Longtime Fort St. John city councillor Trevor Bolin has received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedicated service to his community over the past 20 years.
The honour was presented at the North Central Local Government Association AGM and Convention last month.
But because health issues prevented him from attending, Mayor Lilia Hansen presented Bolin with the award at Monday’s council meeting.
Bolin says he is honoured to receive the award, but points to the opportunity to serve residents as the real reason he enjoys the job.
“Awards for recognition are amazing, but the real reward is hearing from residents every day, both on issues they are faced with, as well as being told we, as council, got it right,” Bolin said.
Bolin’s career in local government began in his 20s, a commitment he says has become part of his everyday life.
“I always promised Fort St. John I would be there for them as long as they needed me,” he said.
Bolin is also a real estate agent and the owner of several Burger Kings across the region.
He also led the B.C. Conservative Party, from 2019 to 2023, while remaining on city council, an experience he describes as “not easy, but worth it.”
The city also received two Community Leadership Awards for social responsibility and economic development.
The first award recognizes the city’s response to housing and emergency shelter challenges through the Council’s Response Committee on Housing and Emergency Shelter.
The second recognizes the city’s Public Art initiatives, which support local artists, encourage community connection, and contribute to a more vibrant, welcoming public spaces.
“These awards reflect the commitment of Council, staff, partners, and residents working together to strengthen Fort St. John,” officials said.