The Electoral Area G Town Hall Meeting was held in Wilmer last night, and the evening kicked off with a tribute the 2024 Electoral Area G Volunteer of the Year Penny Powers.

“Penny was a truly remarkable woman who gave so much of her time and heart to so many people, organizations and causes. We are honoured to pay tribute to her and to her incredible legacy of giving in our valley,” said Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Electoral Area G Director Roberta Schnider.

Powers was a passionate volunteer for a multitude of organizations including the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, Banff Film Fest, ‘Babes on Blades’ Women’s Hockey League, the Chamber of Commerce, and a variety of tourism committees.

She was a valued member of the Edgewater Fire Department and also sat on the local FireSmart committee. Instrumental in the initiation of the Lake Windermere Whiteway and a volunteer on the committee for the project for over a decade, Penny was there to act as a ribbon cutter when the trail earned its Guinness Book of World Records recognition.

“Penny was known and admired throughout the Columbia Valley for her substantial contributions to the spirit and culture of the people. She made herself available to anyone who was looking for support to help improve health and wellness in the Columbia Valley and has left a legacy,” added Schnider.

Powers, who passed away earlier this year, was recognized posthumously on June 18 with her husband Max and children accepting the award on her behalf.

Lead image:  Penny Powers’ husband Max, children and parents accepted the Volunteer of the Year Award on her behalf from Electoral Area G Director Roberta Schnider (second from right) Tuesday night in Wilmer. RDEK photo

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