2025 Core Value Awards

Meet Our 2025 Core Values Award Recipients

Indigenous Engagement Award AND, the Creativity, Contribution and Innovation in the Field Award, AND Project of the Year Award

The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)

The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) has received three honours from IAP2 Canada: the Indigenous Engagement Award, the Creativity, Contribution and Innovation in the Field Award, and the Project of the Year Award. These awards recognize the Nation’s groundbreaking work on the Úxwumixw 2050: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Generational Plan.

The plan was created as a long-term vision rooted in the values, history and future aspirations of the Squamish People. It represents a generational approach to planning that blends traditional knowledge with modern tools to guide governance, community development and self-determination.

“We are so proud of our Úxwumixw 2050: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Generational Plan. In the words of our Council Chair, Khelsilem, this plan is more than a document. It is a legacy rooted in our values, aspirations and commitment to collective progress and empowerment of our People for generations to come,” said Ruby Carrico, Planning Manager, Squamish Nation.

With more than 4,100 members, the Squamish Nation continues to lead through innovation and community-based planning. The Nation’s work demonstrates the power of engagement that is driven by culture, respect and sovereignty.

IAP2 Canada is proud to honour the Squamish Nation for its leadership in building meaningful, inclusive and generational engagement across its territory.

For media inquiries, please contact info@iap2canada.ca

the 2025 IAP2 Canada Core Values Award for Visual Engagement

BC Transit

BC Transit has earned the 2025 IAP2 Canada Core Values Award for Visual Engagement, recognizing its creative and accessible approach to public participation. The award acknowledges how BC Transit has transformed engagement through clear, visual communication that connects directly with communities.

As a provincial Crown agency, BC Transit provides public transportation to more than 130 communities across British Columbia. The handyDART service in particular stood out for its visual tools that helped participants understand and shape service improvements for people with disabilities.

“Winning this IAP2 award recognizes both BC Transit’s commitment to public engagement and the community’s passion and dedication to having local perspectives reflected in transit projects,” said Erinn Pinkerton, President and CEO of BC Transit. “The handyDART project has become an example for how BC Transit can work in partnership with the community and confirms that meaningful public engagement is the foundation of success.”

The project has since become a model for how accessibility and engagement can work hand in hand. It shows how listening, visual storytelling and collaboration can create services that reflect the needs of everyone in the community.

IAP2 Canada congratulates BC Transit on this recognition and its commitment to making engagement open, inclusive and understandable for all residents.

For media inquiries, please contact info@iap2canada.ca

the 2025 Core Values Award for Respect for Diversity, Inclusion and Culture

Urban Strategies Inc.

Urban Strategies Inc. has been recognized by IAP2 Canada with the 2025 Core Values Award for Respect for Diversity, Inclusion and Culture. The award celebrates organizations that make space for diverse voices and build engagement processes that reflect the communities they serve.

The Toronto, Hamilton and Vancouver-based firm has built its reputation on meaningful collaboration. Urban Strategies brings together planners, designers and community partners to find creative ways to shape better cities. The company’s work balances design and participation, bringing forward solutions that respect both place and people.

“While Urban Strategies was critical to the success of JFM+, it would not have been possible without the dedication of the Engagement Leadership Team and more than fifteen Community Animators representing a cross-section of the local community. We deeply thank this local engagement team and the many participants who were incredibly generous, passionate and constructive with their contributions,” shared the Urban Strategies team.

Through projects like JFM+, the firm continues to model engagement that is grounded in inclusion, transparency and respect for culture and place. This recognition from IAP2 Canada highlights their dedication to authentic, community-led collaboration.

IAP2 Canada’s Core Values Awards honour the organizations and practitioners who raise the standard for public participation across the country.

For media inquiries, please contact info@iap2canada.ca

IAP2 Canada Core Values Awards are an annual recognition presents honouring the “best of the best” in public engagement. The awards go to projects best demonstrating IAP2's Core Values, helping to raise the bar in the field of public engagement.