TERRACE Mayor Dave Pernarowski and city councillor Brian Downie have been added to the list of local people receiving the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medals for their contributions to the community.
Pernarowksi’s comes from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the national organization of local governments, and Downie’s from the provincial government.
The federation “chose you to receive this distinction for your exemplary efforts to make your community a great place to live. It recognizes the important role municipalities – and their elected leaders – play in ensuring our prosperity and high quality of life,” read a letter sent to Pernarowski by federation president Karen Leibovici, a councillor with the City of Edmonton.
Premier Christy Clark called Downie and other provincial recipients “pillars of the community.”
“We find their leadership inspirational, and this medal is a symbol of our gratitude,” she said.
Pernarowski was elected to council as a councillor in a 2007 by-election, becoming mayor in the 2008 full council election. He was re-elected in 2011.
A retired provincial forest service official, Downie has served on council since 2005.
He’s also an active participant in a number of community groups, including acting as the city’s liaison to the Riverboat Days Society.
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne.
Governments across the country as well as a variety of organizations received an allotment of medals to present to those most deserving.
Approximately 60,000 medals will be presented.
The provincial government is presenting approximately 760 medals.