
| 2006 | Sylvia Gilchrist |
| 2005 | Bud Gilbert |
| 2004 | Phil Horsman |
| 2003 | Dr. John McIntyre |
| 2002 | Bob Hartwell |
| 2001 | Ken Smith |
| 2000 | Jackie Stubbs |
| 1999 | Vic Priestly |
| 1998 | Ferguson Mobbs |
| 1997 | Gerry Payne |
| 1996 | Steve Hinder |
| 1995 | Susan Gwilliam |
| 1994 | Dianne Harrison |
| 1993 | Wanda McKenzie |
| 1992 | Jack DeGraaf |
| 1991 | Bucky McLarty |
| 1990 | Arnold Miller |
| 1989 | Dick Illingworth |
| 1988 | Norm Stewart |
| 1987 | Nora McRoberts |
| 1986 | Fred Conklin |
| 1985 | Bill Coleman |
| 1984 | Lowell McClenny |
| 1983 | Dr. Leslie Oliver |
| 1982 | Vic Paraninfo |
| 1981 | Eric Smith |
| 1980 | Jack Williamson |
| 1979 | Omar Khamissa |
| 1978 | Bill Dinsmore |
| 1977 | Fred Bolsby |
| 1976 | Dr. Crawford Rose |
| 1975 | Rev. Homer McAvoy |
| 1974 | Jack Wood |
| 1973 | Don Glass |
| 1972 | J. E. (Dick) Buchanan |
| 1971 | Annebelle Black |
| 1970 | Bob Blick |
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