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Vancouver History: The Good Citizen Award is Just That

Comments 2 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Last week I featured a recent recipient of Surrey’s Good Citizen Award and wondered whatever happened to Vancouver’s similar medal of distinction.

Strolling the archives on VancouverHistory.ca I kept coming across recipients of the “Good Citizen Award” like Pearl Steen, Sister Frances, or Arthur William Delamont but it made me wonder if this award still exists today. [Yes, I’m quoting my own post]

After a few inquiries I heard back from the city archives so here’s a quick update:

  • The Good Citizen Medal was sponsored by the Native Sons of B.C., beginning in 1922, and awarded each year by the Mayor.
  • There is a pamphlet available titled: “The Good Citizen Medal: Vancouver Canada – Roll of Recipients 1922-1957”
  • Inside the pamphlet is say, “Annually the Native Sons of British Columbia, Post No. 2, awards A GOOD CITIZEN MEDAL to a citizen of Vancouver who has been selected from nominations made by the people of this City, which recipient is chosen for his or her sterling qualities of good citizenship.”

    • City archive sources have no record of when the award ceased to be handed out, however it appears that its last recipient was in 1981.

    With that, the Good Citizen Award remains a piece of our history and as Vancouverites we should always remember those who helped make this city great (you know, all those selfless volunteers and innovators pre-1981). If you’re interested in learning more, the pamphlet is available for free at the City Archives.

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    2 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

    1. GZ ExpatWednesday, May 14th, 2008 — 12:09am PDT

      So does that mean that everyone in Vancouver has not been good since 1981? Sad. Time honored awards for being ‘good’ just seem to be trumped by all the attention on the negative.

      Start the rally cry! Bring it back!!

    2. Paul MorrisFriday, October 23rd, 2009 — 12:36pm PDT

      My father won that award in, I think, 1961. The award was given at a dinner at the Tea House in Stanley Park. He earned this award mainly due to his work with “VOTHA”. Voice of the handicaped arthritic. Oh, his name was James Frederick Morris. he worked for Eatons Department Store at the time.

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