Long-term volunteers inducted into City’s Awards of Excellence program

Three long-standing community volunteers are being inducted into the City’s Awards of Excellence program for 2026.

Chris Banas, Stuart Houston, and Trina Merkel are all being recognized in the Community Service category for their lengthy and significant volunteer service to groups and organizations in Spruce Grove.

“It’s a privilege to recognize and honour Chris, Stuart, and Trina through our Awards of Excellence program,” said Mayor Jeff Acker. “Collectively, they have dedicated a tremendous number of years of volunteer service to our city, supporting our families and youth, as well as our sports community. They are all true community builders and I’m so proud of the impact they have made to those who call Spruce Grove home.”

Chris has played a key role in the growth and success of the Heroes Program in Spruce Grove, working with the City, local schools, and the community to build, refine, and sustain the social-emotional program, which is designed to build the resilience of young people. He was also one of the driving forces behind the Winter Emergency Response and has been an active member since its inception.

Stuart spent almost two decades involved in minor sports as a mentor to young athletes in both hockey, where he coached and acted as an on-ice official, and baseball where he spent 17 years as a coach and administrator. He helped grow the baseball program and culture in Spruce Grove, resulting in players going to Provincial and National Championships. Additionally, during his time on Spruce Grove City Council as both a Councillor and Mayor, he played a significant role in facility development, including the Border Paving Athletic Centre, new Protective Services Building, and Heavy Metal Place.

Trina is the leader of the Kinette Christmas Hamper project, organizing a dedicated group of Kinettes and community members to support nearly 2,000 recipients each year. In 2024, this program assisted 740 families and 1,900 residents in the area, raising $96,900 in grocery gift cards and providing gifts for 918 children. She is also the billet coordinator with the Spruce Grove Saints hockey club, helping to find temporary homes for players during the season.

All three of this year’s inductees will be officially recognized during the Canada Day Ceremony at Jubilee Park on July 1. Community members are invited to attend.

The Spruce Grove Awards of Excellence program was established in 2003 as a way for the City to recognize outstanding community members who have made contributions in the areas of athletics, arts, education, the environment, innovation, community service or significant achievement. Past inductees include Sharon Acheson (2025), Justin Lawrence (2023), Barry Medori (2022), Nathan Dempsey (2021), Stephanie Labbé (2017), Darwin Park (2015), Lorna Kemp (2010), Allen Shenfield (2006), Judy Kesanko (2005) and Jennifer Heil (2005). For more information on the program, including all the recipients, visit sprucegrove.org/AOE.