Kamloops, BC—At an awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Kamloops City Council bestowed Exemplary Service Awards upon eight community members who have dedicated their time and service to the city. For a list of past recipients, visit the Exemplary Service Award page on the City’s website.
Sebastian Chalmers-Owega
Sebastian, a recipient in the 29 and under category, is recognized for his remarkable dedication, leadership, and community impact. As a volunteer with St. John Ambulance, the City of Kamloops, Kamloops Firestorm and through teaching guitar lessons, Sebastian has consistently demonstrated innovative thinking, a generous spirit, and the ability to mentor and uplift those around him. His contributions have elevated team performance and inspired others through his tireless service and commitment to making a difference.
Sebastian has devoted over 828 volunteer hours to St. John Ambulance, the world’s oldest humanitarian organization, applying his medical first responder training at a wide variety of community events. Known for his excellent communication skills and compassionate care, he continues to further his medical knowledge as he prepares for primary care paramedic training. Sebastian’s visionary approach, unwavering integrity, and heartfelt support of his peers have left a lasting impact on the Kamloops community. We thank him for his outstanding service and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.
Julie Dormer
Julie is a true community champion whose dedication to service spans a remarkable range of roles and organizations. With a diverse background that includes time as a member of the Rocky Mountain Rangers, a wildfire crew boss, a ski lift operator, and a riding assistant for the BC Liberal Kamloops North and South Riding Associations, Julie brings a fearless and energetic approach to everything she does. Currently, she serves as chair of the Valleyview Community Association and leads the highly successful Valleyview Block Party each September. She's also a Block Watch captain and has volunteered with events like the Kamloops Exploration Group Lecture Series, Canada Summer and Western Canada Games, the Canada 55+ Senior Games, and the Christopher Seguin Rotary Dinners. Her fundraising efforts span causes such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the CIBC Run for the Cure, and the Relay for Life. Beyond her many official roles, Julie quietly continues a heartfelt legacy started by her father—shovelling driveways and sidewalks for seniors in Valleyview after every snowfall, without seeking recognition.
Julie’s long-standing commitment to volunteerism includes numerous leadership and advocacy roles. She has served as Communications Director for Advocates for School District No. 73, chair of her townhouse strata board, a member of the Kam High Grad Reunion Committee, and a contributor to the 2015 Kamloops Graffiti Task Force. She has held leadership positions with the Kamloops Sports Council, Kamloops Rotary Rib Fest, Women in Mining South Central Branch, and is currently a director for The Laughing Stock Theatre Society. Julie’s tireless efforts and wide-ranging impact have made Kamloops a better, more connected community. Her compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication are an inspiration, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her extraordinary contributions.
Howard Grieve
Howard has been a dedicated Kamloops resident since the 1990s, consistently demonstrating his belief that community matters. As a committed member of the Juniper Ridge Community Association, he has advocated for local improvements and brought his passion and enthusiasm to numerous organizations, including the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, The Big Little Science Centre, and Tourism Kamloops. With a strong background in railway operations, Howard became operations manager of the 2141 steam locomotive in 1999, rebranding the organization as the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society and successfully leading it into the mid-2000s, where he helped launch its rail tour operations.
Now retired, Howard continues to dedicate countless volunteer hours to the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society, sharing his love for the historic 2141 steam locomotive with visitors and future generations. His deep community roots, leadership, and tireless volunteerism have left a lasting impact across the city. Howard’s unwavering commitment to enhancing Kamloops through service and advocacy for nearly three decades makes him a deserving recipient of the Exemplary Service Award.
Anna Harrison
Anna has spent most of her life in Kamloops, dedicating herself to building a stronger, more vibrant community. A successful entrepreneur turned educator, she has owned and operated several businesses, always finding ways to support others, whether by fostering employee growth or donating generously to local events. Now, as a business educator, she helps aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building sustainable ventures. Anna is also part of the leadership team at Marketplace Leaders, an organization that brings influential speakers to Kamloops to engage and inspire the business community.
Her business acumen and community spirit have made Anna a key contributor to the Kamloops Rotary West Club, where she has held multiple leadership roles and actively works to grow the club’s membership. She volunteers her time with Rotary initiatives such as Food Bank drives, Kamloops Daybreak Rotary Ribfest, and the Seniors Tea, and also gives back through organizations like Motion Church, the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, and the BC Wildlife Park. Anna is known for her integrity, generosity, and deep care for others. Through mentorship, volunteerism, and strategic guidance, she has left a lasting impact on individuals and organizations alike, making her a shining example of community leadership and service.
Kathleen Larose
Kathleen is a passionate advocate and leader with over 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector, using her personal journey through homelessness and family addiction to drive meaningful change. Her work has taken her across Canada—from the streets of Calgary and Vancouver’s East Hastings to Kamloops and Montreal—where she has supported marginalized communities, including individuals facing addiction and living with HIV. As co-founder and CEO of the Interior Women’s Centre Society in Kamloops, Kathleen has created a low-barrier support hub that empowers women, girls, and non-binary individuals through innovative programs like HEART, STEPP, and WORK, which offer services ranging from art therapy and peer support to employment training and transitional housing.
Through her work, Kathleen has become a powerful voice for harm reduction, social justice, and drug policy reform. Her leadership extends beyond the centre as she organizes events like International Overdose Awareness Day, raising awareness about the toxic drug crisis and providing vital education around addiction and mental health. At the heart of her efforts is a deep commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. Kathleen’s impact is profound and far-reaching as she continues to inspire change and offer hope to the most vulnerable members of the community.
Ricky Marshall
Ricky is a dedicated advocate for those struggling with mental health and homelessness, making a significant impact through his work in the community. As a board member for the Out of the Cold homeless shelter and a supervisor with the Customer Care and Patrol (CAP) Team under the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association, he plays a crucial role in fostering a safer, more welcoming downtown core. While the CAP Team primarily supports local businesses and public engagement, Ricky’s deep compassion for Kamloops and its residents shines through in his daily interactions on the streets of downtown.
Beyond his official duties, Ricky has saved lives through his quick thinking and selfless actions. While patrolling the streets, he has responded to drug overdoses and medical emergencies, administering naloxone and providing life-saving aid until emergency responders arrive. Though not required by his role, his unwavering commitment to stepping up in critical moments has given second chances to many. Ricky’s tireless dedication and courage embody the spirit of service, making Kamloops a stronger and more compassionate community.
Wayne McRann
For over 40 years, Wayne has been a pillar of the Kamloops community, giving his time and heart to countless causes. An unwavering spirit of generosity, leadership, and action marks his volunteerism. While managing a Kamloops-based small business, Wayne founded several impactful organizations, including the Thompson Nicola Manufacturers Association, the Kamloops Economic Development Corporation, and the city-wide cleanup initiative Kamloops Trash Bash. After selling his business, he went on to found and manage Developing World Connections, dedicating a decade to global service. His contributions consistently reflect a commitment to improving local and international communities.
Wayne’s extensive volunteer work spans a wide array of initiatives and leadership roles. From serving on committees for economic development and youth resources to championing bids for the 1993 Canada Summer Games and supporting families through the Ministry for Children and Families, Wayne has always been a driving force for positive change. His dedication is further reflected in his active role with the Rotary Club of Kamloops Daybreak, where he’s earned multiple Paul Harris Awards and the prestigious Service Above Self Award. Wayne was also the first recipient of the Kamloops YMCA/YWCA Peace Award. With his tireless commitment and boundless energy, Wayne exemplifies what it means to serve with purpose, proving that true community leadership is about taking action, lifting others, and showing up ready to go the extra mile.
Sheila Minten
Sheila exemplifies the true spirit of selfless service, consistently giving her time, energy, and heart to the community without expecting anything in return. With a diverse background spanning tourism, business management, customer service, marketing, and health care, she brings a unique skill set and a fearless attitude to every challenge. More than just the hours she commits, Sheila’s integrity, leadership, and unwavering positivity make her contributions so impactful. Her actions uplift those around her and create lasting ripple effects of kindness.
A dynamic business owner of The Vista Inn and Total Concept Developments, Sheila is deeply involved in the community. Her volunteer efforts include the Kamloops Downtown Business Improvement Association, Rotary Club of Kamloops Daybreak (where she helped launch Ribfest), the Youth Exchange Committee, the 2141 Heritage Rail Society, and previously, the Tourism Kamloops board and chair of the Alzheimer’s Walk. Described as someone who leads with an "electric smile" and a hands-on approach, Sheila balances it all—family, business, and community—like a real-life Wonder Woman. Thank you, Sheila, for your passion, leadership, and the countless ways you make Kamloops a better place.
