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Jim Ogilvie to receive Order of British Columbia
Former long-time City of Kimberley Mayor James E. (Jim) Ogilvie will be one of 14 British Columbians to receive the Order of British Columbia.
Ogilvie (pictured above) is the lone person outside of the Lower Mainland/Vancouver Island to receive the honour, which is also being bestowed upon former premier David Barrett of Victoria, Sister Nancy Brown of Vancouver and the Right Honourable Kim Campbell, the first female Prime Minister of Canada and first person from B.C. to hold that office, albeit in a ‘stop-gap’ measure for a couple of months in 1993.
Ogilvie has dedicated most of his life to community service in the Kimberley area, becoming a mainstay in Kimberley and regional politics for almost four decades.
He was first elected to public office in 1965, becoming one of Kimberley’s original aldermen, a position he held until his 1972 election as mayor. With a break of only three years, Ogilvie served 36 years as mayor.
During this period, Kimberley grew from an industrial-based economy to a tourism and lifestyle economy. In 1986, the city took responsibility for Kimberley Ski Resort and later developed Trickle Creek Golf Resort, one of Canada’s outstanding golf courses. The city later sold the ski resort, golf resort and other development properties to Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, which led to abundant new development in the city.
Kimberley flourished under Ogilvie’s guidance, with innovative municipal developments such as Bootleg Gap Golf Course and Riverside Campground, the Rails to Trails project and Kimberley Conference and Athlete Training Centre.
He has made contributions at the regional and provincial level, serving in leadership positions on the Regional District of East Kootenay Board, the executive of the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) and numerous task forces, commissions, boards and committees.
“Mr. Ogilvie has been instrumental in guiding the city toward economic independence and continued prosperity. Kimberley offers a sought-after lifestyle, rich with recreational opportunities, beautiful scenery and a healthy, safe environment. Mr. Ogilvie’s accomplishments are extensive and he has influenced the lives – in a positive way – of everyone lucky enough to call Kimberley home,” stated an Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat press release.
Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point, and Chancellor of the Order, announced the recipients of the Order of B.C. on May 18.
“As our province’s highest honour, the Order of British Columbia is our way of acknowledging the outstanding achievements of our citizens. The recipients are an inspiration to all British Columbians,” Point said.
“The Order of British Columbia recognizes the remarkable accomplishments achieved by extraordinary British Columbians,” said Premier Christy Clark. “This year’s recipients have made exceptional contributions to their communities and to the province. On behalf of all British Columbians, I’d like to thank each recipient for everything they have done for the province.”
This year’s recipients are:
* David Barrett of Victoria – elected leader and one of modern British Columbia’s architects.
* Sister Nancy Brown of Vancouver – advocate for homeless and vulnerable young people.
* The Right Honourable Kim Campbell, P.C., C.C., Q.C. formerly of Vancouver – elected leader, trailblazer for women.
* Dr. Peter L. Cooperberg of Vancouver – world leader in the medical use of ultrasound.
* Christopher Gaze of Vancouver – cultural leader and founder of the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival.
* Rick Harry (Xwalacktun) of West Vancouver – internationally renowned artist, teacher and link between First Nations and other British Columbians.
* Norman B. Keevil of Vancouver – mining industry pioneer, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
* Hassan Khosrowshahi of Vancouver – entrepreneur, builder and generous supporter of community organizations.
* Marion Lay of Vancouver – world class swimmer, sport leader and inspiration for women athletes.
* Carol Matthews of Nanaimo – community leader, educator and tireless voice for social justice.
* Djavad Mowafaghian of North Vancouver – business leader, builder and philanthropist.
* James E. Ogilvie of Kimberley – innovative community leader.
* Tricia C.M. Smith, C.M. of Vancouver – world-class athlete, sport leader and example for B.C. women.
* Dr. Robert B. Thirsk formerly of New Westminster – astronaut, mechanical engineer, physician and role model.
Recipients of the Order of British Columbia were selected by an independent advisory committee from public nominations, which also included an East Kootenay touch.
The 2012 Advisory Committee consisted of: The Honourable Lance S. G. Finch (Chair), Chief Justice of British Columbia; The Honourable Bill Barisoff, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and MLA for Penticton; Dr. Ralph Nilson, President and Vice-Chancellor, Vancouver Island University; RDEK Electoral Area B director Heath Slee, currently President of the UBCM; Pierrette Maranda, Associate Deputy Minister, Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat; and, Yuri Fulmer, O.B.C., and Baljit Sethi, O.B.C. (2011 recipients of the Order).
The Order of B.C. investiture ceremony will be held for recipients and invited guests at Government House in Victoria on September 6, 2012. Since the Order was first introduced in 1989, 331 people have received the honour.
The Order of B.C. is online at: www.orderofbc.gov.bc.ca .
Ian Cobb/e-KNOW
