Tuesday October 28, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The City of Victoria will honour nine people as recipients of the City of Victoria Honorary Citizen Award in 2025.
Nominations closed at the end of June and the awards ceremony will be held in December. The process is conducted once every four years.
The selection committee was chaired by the mayor and two city councillors as committee co-chairs: Mayor Marianne Alto; Councillor Chris Coleman; and Councillor Krista Loughton.
Recipients:
The 2025 City of Victoria Honorary Citizen Award recipients are current or former residents of the local First Nations, the City of Victoria and the Capital Region who the City says have demonstrated outstanding service or personal achievements for the betterment of the community (text as provided by the City of Victoria).
Al Hasham – A tireless supporter of local business, non-profits and community-based organisations. Al has served on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce and has used his courier business to directly assist charities with free deliveries – particularly during postal disruptions, allowing charities to continue their good work.
Carol Brown – This former teacher and enthusiastic volunteer has organised and bought thousands of people together to support many causes that benefit the health and wellness of the region. Focused on the environment, Carol’s volunteer time is centred on education, young people.
Del Phillips – With a personal and professional history of advocacy, Del’s work helped shape the future of child and youth care in BC. For over 40years he has worked with the Cridge Centre for the Family in numerous capacities. Always one to step in when asked, Del is a respected mentor, advocate and community builder.
Karmen McNamara – As founder and General Manager of Help Ukraine Vancouver Island, Karmen transformed her vision into a force of humanitarian aid. Since 2022 HUVI has supported over 1655 Ukrainian refugees on Vancouver Island with the help of over 600 volunteers and massive resources. Karmen deftly turned compassion into action.
Logan Ford – Seeing increased demand for creative space in the city, Logan leased 40,000 square feet of space at 780 Blanshard and transformed it into the largest visual arts hub in the city’s history. This exceptional commitment to the creation and expansion of affordable creative space has provided support for over 90 artists, 4 galleries and 5 arts and culture non-profit organizations.
Marceline Moody – has made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to the cultural and educational life of Victoria through her dedication to teaching classical music—particularly symphonic and recorder music—to children and adults alike. Her approach at both the symphony and the conservatory, deeply rooted in the Orff Schulwerk method, nurtures not only musical skills but also essential life skills: cognitive development, emotional well-being, creativity, and social connection.
Olivia Han – when faced with the grief of losing a parent, Olivia discovered there were few resources aimed at young people. Her first book Healing Our Wounded Hearts gave voice to the isolation grieving teens often experience. Olivia worked with Learning through Loss and created programs and space for young people. Always willing to try and experience new things, Olivia has begun songwriting and performs at Harbour Cat Games and Herman’s with a potential oversees gig with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Robert Milne – for well over two decades Robert has played an important role in the cultural fabric of Victoria. His service includes serving on the Boards of Pacific Opera, Greater Victoria Library Board, Victoria Literary Arts Festival Society, Theatre Skam and Dance Victoria to list just a few. His inclusive approach to leadership created an environment where individuals could thrive, encouraging new ideas and fostering a culture of collaboration
Theodore (Ted) Alexis as well as being a Victoria Firefighter for 31 years, Ted has volunteered with the YM/YWCA as an instructor and two term board member and has served for 24 years as President of the Victoria Fire Department Historical Society. Perhaps his most impactful contribution was the $100,000 he helped raise in the Victoria business community for the city to purchase a fire boat that continues to provide protection and marine rescue service at the Victoria Harbour.
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