Dear Community Members,

We are delighted to announce the 2nd Annual Ward 7 Business Excellence Awards, a special event dedicated to celebrating the outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs, who have made significant contributions within our community.

We invite you to nominate those who deserve to be celebrated. The winners will be chosen through popular vote. Here is how the awards work:

NOMINATIONS

The program “Opens” with the nomination stage. You can fill out the form here on this website 👉 to nominate a business of your choice in specific categories (please see below). Nominations open on Nov 12, 2024 and end on Dec 31, 2024. Nominations will be made for the following categories:

1. Long-Serving Business Award (in business over 20 years): This Award pays tribute to businesses that have been in business for over 20 years in Ward 7, weathering various economic cycles while consistently serving and endearing themselves to the community. 

2. Best New Business Award:  This Award celebrates the best enterprise that has thrived within its first five years in Ward 7. 

3. Best Independent Grocery Store (non-chain/ethnic):  This Award honours the independent non-chain or ethnic grocery store in Ward 7 that provides a level of personalized service and a unique selection that sets it apart from chain stores. 

4. Best Bakery:  This Award celebrates the bakery in Ward 7 that consistently produces outstanding and diverse bakery products.

5. Best Nail Salon: This Award acknowledges the nail salon in Ward 7 that stands out for providing exceptional service, artistic creativity, and a welcoming atmosphere.

6. Best Hair Salon/Barber:  This Award honours the hair salon in Ward 7 that excels in delivering innovative and personalized hair care experiences.

7. Best Restaurant: This Award honours the go-to restaurant in Ward 7, the place where families gather for special occasions, and for some excellent food.

8. Most Sustainable or Greenest Business: This Award recognizes a Ward 7 business with an excellent commitment to sustainability, showcasing eco-friendly practices that benefit the community and environment

9. Best Printing Shop - This Award recognizes a Ward 7 business that has great customer service, whether it’s business materials, custom designs or speciality prints they deliver results.

VOTING

Once all the nominations have been collected, the shortlisted nominees are set up for the voting stage. You can return to this website and vote for your favourite business out of the shortlisted businesses. Voting opens on Jan 6, 2025 and ends on Feb. 15, 2025.

WINNERS

The winners of the Business Excellence Awards are based on whoever gets the most votes in each awards category. The Awards Ceremony will be held on February 25th, 2025. It will be a fantastic evening of celebration and networking. Further details on location and time will be forthcoming and posted on our website. We look forward to celebrating with you at this year’s Business Excellence Awards!

OTHER RULES AND REGULATIONS:

The nominated business has to be located within Ward 7 (Please see the map that outlines the boundaries of Ward 7). Any disputes related to eligibility will be settled by the office of the Ward 7 Councillor.