March 17, 2010
Former Valemount Mayor Honoured as 2010 B.C. Community Achiever

VALEMOUNT – Former Mayor Jeanette Townsend was among forty-five outstanding British Columbians named yesterday as the recipients of the seventh annual BC Community Achievement Awards by Premier Gordon Campbell and Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation.

“Jeanette is legendary in the Robson Valley,” says Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond. “She has given her commitment and dedication to so many projects in Valemount and throughout the region that have had a real impact on improving the way of life for rural residents. We are honoured to have her as part of our community.”

“I am always proud when my constituents are recognized provincially for their accomplishments,” adds Bond.

Previously serving as Mayor of Valemount for twenty years, Jeannette Townsend leaves a legacy of responsible management and passionate action for the betterment of her community. As well, Jeanette’s contributions extend to her region and province. Jeannette was a charter member of the Columbia Basin Trust and an important contributor to the realization of the University of Northern British Columbia.

The recipients of the 2010 British Columbia Community Achievement Awards will be recognized in a formal presentation at Government House in Victoria on April 28, 2010. Each individual will receive a certificate and a medallion designed by B.C. artist Robert Davidson.

The British Columbia Community Achievement Awards are generously sponsored by Canwest, Canada’s leading international media company, whose presence in B.C. includes daily and community newspapers, online media and television stations. The British Columbia Achievement Foundation is an independent foundation established and endowed by the Province of BC to recognize and celebrate excellence in the arts, humanities, enterprise and community service.

The Community Achievement Awards, launched in 2003, were the first initiative of the foundation, followed by BC Creative Achievement Award for Applied Art and Design, B.C.’s National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction, BC Creative Achievement Award for Aboriginal Art, and the B.C. Aboriginal Business Awards.

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