Colwoods Park manager Gord Beauvillier, the Pilgrim Cafe and the Victoria Green Team received Earth Day awards at Colwood Creek Park on April 22.
The Citizens Environment Network in Colwood (CENiC) presented the awards on climate action and environmental sustainability. This is the third time the group has handed out awards.
Beauvillier was handed the individual environmental stewardship award due to his work and management of the parks in Colwood, said Carol Brown, CENiC awards chair.
“He provides leadership and support for local volunteer groups such as the Victoria Green Team,” Brown said.
Beauvillier was also given a dogwood tree to plant in Colwood Creek Park.
John and Jan Krottner of Pilgram Cafe were handed the best business award by CENiC, for using china dishes instead of disposable ones and creating a welcoming environment for patrons.
“We especially like the makeover as it has made the cafe bright and spacious,” Brown said.
The Victoria Green Team was given the organization CENiC award with Severine Tyszewicz accepting the award.
Tyszewicz said the Victoria Green Team had been working at Colwood Creek Park to remove the blackberry bushes that were obscuring the creek’s view.
“You couldn’t even see the creek at all,” Tyszewicz said.
City of Colwood Mayor Doug Kobayashi attended the event and said that the work that Brown and the group at CENiC serve as a major motivator for the community.
“Climate change is a problem, and we all need to take action,” Kobayashi said.
Brown said she was very thankful for the support from the Colwood community and that people were willing to work hard to protect the environment.
“We appreciate that people in our community are willing to step forward,” Brown said.
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