ManorPark Community

Recently, Mr. George Reimer of the city of Ottawa contacted the Manor Park Community Association. He wanted to nominate Manor Park for a Recycling Council of Ontario (RCO) award for our community's over 50% participation in Ottawa's organic recycling project in 2001. The MPCA collaborated with Mr. Reimer to submit the application and Manor Park was selected for an award to be presented at an awards dinner on October 23, 2003 at the Renaissance Convention Centre, in Mississauga.

The MPCA asked that I attended on behalf of the community. So, on October 23rd, I took a train to Toronto and made my way to a rather gala affair in a ball room containing about 200 people.

I must admit to being somewhat intimidated by this group. The room was full of many professionals and company representatives who seemed to know each other rather well. After talking to a number of people, I quickly realized that the room was full of group and company representatives who "seriously" compete for the RCO prizes each year. What was I doing here, I asked myself? Oh yes, the RCO had said we had won a prize.

As awards ceremonies go, this was a first class event. A dinner was served after which the master of ceremonies proffered the usual thank you's and recalled the RCOs past. Then came the main event - the awards.

Manor Park was given a place in the Not-for Profit Organization Award group and pitted against: The Canadian Centre for Pollution Prevention, Ecosuperior Environmental Programs, and the thiNK FOOD/Phones for Food Project. Do these sound like "serious" contenders. They were, indeed. I think you will also agree that firms in the other categories such as Ford St. Thomas Assembly Plant, Steelcase Canada, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. were also serious contenders.

I did feel small, but after some reflection, I realized that we were in this eclectic company because our citizens had taken it upon themselves, with little organizing, to participate in a recycling program. With a largely uncoordinated community effort, Manor Park was able to work its way in amongst the big players and win an honorable mention.

Honorable mention meant that I did not get to go up on stage and shake anyone's hand and make a speech. But, in my heart, walking away with this certificate only reinforced what I already know about Manor Park - that our community is one of the best places to live in the world and it is because of each individual family that lives here.

I will soon be displaying the plaque at the Fieldhouse for all of you to see. I hope you take the time to come by and see it. It is a tribute to you.