About the Award

Awards Dinner 2020 is cancelled. More details can be found on the Nominations page.

The Hamilton Gallery of Distinction was founded in 1984 as a 'Hamilton Homecoming' project. Its purpose is to permanently recognize outstanding Hamilton citizens, past and present, who have made significant contributions towards the betterment of our community.

In celebration of the 25^th anniversary, a new wall established on the 3^rd floor of the Central Library was created.

Each year, a maximum of six awards will be presented to outstanding people, who sometime over the past 200 years, have contributed greatly to the fabric of our City. There are two categories - 'Builders of Hamilton,' those citizens who have contributed significantly to the development of our City, and 'Distinguished Hamiltonians,' those who have gained distinction provincially, nationally or internationally. Nominations are sought throughout the community, referred to the Research Committee, and to the Selection Committee for the final decision.

As we entered the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction, the Organizing Committee felt the time was right to redesign the award that is presented to the recipients of this honour.

Ms. Kelly Lowe (Kelly Lowe Glass - 2008) created the new award for the Gallery of Distinction and explains the design this way: "My design represents the history, natural beauty, and boldness of the Hamilton of today. On the glass disk, the sky floats above our beautiful Cootes Paradise, with the dark blue underneath representing Lake Ontario. The watercut “H” represents Hamilton, bold and dynamic, adorned with a sandblasted image of the iconic High-Level Bridge. These elements rest upon an engraved granite base.”

Founding Organizations

• Artistic Memorials Limited
• The City of Hamilton
• Dofasco
• Embree Industries Limited
• The Hamilton & District Chamber of Commerce
• The Hamilton Public Library
• The Hamilton Spectator
• Kelley Advertising Incorporated

Inductee Illustrations

Eugene Pawczuk, A. MacMahon, B. Mays. 

Hamilton Public Library

Gallery of Distinction
Attn: Administrative Office
55 York Blvd.
P.O. Box 2700, Stn. LCD1
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4E4