Haig-Brown Environmental Stewardship Awards
A coalition of local organizations and First Nations have come together once again to celebrate individuals, youth, and organizations making meaningful contributions to environmental preservation, restoration, and innovation in our region.
On Sunday, September 28, on World Rivers Day, the community gathered on the banks of the Campbell River to recognize outstanding contributions to environmental stewardship across our region. While the festival was shortened due to stormy weather, the presentation of the Haig-Brown Environmental Stewardship Awards carried on, shining a spotlight on projects and individuals whose work protects, restores, and strengthens the natural environment.
The awards are a collaboration between the Museum at Campbell River, the We Wai Kai First Nation’s Guardian Program, the Wei Wai Kum First Nation’s Guardian Program, and Greenways Land Trust. Together, these organizations celebrate leadership and innovation in caring for land, water, and community.
2025 Stewardship Award Recipients by Category:
Air Quality / Alternative Transportation
River City Cycle Club
For more than 20 years, RCCC has been a cornerstone of sustainable recreation, maintaining over 100 kilometres of trails in Snowden Forest and Elk Falls through volunteer power. In 2024 alone, members contributed 1,400 hours of trail work. The club recently secured $850,000 for major trail upgrades, including “Tres Hombres,” the forest’s first adaptive trail, designed for riders of all abilities. RCCC also promotes cycling culture through its Flow Riders youth program, free bike valet services, and participation in GoByBike weeks.
Pesticide-Free / Urban Agriculture
Creekside Farm (Joyce Robison & Larry Keetch)
Joyce and Larry started Creekside Farm in Willow Point in 2016, growing food sustainably on their four-acre property. They build soil with compost, use natural pest control, and conserve water through mulching, rainwater harvesting, and efficient drip irrigation. Their farm supports pollinators, neighbours, and the community through the Campbell River Farmers’ Market.
Honourable Mention: The Mountain View Community Garden Committee, for expanding their site with new raised beds dedicated to the Campbell River Food Bank—donating over 300 pounds of fresh produce this season.
Water & Energy Conservation
Quadra ICAN Water Security Team
In collaboration with the We Wai Kai First Nation and community partners, this team is proactively studying Quadra Island’s water balance in the face of climate change and development pressures. Through monitoring wells, streams, and aquifers, and combining traditional and scientific knowledge, they are developing strategies and freshwater management plans to ensure long-term water security.
Habitat Protection / Creation
Jordon Labbe
Jordon has dedicated the past three years to restoring the Campbell River Estuary. A certified commercial diver, he has planted over 7,000 m² of eelgrass and contributed to restoring nearly 2 hectares of estuary habitat. He has also planted salt marsh, removed invasive species, mobilized work teams, and communicated the project’s impact to the community and professional audiences.
Honourable Mention: Campbell River Salmon Foundation, recognized for its leadership in funding, partnerships, and high-impact habitat restoration projects, including the recent industrial tire removal from Shelter Point Beach.
Waste Reduction
Nickel Brothers House Moving
For nearly 70 years, Nickel Bros has saved homes from demolition, relocating them to reduce waste and preserve affordable housing. In 2025, their North Island team diverted about 1.2 million pounds of waste from landfills, saved 882 trees, and prevented 960,000 pounds of embodied carbon emissions. They also contributed nationally, lobbying for the Relocated Homes Task Group within the National Resource Council.
Honourable Mention: Julie Doyon, for years of volunteering with Greenways’ Fruit Tree Project, helping redirect thousands of kilograms of fruit—5,000 kg in the past year alone—into the community.
Environmental Excellence
Greg Roberts
Greg is the Streamkeeper for Caddisfly Creek, where he has worked to restore habitat by planting native species, removing invasives, testing water quality, and coordinating cleanups. He also mentors volunteers, engages local classes, and writes detailed reports to advance watershed stewardship. Known for his humility and focus, Greg prefers to let the work speak for itself—an inspiring example of quiet, steady leadership.
Honourable Mention: Ashley Tapp, recognized for leading extensive shoreline cleanups on Northern Vancouver Island and Alert Bay through the Clean Coast Clean Waters program. She has helped remove nearly 1,000 tonnes of debris, mentored Indigenous youth, and connected recovered materials to recycling pathways, advancing a circular economy for marine plastics.
Congratulations to all of the 2025 Haig-Brown Environmental Stewardship Award recipients! Your commitment, creativity, and leadership are building a stronger, more resilient future for Campbell River and the North Island.
How to Nominate:
Individuals, youth, groups, businesses, industry, and development projects are eligible in all categories. Nominations are welcomed from a broader geographic area, including Campbell River, Quadra Island and the other Discovery Islands, and as far north as Port Hardy.
The public is invited to submit nominations across seven categories that highlight key areas of environmental stewardship:
- Air Quality / Alternative Transportation – Honouring efforts to reduce emissions and promote cleaner transportation like walking, cycling, or transit.
- Pesticide-Free / Urban Agriculture – Recognizing efforts for advancing pesticide-free practices or local, sustainable food growing.
- Water / Energy Conservation – Celebrating efforts and initiatives that save water or boost energy efficiency at any scale.
- Habitat Protection / Creation – Acknowledging projects and individuals that protect, restore, or create spaces for native plants and wildlife.
- Waste Reduction – Rewarding creative and impactful efforts to reduce, reuse, or recycle waste.
- Youth Special Recognition – Shining a spotlight on a young individual or group for outstanding environmental leadership or innovation.
- Environmental Excellence – A standout individual or group making broad, long-term impacts across multiple areas of stewardship.
Nominations will be accepted through August & September of 2026.
Winners will be recognized on World Rivers Day, at the historic Haig-Brown House on the banks of the Campbell River.
