LaSalle Awards of Excellence

The inaugural Town of LaSalle Awards of Excellence presented by Zehrs Malden has gathered more than 140 nominations celebrating individuals, teams, artists, businesses, and community leaders. Those nominations have been short-listed in each category. The committee has reviewed all entries and chose three to six nominees in each category.

The awards will be presented during a special celebration event on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Event Centre at LaSalle Landing. See below for the nominees in each category.

Tickets to attend the celebration event are now available at a cost of $100 per ticket, or $750.00 for a table of 8. The doors will open at 5:30 pm with dinner at 6:00 pm, followed by the awards presentation. The event will also feature entertainment and a silent auction with proceeds directed to the St. Andrew’s Community Food Bank. All are welcome to purchase a ticket by April 2, 2026, and celebrate with the community.

Purchase LaSalle Awards of Excellence Tickets

Event Dress Code

Business formal/cocktail attire. This is not a black tie event.

Event Menu Overview

We are pleased to partner with L.A. Town Grill and La Crêperie, local favourites known for their fresh ingredients and homemade specialties. Enjoy a three‑section culinary experience featuring a variety of chef‑prepared options.

Starters and Appetizers

Begin the evening with a selection of handcrafted starters. This section will include a variety of salads, antipasto‑style offerings, cold pasta choices, house‑made appetizers, and artisan breads. Gluten‑free and vegan options will be available.

Chef’s Station

Visit our interactive pasta station to build your own custom dish with a choice of pasta styles, sauces, and add‑ins. Guests will also enjoy a selection of chef‑prepared entrées, reflecting the quality ingredients L.A. Town Grill is known for. Vegan, and gluten‑free selections will be available.

Desserts and Crêperie

To round out the evening, La Crêperie will serve made‑to‑order crepes with a variety of fruit and sweet topping options. Additional homemade desserts and baked treats will also be available, including gluten‑free and vegan options.

Award Categories and Nominations

The following three awards of distinction were selected in advance. These awards will be presented at the LaSalle Awards of Excellence. Congratulations to Angelo Lucier, Robert Moore, and Jeff Burrows.  

Youth Leadership  

Angelo Lucier has been named the recipient of the Town of LaSalle’s 2026 Youth Leadership Award. A Grade 11 student at Sandwich Secondary School, Angelo is recognized for his academic excellence, student leadership, volunteer work, and the creation of the Orange Bracelet Campaign supporting Indigenous youth programs. 

Legacy Award  

Robert Moore has been named the recipient of the Town of LaSalle’s 2026 Legacy Award. A longtime coach at Sandwich Secondary School, Moore is recognized for more than two decades of leadership in track and field and his lasting impact on generations of student athletes. 

Mayor's Distinguished Achievement Award 

Jeff Burrows, drummer and founding member of the Canadian rock band The Tea Party, has been named the Town of LaSalle’s 2026 Mayor’s Distinguished Achievement Award, recognizing both his international music career and his dedication to raising funds for local charities.

Excellence in the Arts

Individual or group with consistent artistic excellence, originality, and a significant contribution to LaSalle’s cultural life. May also include recognition beyond LaSalle.

  • Gerdan Macedonian Dance Ensemble
  • International Art Design
  • Lauri Taparluie and Lisa Campbell
  • Marie-Rose Music Studio

Business Excellence Award (Under 15 Employees)

Business operating in LaSalle that shows growth, innovation, outstanding customer service, and active participation in community initiatives.

  • Infinite Health Club
  • InSpire Learner Center
  • PéPé’s Pumpkin Patch
  • LaSalle Vision
  • Tina Bezaire Insurance Ltd.

Business Excellence Award (15+ Employees)

Larger business with proven excellence in innovation, staff development, customer service, and significant community impact.

  • Montessori Early Years
  • CenterLine
  • Reaume Chevrolet Buick GMC
  • OG Pizza

Professional Excellence Award

A professional who demonstrates strong ethical standards, innovation in their field, leadership, and a consistent record of volunteerism or civic involvement.

  • Dr. Bryce Leontowicz
  • Elizabeth Papp
  • Rob Modestino
  • Dr. Krishna Khatri
  • Simmie Kaur 

Young Professional Award

A business or professional leader under 40 who displays entrepreneurial spirit, career excellence, and involvement in community development or mentorship.

  • Dr. Janelle Abela
  • Dr. Steve Barati
  • Jack Robson
  • Joseph Jones
  • Lauren Harris 

New Business of the Year

Business opened within the last 2 years that shows early success, creative service delivery, strong customer service, and positive contributions to LaSalle’s community or economy.

  • Kava Café & Bakery
  • Connect Chiropractic
  • Local Dealz
  • Revery Medical Aesthetics
  • The Yoga Effect

Excellence in Customer Service Award

Business or individual known for exceptional service, responsiveness, professionalism, and an outstanding reputation within the community based on customer feedback.

  • LaSalle Collective
  • Lisa McCallum – Visibly Delighted Games & Novelty Boutique
  • Rob’s Pharmacy LaSalle
  • Tim Warnholtz – YQG Digital
  • Tolmie Orthodontics

Trailblazer Award

Honours a teacher who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and leadership in education, making a lasting positive impact within the LaSalle community — regardless of their place of residence.

  • Angela LaPorta
  • Kristine Gombai
  • Nicole Palazzi

Councillor Desjarlais Community Champion Award

Individual, group, or organization that demonstrates leadership and compassion through exceptional volunteerism, civic engagement, or community impact projects.

  • LaSalle Community Fund Association
  • Lisa Homenick
  • Little Hands Kids for a Cause
  • St. Andrews Community Food Bank
  • Kris Cooper

Athlete or Team of the Year

Must be a LaSalle resident or team member with notable athletic achievements in competitions. Demonstrates leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship both on and off the field, and serves as a role model for others.

  • Ben Tilson
  • Ella Steel-Douglas
  • Max Pierascenzi
  • Mayiah Willis
  • Olivia (Liv) Koszegi
  • WonderBroads Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Team

Coach or Mentor of the Year

Recognizes a coach or mentor who leads, trains, or supports athletes or participants within the Town of LaSalle, demonstrating exceptional leadership, skill development, and a positive influence on the community — regardless of their place of residence.

  • Dave Crundwell
  • Mara Martin
  • Tommy Holgate

Contact Us

Town of LaSalle
5950 Malden Road
LaSalle, ON N9H 1S4
T. 519-969-7770
F. 519-969-4469
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