Manor Park resident receives award from Ecology Ottawa

Eugenie Waters recognized for promoting accessibility, connectivity, and safety in sidewalk debate

A Manor Park resident’s strong advocacy for sidewalks in the community has earned her deserved recognition from Ecology Ottawa. 

Eugenie Waters was named one of the recipients of the group’s fourth annual Eco Awards. The announcement was made on April 25. 

“Eugenie risked personal and volunteer relationships to lead the fight to keep [sidewalks in a road rebuilding project],” reads her nomination for the Active and Accessible City Award. 

“Over more than a year, she wrote for the community newspaper and for Ecology Ottawa, spoke at public meetings and to the media, and consulted city councillors, legal experts, and countless policy documents. 

“Eugenie’s public communications brought together themes of inclusivity and accessibility, walkability and sustainable transportation, children and intergenerational equity as well as safety and freedom of movement. Most importantly, she gathered a diverse group of people from across the neighbourhood and across the city, supporting them to bring their perspectives forward … Our fight for sidewalks in one tiny pocket of the city led to the core principles of accessibility, connectivity, and safety being strongly defended by City Council.”

Outstanding nominees

A total of 11 residents from across the city received recognition from Ecology Ottawa. In announcing the awards, the group noted the city “is unusually blessed with an outstanding heritage and individuals dedicated to preserving it. We think it’s critical that those who inspire us to take ecological action in Ottawa be appropriately recognized, and it’s our privilege to do this.”

While it was difficult to choose from among the many “thoughtful and generous nominations,” the award recipients “distinguished themselves” with the selection committee.