Municipality of Brockton Recognizes Volunteers and Presents Awards at 2026 Event

The Municipality of Brockton is fortunate to have so many dedicated individuals who generously donate their time and talents. Brockton prides itself on our caring and welcoming nature, which is embodied by all of our volunteers. The Municipality hosted our Volunteer Recognition Event on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at the Walkerton Community Centre to celebrate our Committees, Local Boards, and Service Clubs who are a valuable asset to the Municipality.

The Municipality recognized the efforts of all Volunteer Recognition Award Nominees at yesterday's Recognition Event.

The Edward J. (Ted) Cobean Heritage Award recognizes an individual or group who has made significant contributions to the promotion and preservation of Brockton’s historical, cultural, nature and built heritage. This year's award nominees were:

• Clarence “Butch” Kieffer Jr. – For sharing his passion for preservation of history since the early 1990’s, enlightening school students and the public through the annual “Honour a Hero” display at the Walkerton Legion for 20 years honouring the men and women who serve in the Canadian military and educating the public on Veterans’ contributions. Clarence has shared a wealth of knowledge and memorabilia with the Brockton Heritage Committee, other regional historical organizations including the Bruce County Museum and Archives, and Homecoming events, including the upcoming Walkerton Homecoming. Clarence also created Acts of Remembrance storefront displays appreciating local contributions to conflicts and peace keeping missions. Clarence’s humility and commitment is greatly valued by Veterans who have trusted him with their memories and memorabilia and respected by local students who became involved in interpreting and presenting at the Honour a Hero Legion displays igniting their appreciation for local heritage. 
• Andrea Popiez -  For serving on the former Brockton Heritage Committee, including creating Walking and Driving Tours of Brockton as well as taking local high school students on historical walking tours of the area. Andrea assisted in the creation of many heritage displays and publications including the Lloyd Cartwright Cordwainer book series, displays for Family Day and annual Heritage Week window displays at A&R Music. Andrea has assisted in maintaining inventories of historic buildings and memorabilia, as well as assisted at Doors Open events. Andrea continues to provide knowledge to various Homecoming events including the upcoming Walkerton Homecoming and shows incredible dedication to preserving Brockton’s history for future generations.
• Jen Giesler – For her dedication as the Head of the Walkerton Homecoming History Committee, organizing meetings, compiling research, and creating posters and displays recognizing Walkerton’s history. Jen's enthusiasm and creativity have re-ignited interest in Walkerton's heritage and encouraged more individuals and generations to take pride in remembering the community's history.

The Municipality of Brockton is proud to present the 2026 Edward J. (Ted) Cobean Heritage Conservation Award to Clarence “Butch” Kieffer Jr.  Please join us in congratulating Clarence Kieffer on receiving this year's Heritage Award! 

2026 Heritage Award Plaque for Clarence "Butch" Kieffer Jr.

The Outstanding Youth Award recognizes local youth for their commitment to their community and improving the world around them. This year’s award looked for youth that display leadership skills, make a difference through hands-on projects that give back to the community, volunteer their time to provide an inclusive environment, and youth that go that extra mile to make things better. 

The Municipality of Brockton and Walkerton and District Optimist Club are proud to present the 2026 Outstanding Youth Award to Jackson Huber for his avid involvement at Brucelea Haven, supporting programming with seniors, and spending valuable time with each resident whether it be after school, throughout the summer, or while dressed up as the Easter Bunny! Jackson's dedication to providing a listening ear, sharing your piano skills, and cheerful smile is appreciated by both the staff and residents at Brucelea Haven. Please join us in congratulating Jackson Huber on receiving this year's Outstanding Youth Award!

The Brockton Good Neighbour Award recognizes an individual who has displayed activities that embody a strong sense of values, promoting the positive impact of good neighbourly deeds and contribute to the vitality and fabric of the community.

The Municipality of Brockton is proud to present the 2026 Good Neighbour Award to Shirley Young for her dedication serving on various organizations such as President of the Elmwood Community Service Association, Booking Agent/Secretary of the Elmwood Community Centre Board, and Member of the Elmwood Canada 150 Committee, Elmwood Summer Programs for Youth, and Elmwood Minor Ball. Shirley’s enthusiasm to give back to the community is greatly admired whether it be leading community events like Elmwood Bingo or Elmwood’s Christmas in the Park, assisting at cleanups, or tending to flower beds. Shirley acts with empathy and compassion, providing neighbours and community members with comfort and helps to set their worries at ease. Please join us in congratulating Shirley on receiving this year's award!

The Municipality extends our gratitude to everyone who submitted a Volunteer Recognition Award Nomination. The nominees represented a broad cross-section of our community, each passionately involved in helping to make Brockton a warm, welcoming and vibrant community.

Brockton Council and staff sincerely thank all of our volunteers who are a valuable asset to the Municipality, and we greatly appreciate your generous commitments to our community!