Clare among winners of first Community Spirit awards

Clare, Annapolis Royal, Tatamagouche and Port Morien in Cape Breton were selected from 19 nominations, all of which showed a high degree of community collaboration and strength.

"The 19 excellent nominations made for a very challenging task for the selection committee," said Catherine Woodman, chair of the selection committee.

"The winning communities reflected the spirit of the award and successfully demonstrated how they met and exceeded award criteria."

Launched last year by Lieut-Gov. Mayann Francis, the award recognizes communities that demonstrate engaged and active citizens across many aspects of community life.

"I am absolutely delighted with the tremendous response to the awards," said Francis. "It is my great hope that the four communities selected for these inaugural awards will become examples for others to follow."

The lieutenant governor will present the awards at separate celebrations to be held later this year in the winning communities.

The selection committee invited communities not chosen this year to resubmit for the 2009 awards, providing them with feedback on their 2008 submissions to help.

Nova Scotia Power Inc. and Transcontinental Media sponsor the awards.