Recognizing What Matters: The First Year of the Water Federation’s Recognition Program
Rural Alberta’s water systems depend on people who care about their communities, and this year the Water Federation celebrated that commitment in a new and meaningful way. At the 2026 Annual General Meeting in Calgary, the Federation introduced its first-ever Water Federation Recognition Program, created to honour the individuals and co-ops who keep safe, reliable water flowing across the province.
The program was established to shine a light on the steady, often unseen work that supports rural water systems. For more than 30 years, these systems have relied on volunteers, operators, board members, and community leaders who step up whenever they are needed. Sometimes that means responding in the middle of the night. Sometimes it means years of service on a board. Always, it means ensuring access to safe water. That human effort is what holds everything together.
“Behind every well-run co-op are people giving their time and expertise. This program is our way of making sure that dedication does not go unnoticed,” said Executive Director Chris Hancock.
The individual awards are named after three of the Federation's founding directors: Keith Johnston, Harvey Schnee and Rose Dyer. Each of them embodied the spirit of service that built Alberta's rural water movement, and their legacy lives on through the people we honour today.
To celebrate our first year of recipients, each was presented with a piece created by Albertan artists, a meaningful way to pair local service with local craftsmanship.
2026 Award Recipients
Keith Johnston Individual of the Year
- Jordan Lee
- Jacques Hebert
Harvey Schnee Impactful Service
- Suzanne Furlong
Rose Dyer Lifetime Service Distinction
- John North
- Judy Honess
- Phil Besler
Co-operative Awards
- Co-op of the Year: Josephburg
- Impactful Co-op: Sylvan Westside Country
In the weeks ahead, we will share the full stories behind each award and introduce the remarkable people and co-ops recognized this year. Congratulations to all of our 2026 Recognition Program recipients.