Laurie Harley, one of the founders and leaders of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s innovative Ambassadors program, is the town’s Citizen of the Year.

Harley was among several residents honoured Tuesday night at a gala dinner as the Chamber of Commerce’s NOTL Spirit Awards were handed out at Ravine Winery.

The Ambassadors program grew out of the COVID pandemic and for the past few summers, clad in blue vests adorned with big “Ask Me” buttons, its volunteers have roamed Queen Street in Old Town offering advice and answering questions from the thousands of tourists who visit NOTL every week.

In prepared remarks, Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa said Harley also “has devoted countless hours” to volunteering at the Shaw Festival and NOTL Museum.

Zalepa could not attend due to a council meeting, but he noted the Ambassadors “take immense pride in contributing their time to promote tourism in Niagara-on-the-Lake.”

For photos and details about the other winners from the Spirit Awards gala, see Page 6.