Nominations open for the Order of Ottawa and Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching

The City is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Order of Ottawa and the Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching. 

You can complete nominations for both awards either online or by downloading a nomination form from the Order of Ottawa award webpage. The submission deadline is Wednesday, September 2 at 11:59 pm. Nominations will be considered every year for five consecutive years from the date of submission.

The Order of Ottawa, now in its 15th year, recognizes the professional achievements and outstanding service of exceptional Ottawa residents – those who have made significant contributions through their professional endeavours, to life in the city in any of the following areas: arts and culture, business, philanthropy, health care, education, public service, labour, communications and media, science, sports and entertainment and other fields that benefit Ottawa. 

This prestigious civic award honours up to 15 of Ottawa’s most deserving individuals each year. You may nominate any resident of Ottawa who has made a significant contribution in a professional capacity that has been of benefit to our community.

The Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching recognizes the contribution of an amateur coach who exemplifies the qualities of leadership and commitment that have been the hallmarks of Brian Kilrea’s career. Mr. Kilrea is a retired hockey head coach, general manager and player, and is best known for his 35-year association with the Ottawa 67’s. He is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, has played and coached in the NHL, and with more than 1,000 career victories, he is the most successful coach in Canadian junior hockey history.

The names of all the Order of Ottawa and Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching inductees are prominently displayed on the first floor of Ottawa City Hall and are available online.

Nominations from the public are reviewed and recipients of the Order of Ottawa are chosen by a Selection Committee that includes the Mayor, City Clerk, Chief of Police, City Archivist, Chief Executive Officer of Library Services and the Chief of Protocol.

Nominations by immediate family members, self-nominations, and posthumous nominations will not be accepted. Elected municipal, provincial, and federal officials are not eligible while in office. Nomination submissions consisting exclusively of volunteer work will not be considered.  

You can find more information about both awards on the Order of Ottawa award webpage.