A former New Westminster city councillor has been acknowledged for her efforts to improve her community.
Mary Trentadue is among 20 awardees of 2024 Community Awards from the BC Achievement Foundation. The program, presented by BC Achievement recognizes extraordinary British Columbians who build better, stronger and more resilient communities.
“Community Award recipients are recognized for their outstanding contributions in making life better through innovation, dedication, and volunteerism,” Premier David Eby said in a news release. “From young leaders to experienced organizers, from entrepreneurs to educators, this year’s honorees show us the benefits of working together to build a happier, healthier and stronger British Columbia. Their good works are an inspiration to us all.”
Eby and Walter Pela, chair of the BC Achievement Foundation, named the recipients of the 21st annual Community Award in April.
"All these exceptional individuals embody the essence of leadership, dedication, and selflessness, serving as beacons of inspiration,” Pela said in the news release. “Communities thrive when individuals generously share their talents, passion, and time in service to others, and these awardees exemplify the transformative impact of such contributions.”
Trentadue served as a New Westminster city councillor for two terms (2014 to 2022), before announcing she would not be seeking re-election in the 2022 civic election.
“Mary Trentadue's impact as a city councillor for New Westminster continues to resonate throughout the community following her tenure,” said a statement from the BC Achievement Foundation. “An advocate for arts and childcare, Mary challenged developers to incorporate non-profit daycare facilities into new developments, ensuring accessibility for families.”
The BC Achievement Foundation states Trentadue also played a role in simplifying processes to attract daycare providers, recognizing the importance of childcare for working parents.
“Her contributions to improving housing policies to protect tenants and supporting local women-owned businesses underscores her legacy,” said the statement.
Trentadue’s “strategic efforts” to bring people together through the arts led to the initiation of the multi-year community mural project, Paint New West Beautiful, said the BC Achievement Foundation.
“Additionally, her leadership as chair of various arts committees significantly contributed to the advancement of cultural policy and the production of cultural celebrations in New Westminster,” said the foundation. “Her mentorship to women aspiring to serve in government, advocacy for childcare, arts, and diversity, equity and inclusion in government and community exemplifies her dedication to making New Westminster a more vibrant and equitable city for all residents.”
According to the BC Achievement Foundation, Community Award recipients are selected by an independent jury panel. Recipients were recognized at a May 8 presentation ceremony in Victoria that was attended by B.C. Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin.
Trentadue took to social media to comment on the award, when she was announced as one of this year’s Community Award recipients.
“This was a great surprise and honour! Thank you to those who nominated me and who see my work,” she wrote on Facebook. “Receiving the BC Achievement Community Award and being included with such incredible leaders is so rewarding. AND of course THANK YOU to all of the amazing people I work with!!!”
Each awardee receives a medallion designed by Robert Davidson, OC, OBC. They’ll also be celebrated through an online campaign #shinethelightbc to commemorate their inspirational achievements positively impacting British Columbians.
Although she is no longer on city council, Trentadue has served as a member of the New Westminster police board since March 2023.
New West residents who have received the Community Awards in the past included Amber Anderson and Harbhajan Singh Athwal in 2021 and Chin uook Kim in 2022.
