Awards & Recognitions
2015
Mayor’s Community Service Award
This award recognizes Save Our Seine as “an exemplary organization whose excellent leadership in the field of community service is gratefully appreciated.” Mayor Brian Bowman presented the award to SOS at the Winnipeg City Council meeting on November 25, 2015. The Riel Community Committee (Councillors Brian Mayes, Janice Lukes, and Matt Allard) nominated SOS for the award.
Councillor Brian Mayes, Councillor Matt Allard, SOS President Denis Gautron, and Councillor Janice Lukes
This award was presented to SOS by the Manitoba Legislative Assembly on October 27th, 2015. SOS Past Presidents Jean-Pierre (J.P.) Brunet and Bob Tinker were on hand to receive this special recognition that was brought forward by St. Vital MLA Nancy Allan. The presentation of the Member’s Statement was accompanied by a standing ovation. Nancy Allan presented the Member’s Statement to SOS President Denis Gautron at the SOS AGM later that evening.
St. Vital MLA presenting Member’s Statement to SOS President Denis Gautron
Member's Statement for 25th Anniversary
2014
Finalist, Sustainable Tourism, Manitoba Tourism Awards
The Manitoba Tourism Awards, presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, recognize excellence in the promotion and delivery of quality tourism experiences in Manitoba. Awards finalists are acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to the provincial tourism industry, including promoting Manitoba as a quality year-round destination, ensuring an exceptional visitor experience and fostering a professional tourism industry
Anne Lindsay Protecting Our Earth Award
First established in 1990, the Anne Lindsey Protecting Our Earth Awards (affectionately known as the Earthies) are presented by Manitoba Eco-Network annually in recognition of achievements in protecting and stewarding Manitoba’s environment. The environmental community acknowledges the creativity, diligence and commitment of our peers in presenting the awards.
2003
Prairie Crocus Award
In March of 2004, Save Our Seine was awarded the 2003 Prairie Crocus Award from the Manitoba Naturalists Society. This was the first time an organization has received the honour in the award’s nine-year history. JP Brunet (who joined SOS in 1990) accepted the award on behalf of the SOS Board and members. The Prairie Crocus Award is presented by the Society for outstanding service in preserving a part of Manitoba in its natural state. The award was presented to SOS for its efforts in rescuing and preserving the Seine River and its habitat over the past 14 years.
2004
2000
A total of 5 awards are presented to individuals, agencies or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to our city and demonstrated Imagination or extraordinary effort in volunteer activities, long-term commitment to improving community life, or leadership or enthusiasm that energizes other members of the community. Denis DePape was phonoured for his work with SOS at the Annual Volunteer Awards Dinner on April 14, 2015.
Denis DePape (2015 Recipient), Mayor Brian Bowman, Denis Gautron (SOS President)
Mayor’s Volunteer Service Award to Denis DePape
The third annual Canadian Environment Awards Community Awards were presented to the gold and silver award recipients in a ceremony held at Spruce Meadows, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The winners were chosen by a panel of environmental experts from more than 140 nominations submitted by the Canadian public. This national program celebrates the commitment of Canadians who are acting locally to help protect, preserve and restore the country’s environment. SOS was the first group in Manitoba to receive this prestigious national award. All silver and gold award recipients received a plaque from Canada Post featuring a recent stamp series which commemorates the wildlife art of John James Audubon.
Silver, Restoration and Rehabilitation, Canadian Environmental Awards (CEA)
Mayor's Volunteer Service Award
St. Vital MLA, Nancy Allan, nominated SOS for the 2004 Mayor’s Volunteer Service Award for the Environment “to recognize the 1000 members and volunteers of SOS and their efforts to protect, preserve and enhance the Seine River Greenway.” The award was presented to SOS on April 21, 2004. It read: “For giving of their time, talent and energy to improve the well-being of their fellow citizens in the area of environment.”
Save Our Seine was the first environmental group in Manitoba to receive this award from The Government of Canada and Environment Canada.
Certificate of Environmental Citizenship
Save Our Seine Appreciation Day
Premier Greg Selinger proclaimed October 27, 2015 as Save Our Seine Appreciation Day in honour of the organization’s 25th Anniversary. The Premier presented the written proclamation in person at SOS’s 2015 Annual General Meeting.
2017
Casera Community Leadership Award to Wilma Sotas
The Casera Credit Union Community Leadership Award "honours those individuals who over time have contributed to the social fabric of their community through visionary leadership or tireless volunteer work." Brent Thomas, CEO of Casera Credit Union, presented the award to Wilma Sotas on April 18, 2017.
SOS volunteer and board member Wilma Sotas, Casera CEO Brent Thomas
2020
Casera Community Enrichment & Leadership Awards
On September 14, 2020, Casera Credit Union presented Save Our Seine with two awards: the Community Enrichment Award for dedication and hard work in protecting a historically significant yet neglected waterway in the St. Vital area, and the Community Leadership Award to Denis Gautron, SOS Past-President, for his countless hours of volunteer service over the years.
SOS Past-President Denis Gautron, SOS President Laurie Ringaert, and SOS Secretary Anita Moyse
1996
Award of Excellence
To recognize Manitobans who embrace the spirit and principles of sustainable development, the Manitoba Round Table for Sustainable Development established the Manitoba Excellence in Sustainability Awards. The Awards recognize and honour people, projects, and ideas that successfully apply the Principles and Guidelines of Sustainable Development into concrete and lasting achievements.
1990
International Coalition of Water Management Award
Save Our Seine received this award in December 1990, a mere 3 months after beginning its activities.