A retired City of Richmond employee has received an Award of Merit from the BC Recreation and Parks Association.
Cathryn Volkering Carlile, who was the general manager of the community services division for the City of Richmond for 16 years, retired in October 2017. She was recognized by the BCRPA for her contribution to the enhancement of local recreation and parks, particularly when the 2010 Olympics were in Vancouver and Richmond.
“It is our honour to present the Award of Merit to Catherine Volkering Carlile, a person who has not only dedicated an incredible 43 years of service to her community, but who has set the leadership standard for how to work in partnership with others to achieve innovation, serving to strengthen and advance best practices in the entire community services sector,” said Rebecca Tunnacliffe, CEO of BCRPA in a press release.
Carlile started her 43-year career in local government as a recreation trainee with the Vancouver Park Board. She worked in three municipalities besides Richmond – Vancouver, Burnaby and Whitehorse.
Carlile was responsible for bringing the concept of the speed skating Olympic Oval to Richmond and encouraged its development. She also helped to develop more than 550 affordable homes during her time in Richmond.
The BCRPA’s Award of Merit is one of five provincial awards presented each year at the BCRPA’s annual symposium.
