FCM Sustainable Communities Award: Inspiring a Sustainable Future
In 2018, Kingston received an award from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for the innovative work with youth via the Kingston Transit High School Bus Pass program which I helped create. This recognition was particularly special as we not only won a Sustainable Communities Award, but also the inaugural Inspire Award, highlighting our project as a north star for other communities across Canada.
FCM Webinar: A New Sustainable Communities Awards Season (June 12, 2024).
Why Participate in the Green Municipal Fund Webinar?
The FCM webinar A New Sustainable Communities Awards Season presented an excellent opportunity to share our story and the impact of our work. Having accepted the award on behalf of Kingston, I built a strong relationship with the FCM. They even asked for my expertise and input to help create a bilingual guide on engaging students in developing a robust transit system (which can be accessed on the FCM website).
I wanted to emphasize that applying for awards like this isn't about seeking glory. We're living in challenging times, often referred to as a "poly-crisis," with issues like climate change, cost of living, and societal tensions. In such a scenario, sharing knowledge and celebrating successes become crucial. This webinar allowed me to speak about our project, "Get on the Bus," which focuses on youth engagement nationally and highlights the significance of municipal awards in promoting sustainability and innovation.
Key Messages and Personal Growth
One of the most significant personal outcomes I discussed was how winning the award led to coaching opportunities that boosted my confidence as a presenter. This experience was instrumental in preparing for my subsequent TEDx Talk.
It's a perfect example of how these recognitions can open doors and create unexpected personal and professional growth opportunities.
The Ripple Effect of Inspiration
Perhaps the most touching moment of the webinar came towards the end. Krista Quesnel, Director of Agriculture and Environment Services in Parkland County from Alberta, who represented the county’s project that won the Natural Asset Management Award in 2022, shared a story that deeply moved me. She revealed that she had been in the audience during my 2018 presentation when we received our award. Inspired by what she saw, she set a goal to one day stand on that same stage and present her own award-winning project.
Years later, her dream became a reality. She not only applied for the award but won it, and now she was sharing her fantastic project with the rest of Canada in the same webinar. This revelation was profoundly impactful for me. It beautifully illustrated how our actions can have far-reaching effects that we may not immediately see.
The Importance of Awards in Fostering Innovation
Awards like the FCM Sustainable Communities Award play an important role in encouraging innovation and community engagement in sustainability initiatives. They provide a platform for knowledge sharing and celebration, which is essential in our fast-paced world, where we often move quickly from one project to the next without taking time to reflect and learn.
Moreover, these awards help to amplify good news and positive change. We not only celebrate success but also provide hope and inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges.
The Lasting Impact of Sharing Our Stories
When we share our experiences, whether through awards, presentations, or informal conversations, we never know who we might inspire or what change we might set in motion. The story of Krista Quesnel from Alberta, who was inspired by our presentation to pursue her own sustainable community project, is a testament to this.
I encourage all municipalities and community leaders to consider applying for awards like these. Reflection and sharing can be immensely valuable, even if you don't win. And who knows? Your story might be the inspiration someone else needs to start their own journey towards creating a more sustainable community.