A Night to Remember: Riverview Recognizes Community Contributors

(RIVERVIEW, NB) - The Town of Riverview held a special Awards Gala on Tuesday, April 21. Recognizing Riverview combined all community awards under one roof in an evening of immense celebration of volunteerism, athletics, youth, business and community spirit.

Volunteer Recognition 

For over 40 years, the Town of Riverview has been recognizing its incredible volunteers by asking the groups and organizations within the Town to select their most deserving volunteer for that year, and put their name forward to receive a recognition certificate for their dedication and commitment to the growth and development of our community and its residents. Congratulations to all who give freely of their time to make Riverview a better place. Happy National Volunteer Week!

• Steve Colwell – bgc Riverview
• David Bayerle – Riverview Veterans and Armed Forces Association
• Glynis & Paul Drisdelle – Albert County Food Bank
• Pauline Ward – Riverview Arts Centre
• Pastor Tim Whidden – Grass Home
• Deborah Maxted – The Salvation Army Lakeview Manor
• Tanker & Lt. David Murray – The Town of Riverview
• Sungyun Ko – Riverview High School
• Jordan Paddock – West Riverview Elementary School
• Blake Reynolds – Riverview Disc Golf Association
• Andre Bornais – Riverview Minor Hockey Club
• Scott Mouland – Riverview Soccer Association
• Rudy Walters – Riverview Scouting
• Janic Gaudet – Riverview Pickleball Club
• Amanda Maillet – Girl Guides of Canada
• Mireille Roy – Riverview East Karate
• Sam Cormier – Riverview Ringette

Volunteer of the Year awards were given out in the following categories; 

• Schools & Churches  - Sandra Landers, Riverview Middle School
• Sports & Youth Organizations – Chris Pearson, Riverview Minor Baseball Association
• Essential Services  - Thibaud Ledrux, Riverview Fire & Rescue
• Committees & Service Clubs – Connie MacLeod, Riverview Lion's Club
• Charities & Non-Profits – Bruce Buck, Fundy Hiking Trails Association

Youth Appreciation Awards  

Organizations also nominated Riverview youth in Grade 12 who make a difference in the community. Awards were presented in the following categories at the event;

• Sports & Athletics  - Lauren Davidson & Jaxon Sommers
• Arts & Culture – Owen LeBlanc & Donovan Devereaux
• Community Service – Elizabeth Shaddick & Sungyun Ko
• Academics - Samantha McDougall & Keven Cornell

Jim DeWolfe Community Spirit Award 

The Jim DeWolfe Community Spirit Award celebrates a Riverview resident, group, organization or business for their valued contributions to creating and strengthening our vibrant community. Jim DeWolfe Community Spirit Award winners go above and beyond in devoting their time, energy and care to making Riverview an exceptional community. 

The Town of Riverview is pleased to announce Brian Frontain as the 2026 Jim DeWolfe Community Spirit Award recipient. 

Riverview Business Awards

Earlier this year, the community voted for their favourite local businesses across three categories - Food & Beverage, Retail, Service and Business Longevity (25+ years). The winners were announced at last night's event.

• Best in Service – Q Nails
• Best in Retail - Lucky Rabbit Fine Craft
• Best in Food & Beverage - Mai Thi Phở & More
• Business Longevity – Kwong's Chinese Restaurant

The top five business finalists in each category were also honoured last night, as voted by the public. Congratulations to all of the top Riverview businesses of 2026.

• Five Bridges Bar & Grill
• Homestead Restaurant
• Royal Thai Restaurant
• Pet Valu
• Downy Home Hardware Building Centre
• Giant Tiger
• LuvPaws Grooming, Bakery & Supplies
• Guardian Pharmacy
• Luxe Beauty & Wellness Co.
• JEM Beauty Salon
• Walton's Bakery
• Grass Home

2026 Sports Wall of Fame

The final awards of the evening were years, and in some cases decades, in the making. Four incredible individuals were inducted to the Town of Riverview’s Sports Wall of Fame. From athletes to coaches to champions of change for Riverview’s recreation landscape, the impact of the 2026 inductees is far-reaching. The Sports Wall of Fame can be found proudly displayed inside the Byron Dobson Memorial Arena. 
 
Congratulations to the following contributors to Riverview's sports, athletics, and recreation landscape on their induction into the Sports Wall of Fame.

• Sean Manning
• Robert McLure

Congratulations to all award recipients on their commitment to making Riverview a Great Place to Grow. Thank you to all partners, vendors, and team members who made the Recognizing Riverview gala a monumental success. Stay tuned for the nomination openings for the 2027 awards.

All photos captured by Megan McKinley Photography.