Winners announced for 2026 Clean Energy Frontier Program Awards
Third-annual awards highlight leadership across the clean energy sector and local communities
The Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) is proud to announce the winners of the third-annual Clean Energy Frontier Program Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to the local economy and clean energy sector.
These awards from the Clean Energy Frontier Program, part of the Bruce Power Nexus Research Centre, celebrate individuals, teams and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding dedication to advancing clean energy innovation, economic growth and community engagement in the region.
Award recipients were recognized on Thursday, October 8 at the Clean Energy Frontier Conference across seven categories, demonstrating a fundamental aspect of success in economic development, clean energy and community impact and resilience in the region.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients, whose leadership, collaboration and commitment are making a meaningful difference across our region. From advancing clean energy innovation and economic development to strengthening our communities, their contributions are helping build a stronger more resilient future for the Clean Energy Frontier region," said Clean Energy Frontier Program co-chairs, Warden Luke Charbonneau, Stellina Williams and Maggie Tieman.
Paulette Peirol Memorial Award for Excellence in Economic Development, recognizing outstanding commitment to economic development with a focus on clean energy.
Awarded to Savanna Myers, Director of Economic Development, Tourism & Culture Grey County, for her leadership in regional collaboration and economic development. She helped advance the Team Grey vision, bringing all lower-tier municipalities together around a coordinated approach to economic development and investment attraction, while elevating clean energy as a key driver of future growth across Grey County and the broader Clean Energy Frontier region.
Clean Energy Champion Award, recognizing an individual who demonstrates visionary leadership in advancing clean energy across the region.
Awarded to Mayor Ian Boddy, City of Owen Sound, a passionate advocate for clean energy innovation and regional collaboration throughout his years of public service. His leadership helped lay the foundation for the Southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition and position Owen Sound as a hub for clean energy investment, innovation and partnership.
Community Champion Award, recognizing a local business or not-for-profit organization, or association that demonstrates outstanding leadership through collaboration, awareness-building and innovative projects that strengthen the regional clean energy ecosystem.
Awarded to Saugeen Sparks Training Centre, for its leadership in workforce development and readiness across the region. Since launching in 2023, the Centre has delivered 27 skills training programs, created pathways into skilled trades and employment and helped prepare a diverse workforce for opportunities in the region’s growing clean energy economy.
Regional Visionary Award, recognizing an elected official or municipal staff member who demonstrates visionary leadership in advancing clean energy within their community.
Awarded to Warden Andrea Matrosovs, Grey County, for her exceptional leadership by bringing communities, organizations and industries together around a shared vision for sustainable growth. Her collaborative Team Grey approach has strengthened regional partnerships while positioning Grey County as a leader in clean energy and economic development.
Provincial Visionary Award, recognizing a provincial member of parliament or leader who demonstrates visionary leadership in advancing clean energy within the province.
Awarded to The Honourable Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce, for her leadership and commitment to Huron-Bruce and the Clean Energy Frontier region. Throughout her years of public service, she has championed the region’s role in Ontario’s clean energy and economic future, helping elevate its profile and ensure its successes, innovations and opportunities are recognized at the provincial level.
Said MPP Thompson:
“It was inspiring to attend the Clean Energy Frontier Awards to celebrate organizations and individuals who are truly committed to making a difference in the Counties of Bruce, Huron and Grey. Our region, we are all proud to call home, has an opportunity to show first hand how small towns and rural communities, blessed with strong leadership, truly can seize the moment and prove to be the best location to grow a business, raise a family and attain a wonderful quality of life. Thank you to the Nuclear Innovation Institute for recognizing the importance of recognizing organizations and individuals who lead by example.”
Isotope Catalyst Award, recognizing a partner of the Southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition who demonstrates unwavering support for the isotope industry, advances its growth and champions collaboration to create meaningful impact across the sector.
Awarded to Mayor Trevor Bazinet, Town of Goderich, for his support of the isotope sector and his commitment to regional collaboration. As an active member of the Southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition, he has helped advance key priorities, built awareness and championed partnerships that are positioning southwestern Ontario as a leader in isotope innovation and clean energy.
Community Impact and Resilience Award, recognizing a leader or organization in Bruce, Grey and Huron counties whose vision, innovation and dedication have helped communities navigate challenges, build resilience and enhance safety and/or well-being.
Grey County
Awarded to Rapid Access Addiction Medication Team, Brightshores Health System, for transforming access to addiction treatment and recovery supports across Grey and Bruce counties. Through innovative, compassionate and collaborative care, the team has strengthened community resilience and improved outcomes for individuals and families affected by substance use.
Bruce County
Awarded to Josh Bartlett and Derra Doran, Walkerton District Community School, for their extraordinary leadership, compassion and resilience in supporting the Walkerton District Community School girls’ softball team through an unimaginable tragedy. Following the loss of four student athletes and a teacher in a 2025 motor vehicle collision, Josh and Derra put the girls’ voices and well-being at the centre of every decision. They created space for honest conversations, connection and healing while coordinating the supports needed for the 2026 soft ball season. They fostered a team culture where grief could exist alongside hope, where tears could exist alongside laughter and where every girl knew she was seen, heard and never alone.
Huron County
Awarded to Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health, Goderich, for its leadership in strengthening the health, well-being and resilience of rural communities, across Huron, Perth, Bruce and Grey counties. By bringing partners together to develop practical, community-driven solutions, the organization has supported healthcare recruitment and retention, firefighter and agricultural health, mental health and healthy aging. Its work demonstrates the power of collaboration to create healthier, more resilient rural communities.
Sector Visionary Award, recognizing an individual whose leadership and persistence have shaped the clean energy sector across Bruce, Grey and Huron counties—a leader who turned the vision for this region’s potential into lasting economic and community outcomes.
Awarded to Stellina Williams, Nuclear Innovation Institute, for her work over the past decade helping grow the nuclear portfolio in Bruce, Grey and Huron counties—supporting nuclear investment attraction that has landed around 60 companies to this region and for her work in the creation of the Nuclear Innovation Institute.
Learn more about the Clean Energy Frontier Program at: nii.ca/clean-energy-frontier.
**For the full photo gallery of award winners, please visit: nii.ca/clean-energy-frontier-conference.
