Bowen Island Municipality has received national recognition from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) for its Bowen Island Community Centre project. The Municipality was awarded the 2026 CAMA Willis Award for Innovation in the Under 20,000 population category during CAMA’s national conference held in Whistler, BC.
The award recognizes outstanding municipal programs, projects, and services that demonstrate innovative approaches and deliver meaningful benefits to local governments and their communities.
A total of 41 submissions were received for this year’s awards program. The evaluation criteria included:
- Innovation and creativity,
- Impact on municipal administration,
- Transferability to other local governments,
- Impact on the municipality and organization, and the
- Sustainability and long-term positive effects.
See the complete list of 2026 CAMA Award Recipients.
“Congratulations to Bowen Island Municipality for the innovation demonstrated by their community centre project,” said Brenda Orchard, CAMA President and Chief Administrative Officer for Lennox and Addington County. “It has transformed service delivery and community life through improved municipal hall space, centralized access, program growth, and community well-being.”
After decades of community-led planning, the Bowen Island Community Centre (BICC) opened in 2025 as a versatile hub integrating arts, culture, recreation, and civic services in a single, accessible location. The project represents the largest capital investment in the Municipality’s history, with a total cost of nearly $19 million.
The facility features:
- A professional performing arts venue with 179 retractable seats
- Multi-purpose programming and community meeting spaces
- A fitness studio and weight room
- The new Municipal Hall with centralized civic services
By co-locating these services, the Centre enhances accessibility while improving operational efficiency and long-term financial sustainability.
Since opening, the Bowen Island Community Centre has quickly become the island’s “living room,” fostering social engagement, creativity, and community connection. The project is also being recognized as a replicable governance and service delivery model for small communities across Canada.