Fanshawe Conservation Area receives Community Spirit Award

In January, LondonOntarioSports.com, London's Trusted Source for Sports News and Information, announced that Fanshawe Conservation Area (FCA) was the winner of the 2026 Community Spirit Award!

Established in 2025, the Community Spirit Award recognizes Southwestern Ontario individuals and groups who change and better the lives of others through sports, leisure, and recreation. FCA staff were honoured to receive the award at a ceremony on April 17.

"I know first-hand how Fanshawe CA betters and changes the lives of Londoners," said LondonOntarioSports.com publisher and editor Jeffrey Reed. "As a youngster growing up in London's Huron Heights neighbourhood, I spent most of my teenage years with friends and most of my leisure time at the conservation area, where I enjoyed a number of outdoor activities – all of which provided me with a healthy lifestyle, plus appreciation of and respect for the land."

L to R: Jeffrey Reed, Damian Schofield, Jay Ebel, and Holleigh Baldwin

Jay Ebel, FCA Superintendent, accepted the award and shared, "It is really incredible to be recognized for the work that we do." 

"The team at Fanshawe CA is honoured to have received the LondonOntarioSports.com Community Spirit Award," said FCA Superintendent Jay Ebel. "We are one of three conservation areas that the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority owns and operates in the watershed. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming space for all, including residents of London and visitors from further away. UTRCA aims to reach people with its conservation messaging and Fanshawe is a perfect venue for people to foster and share their love of nature. We've seen the positive impact Fanshawe CA has on individuals and groups by providing sports, leisure, and recreation to visitors, and we greatly appreciate being recognized for our efforts."

Also, on hand to receive the award was Damian Schofield, Conservation Area Coordinator, and Holleigh Baldwin, Visitor Experience Specialist.

Thank you to London Ontario Sports for the recognition!