The Pembroke Businesses Improvement Area (PBIA) has handed out the downtown Pembroke awards for 2021.

Categories include best neighbour, community champion, pretty as a picture, downtown fan of the year, promoting inclusion award and the lifetime achievement award.

The annual downtown member awards are usualy held at an awards dinner, but due to COVID-19 that was not possible this year.

The PBIA hopes to bring back the awards dinner and ceremony in the fall of 2022 to celebrate all the winners over the past two years.

2021 Downtown Pembroke Award Winners

Best Neighbour

This award is presented to the business owner that provides help and support to other businesses, supports Downtown Pembroke Businesses by shopping at them and keeps their storefront and area clean and Tidy. The winner was Thai Gardens owner Nita Polsri.

Photo (from left to Right): Nita Polsri, Janna Fortin (PBIA Board of directors Chair)

Community Champion

This award is presented to the businesses owner that is involved in community activities, advocates for Downtown Pembroke and provides support to the community through time, money or product. The winner was Joes Family Pizzeria, owners Joe & Natacha Ward

Photo (from left to right): Janna Fortin (PBIA Board of directors Chair), Natacha Ward, Joe Ward

Pretty as a Picture

This award is presented to the business owner that takes great pride in their storefront, having clean windows, clean entrances and sidewalk area and interesting / eye-catching and appealing displays. The winner was Crazy Beautiful Dresses, owner Kim Chenard.

Photo (from left to right): Jessica McMullen (Staff), Kim Chenard (Owner), Janna Fortin (PBIA Board of directors Chair) and Rebecca Gravel (Staff)

Downtown Fan of the Year

The award is presented to an individual who is often seen around Downtown Pembroke, is considered a fixture of Downtown, shops and supports downtown businesses regularly. The winner was Carla Burgoyne.

Photo (from left to right); Janna Fortin (PBIA Board of directors Chair), Carla Burgoyne

Promoting Inclusion Award

This award is presented by Community Living to a business or individual in Downtown Pembroke who promotes accessible work places and provides opportunities for people of all abilities to have gainful employment. The winner was Lorraine MacKenzie from the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce (Lorraine retired October 29, 2021).

Photo (from left to right): Amy Desrochers (Executive Assistant Community Living), Lorraine MacKenzie

Lifetime Achievement

This Award is giving to a business that has been in business for over 50 years. The winner this year was Town & Country Men’s Shop, opening their doors in 1955 this business has been a staple in the community for those looking to find quality men’s wear, with a large selection of latest styles and colours at the best possible prices. The store has been located at 62 Pembroke Street West, since opening.

Photo (from left to right): Janna Fortin (PBIA Board of directors Chair), Rick Lewis (Owner), Dan Cornell (Staff), Rick Malone (Staff)