It’s time again to show your love for everything local in the second annual We Heart Local Awards.
This B.C.-wide award celebrates the creators behind the extraordinary food, drink and artisans we have in the province, and is a chance for Squamish residents to make sure their local faves receive some well-deserved recognition.
Between now and September 1, you can nominate your favourite local businesses by visiting www.weheartlocalawards.ca. There are 15 categories including favourite florist, favourite winery and favourite poultry supplier. So, if you’ve got a favoured farmers’ market, a soft spot for a local sweet treat or are a big fan of food trucks, make sure your chosen few appear on the list of nominees.
Once the nominations are in, the voting begins. You can cast your vote online at www.weheartlocalawards.ca between Sept. 2 and 16.
“Maintaining a vibrant local food supply is dependent on the support of consumers,” Reg Ens, executive director of the B.C. Agriculture Council said. “The We Heart Local Awards are an opportunity for consumers to celebrate the hard work and passion of the people growing and preparing the wide variety of B.C. food we enjoy.”
Winners of last year’s awards include the Howe Sound Brew Pub and the Locavore food truck.
“We’re still not sure who nominated us, but we were flattered and delighted,” Steven Moir from the Locavore said, displaying the We Heart Local winner’s logo with pride. “I think winning the award gave a bit of a boost to our bus… and instilled pride in our staff, including our head chef. It was great to know there was an appreciation for the concept we were putting into action, and an appreciation for how we look at food and deliver it to our customers.”
If you’re thinking of nominating or voting this year, Moir said, “I would say vote and vote honestly because your vote is helping shape Squamish. It’s a great way to support the businesses that you appreciate and value in town.”
As a bonus, voting or nominating automatically enters you into the weekly prize draw to win a $100 gift card to your local B.C. farmers’ market. You will also be entered in the Grand Prize draw for a luxurious three-night stay at Taku Resort and Marina, along with your choice of a cooking course for two (worth $2,000). The grand prize winner will be drawn on September 17.
To nominate and vote for your favourite businesses, visit weheartlocalawards.ca.
