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Ecology Ottawa is thrilled to announce the recipients of our fourth annual Eco Awards!
Ottawa is unusually blessed with an outstanding natural heritage and individuals dedicated to preserving it. We think it’s critical that those who inspire us to take ecological action in Ottawa be appropriately recognized, and it’s our privilege to do this.
As in prior years, we were overwhelmed by the nominations we received, and choosing among them was a difficult task—but the eleven recipients below distinguished themselves.
We sincerely thank all those who submitted thoughtful and generous nominations. We also thank the selection committee, who had the difficult task of sorting through these excellent nominations.
Please congratulate these recipients if you see them! Over the coming weeks, we’ll be giving them certificates at events in their communities in honour of their work. We hope to see you there!
Recipients of Ecology Ottawa’s 2026 Eco Awards
Youth Eco Champion Award: Nour Hamdan
Nominator 1: “Nour’s approach is rooted in making sustainability inclusive and relevant to diverse communities. Overall, Nour stands out for her ability to bridge science, community involvement, and environmental advocacy, while encouraging others, especially youth, to take part in meaningful action.”
Nominator 2: “Nour has a strong passion towards educating people on her social media of real world events, climate change and has always played an active role in her community to spread awareness and develop projects related to sustainability.”
Climate Champion Award: Shaelyn Ramos
Nominator: “Her leadership and technical skills have been an integral part in resolving some of the challenges with energy poverty in our region. Shaelyn’s passion for her work and positive attitude have made an enormous difference in reducing GHGs in Ottawa and beyond. Home Energy Programs are not always the prettiest, most fun, or easy to implement, but they are so important as we work toward a sustainable, more equitable City for all.”
Most Cherished Greenspace: Hampton Park
Nominator: “Hampton Park is a beautiful sanctuary in an ever-growing neighbourhood. As we develop, grow and encourage infill, we must ensure that the natural spaces around us continue to provide residents and animals a space of reprieve from our bustling City. Hampton Park has been a well used urban forest for over 100 years and sadly it is starting to show its age…I am hopeful that over time, the maintenance and care of Hampton Park will be taken more seriously by the NCC and the City and with that it will thrive for the next generations to enjoy!”
Active & Accessible City: Marko Miljusevic
"Marko led the charge for bus lanes on Bank Street, organizing canvassing sessions, meeting with councillors, and collecting data to make a strong case for prioritizing public transit in urban Ottawa. Marko’s other work with Strong Towns Ottawa has helped make pushing for a more sustainable city more enjoyable, easier to understand, and more accessible for residents. Hosting monthly casual meetups with dozens of residents has helped connect interested volunteers and enabled the sharing and development of sustainable ideas for the city. And the formal monthly meetings have provided residents with a forum to share the important work they are doing to advance climate preparedness and a more sustainable Ottawa."
Refuse–Reduce–Reuse Champion: Valerie Leloup
Nominator: “When it comes to Waste Reduction and promotion of a Circular Economy, I don't think there is anyone more dedicated than Valerie…From starting up the NU Grocery store in 2017 to taking on the role of Strategic Lead for Waste and Circular Economy at EnviroCentre in 2024, she sees an opportunity and jumps in with both feet! Over the years. she has brought inspirational speakers to Ottawa, led a pilot for Run Ottawa to replace disposal water cups with reusable ones and organized an extremely successful Symposium on Greening Events. The list goes on and on.”
Most People-Friendly City Space: Dow's Lake Swim Dock
Nominator: “On a hot summer day, we now have a beautiful cooling station, right in the middle of the City. As our temperatures warm it is so important that we have spaces where people can take a moment to cool. Whether it's just to feel a breeze under a tree, sit with your toes in the water, or jump right in, this safe and accessible swimming area is open to all.”
Youth Eco Champion: Michele Michichiuc
Nominator: “Michele is a dedicated youth leader whose sustained ecological engagement over the past four years with Bird Friendly Ottawa (BFO) and Bird Safe Campus (BSC) uOttawa has had a significant impact on bird conservation in Ottawa…Her work reflects deep ecological commitment, expands community engagement, and has inspired others, such as myself, to help build a more sustainable, bird-friendly Ottawa.”
Nature Champion: Sharon Boddy
Nominator: “Sharon introduced me to the world of invasive species removal and green space revival…Sharon does not mess around. She wants her volunteers to show up and show out for the ecosystem around them…She is most definitely one of the women that have allowed me to go forward in my own journey of grassroots activism.”
Most Treasured Tree Species: White Oak
Nominator: “Across Ottawa, we have several varieties of Oak trees. Some have been here longer than our City itself. As we grow, develop and encourage more dense housing, I believe it is so important to respect and work around our natural ecosystems, especially those that are not easily replaced. Our heritage Oaks provide stormwater management, shade, a home to non-human species and a general sense of beauty in our City.”
Youth Eco Champion: Samuel Carriere
Nominator: “Sam is the youngest member of the EnviroCentre team….Whether planting tiny forests, working a booth at a Winter Walk to School Day, or supporting stormwater management assessments, Sam is there….He listens to people with great intent, and then builds a conversation to guide them to the next step in their journey toward a greener lifestyle. At the age of 24, he already leads by example, showing that through kindness and understanding, we can build a more sustainable world together. In 2025, Sam supported over 180 events with 12,866 clients and program participants. He's truly a sustainability superstar!”
Active & Accessible City: Eugenie Waters
“Eugenie risked personal and volunteer relationships to lead the fight to keep [sidewalks in a road rebuilding project]. Over more than a year, she wrote for the community newspaper and for Ecology Ottawa, spoke at public meetings and to the media, and consulted city councillors, legal experts, and countless policy documents. Eugenie’s public communications brought together themes of inclusivity and accessibility, walkability and sustainable transportation, children and intergenerational equity as well as safety and freedom of movement. Most importantly, she gathered a diverse group of people from across the neighbourhood and across the city, supporting them to bring their perspectives forward….Our fight for sidewalks in one tiny pocket of the city led to the core principles of accessibility, connectivity, and safety being strongly defended by City Council."
