Best of the best in Calgary tourism awarded with white hats
The White Hat awards honours the best employees in Calgary's hospitality industry.
Twenty tourism and hospitality employees were awarded a white hat, which represents Calgary's western heritage, for their outstanding contributions.
The 61st annual Calgary White Hat Awards took place at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on May 14.
The event celebrates employees within the hospitality and tourism industry.
About 1,600 people attended the gala, according to Tourism Calgary.
More than 800 people were nominated and one winner is selected for each of the 20 categories.
The winners get a white Smithbilt hat.
"As the face of Calgary, these winners have delivered consistent excellence in customer service and go above and beyond in their work to make sure visitors and locals alike feel welcome and safe in our city," Tourism Calgary wrote in a news release on Tuesday.
The 2024 Calgary White Hat Award Winners are:
- Jen Duffy for the Mayor’s White Hat Award;
- Linda Ehman for the Doug Johnson Service Award;
- Alexis Wignaraja for exceptional rising leader;
- Hayley Cusack for exceptional server centre city;
- Sheena Hazime for exceptional service airport/airline;
- Iryna Afutina for exceptional service heart of house;
- Stephanie Sytsema for exceptional server north;
- Vivian Crandall for exceptional service tourism volunteer;
- Twyla Nearing for exceptional service Housekeeping;
- David Foster for exceptional service driver;
- Jill Marven for exceptional service guest relations;
- Michelle Stockert for exceptional server south;
- Angela Hendy for exceptional service administration;
- Per Jensen for exceptional service reception/reservations;
- Rio Wittwer for exceptional service non-server;
- Douglas Lee for exceptional service beverage specialist;
- Don Hanna for exceptional service attractions;
- Steve McMullen for exceptional server banquets/events;
- Dan Fraser for exceptional service tour escort/guide; and
- Stanislav Lomanovskyy for exceptional service culinary.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ministers Joly, LeBlanc travel to Florida to meet with Trump's team
Two members of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet will be in Palm Beach, Fla., Friday to meet with members of Donald Trump's team.
India alleges widespread trafficking of international students through Canada to U.S.
Indian law enforcement agencies say they are investigating alleged links between dozens of colleges in Canada and two 'entities' in Mumbai accused of illegally ferrying students across the Canada-United States border.
Teen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' dies after falling from moving vehicle
Hudson Meek, the 16-year-old actor who appeared in 'Baby Driver,' died last week after falling from a moving vehicle in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, according to CNN affiliate WVTM.
Pizza deliverer in Florida charged with stabbing pregnant woman at motel after tip dispute
A pizza deliverer in central Florida has been charged with pushing her way into a motel room with an accomplice and stabbing a pregnant woman after a dispute over a tip, authorities said.
Christmas Eve stowaway caught on Delta airplane at Seattle airport
A stowaway was caught trying to nab a ride on a Delta Air Lines plane at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Christmas Eve.
2 minors, 2 adults critically injured in south Calgary crash; incident was preceded by a robbery
Multiple people were rushed to hospital, including two minors, in the aftermath of a serious vehicle collision on Thursday morning.
OPP shut down Hwy. 401 off-ramp clogged with Boxing Day deal-hunters
A Highway 401 off-ramp west of Toronto became so clogged up with Boxing Day deal-hunters Thursday that police had to shut it down.
Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials
Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border.
Aviation experts say Russia's air defence fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns
Aviation experts said Thursday that Russian air defence fire was likely responsible for the Azerbaijani plane crash the day before that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured.
Edmonton
-
Alberta premier hopes for health reform payoff in 2025, regrets deferring tax cut
"It may have been better for Albertans if we'd implemented and then found a way to be able to pay for it."
-
These are the scams that affected Albertans the most in 2024
CTV News Edmonton looks at the scams that affected Albertans the most in 2024, and how you can protect yourself.
-
Aviation experts say Russia's air defence fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns
Aviation experts said Thursday that Russian air defence fire was likely responsible for the Azerbaijani plane crash the day before that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured.
Lethbridge
-
Lake Louise ice climber takes a scary fall, then carries on climbing ice
The sport of ice climbing is becoming more and more popular, but one man is lucky to be alive after a serious fall in Alberta’s back country.
-
Safety tips for holiday home cooks: Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services
If you’re planning to cook over the holidays, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services is reminding everyone to do it safely.
-
Here’s which bins your Christmas wrapping, ribbons and leftovers should go into
With piles of presents unwrapped Wednesday, Environment Lethbridge is reminding everyone to dispose of all that waste properly.
Vancouver
-
B.C woman awarded nearly $750K in court case against contractor
A B.C. woman has been awarded nearly $750,000 in damages in a dispute with a contractor who strung her along for a year and a half and failed to complete a renovation, according to a recent court decision.
-
5 hospitalized after crash in Mission
Lougheed Highway is closed in Mission, B.C., after a car crash Thursday morning that sent five people to hospital.
-
These were the most-borrowed books from Vancouver libraries in 2024
What have Vancouverites been reading in 2024? The Vancouver Public Library has released its lineup of the books that kept flying off the shelf this year, which can serve as inspiration for bookworms’ 2025 reading lists.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C woman awarded nearly $750K in court case against contractor
A B.C. woman has been awarded nearly $750,000 in damages in a dispute with a contractor who strung her along for a year and a half and failed to complete a renovation, according to a recent court decision.
-
Avalanche risk 'extreme' for parts of B.C. coast
The avalanche danger rating for mountains on B.C.’s South Coast was “extreme” on Boxing Day, according to Canada’s non-profit forecaster.
-
Cat food that caused bird-flu death of Oregon pet was distributed in B.C.: officials
Pet food contaminated with bird flu – which killed a house cat in Oregon – was distributed and sold in British Columbia, according to officials south of the border.
Saskatoon
-
Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP
As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books.
-
IN PICTURES: CTV Saskatoon viewers send us their holiday photos
A living gallery of viewer-submitted photos from the holiday season. Share your pictures with us at SaskatoonNews@bellmedia.ca
-
Sask. highway closed following serious collision
The Saskatchewan RCMP are investigating a serious collision on Highway 7, approximately 15 kilometres west of Rosetown.
Regina
-
Yorkton RCMP seek tips to locate unlawfully-at-large inmate
Yorkton RCMP is seeking tips from the public to locate an inmate after staff noticed he was not present at the Whitespruce Provincial Training Centre.
-
Pedestrian collision sends man to hospital with life-threatening injuries
One man has been sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries after he was struck by a vehicle in the early hours of Wednesday in Regina.
-
Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP
As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books.
Toronto
-
OPP shut down Hwy. 401 off-ramp clogged with Boxing Day deal-hunters
A Highway 401 off-ramp west of Toronto became so clogged up with Boxing Day deal-hunters Thursday that police had to shut it down.
-
Pedestrian seriously injured after being struck by driver of vehicle in North York
A pedestrian has been seriously injured after being hit by the driver of a vehicle in North York late Thursday afternoon.
-
Man wanted for 2 unprovoked incidents in downtown Toronto on Christmas Eve
Toronto police are searching for a suspect who allegedly choked a female in downtown Toronto then threatened an employee at a business with a hammer.
Montreal
-
WEATHERWEATHER Smog warning in effect in Montreal, Laval
Residents of Montreal, Laval and other regions are advised that a smog warning is in effect.
-
Mount Royal Cross turns 100
The cross on Mount Royal is celebrating a milestone, it turns 100. It was first lit up on Christmas Eve 1924 and continues to attract visitors today.
-
Experts warn shoppers to be cautious of online scams this Boxing Day
Cybersecurity experts are warning shoppers to pay close attention to online scams during Boxing Day. Jacques Sauve, a cybersecurity consultant for Trilogiam says scammers will send out fake emails and text messages.
Atlantic
-
Christmas Day fire causes heavy damage to building in Saint John, N.B.
A fire caused a power outage for around 900 residents of Saint John, N.B., Wednesday afternoon.
-
Civil War sword with N.B. ties now on display at Loyalist House
The blade of Dr. John F. Stevenson, who was born in Saint Andrews, N.B., is now part of the New Brunswick Historical Society’s collection after being purchased from a collector for $6,200 dollars.
-
Temporary overnight parking ban for Saint John, N.B.
Saint John, N.B., has declared an overnight parking ban for the South/Central Peninsula beginning 11 p.m. Thursday evening through 7 a.m. Friday morning.
Winnipeg
-
16-year-old boy found with machete: Police
A 16-year-old boy is in custody after police said they found him with a machete.
-
Boxing Day in Canada: Small retailers fear big shopping day won't make up for tough year
It’s one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Boxing Day sees thousands of people head to malls and big box stores to find great deals. But it's not so simple for smaller shops.
-
Have you seen Davis? Winnipeg police search for missing man
Winnipeg police are asking the public to help find a man who went missing last week.
Ottawa
-
Police identify victim of Christmas Day homicide in Hintonburg, charge suspect
The Ottawa Police Service says the victim who had been killed on Christmas Day in Hintonburg has been identified.
-
World Junior Championship to create a buzz in Ottawa this Boxing Day
A Canadian hockey holiday tradition returns to the capital this Boxing Day, as the 2025 World Junior Championship is set to create a buzz in the city.
-
What's open and closed in Ottawa over the holidays
CTVNewsOttawa.ca takes a look at what's open and closed over the Christmas and New Year's holidays this year.
Northern Ontario
-
Drug trade fuelling increase in gun crime in Timmins, police say
Police in Timmins say gun crime is increasing in the city because of the drug trade, especially involving opioids.
-
Freezing drizzle advisory in effect for Greater Sudbury
Environment Canada issued a freezing drizzle advisory Thursday for areas in and around Greater Sudbury.
-
Average home sale prices in the Sault set new record last month
Homes sales edged upward in many markets in northern Ontario last month, including Sault Ste. Marie, where average sale prices set a new record.
Barrie
-
Police in Barrie searching for two missing individuals
Police in Barrie are searching for two individuals who were both reported missing on Thursday.
-
Teen allegedly attempting to avoid R.I.D.E. program leads to police chase, arrest
A teenage driver is facing numerous charges after reportedly attempting to avoid a R.I.D.E. program and flee from police in Essa Township late Christmas night.
-
Christmas Day break and enter under investigation
Police are searching for those who were involved in an alleged break and enter at a Gravenhurst business on Christmas Day.
Kitchener
-
Fire rips through former Peter Hay Knife Company building in Cambridge
Emergency responders were called to a fire in Cambridge on Thursday as flames ripped through the building that formerly belonged to the Peter Hay Knife Company.
-
Sawed-off shotgun and three knives seized during Cambridge arrest
Two people from Thunder Bay are facing drug trafficking and weapons charges after they were arrested in Cambridge.
-
Baden-born player, Guelph Storm forward and former Kitchener Ranger prepare to hit the ice at World Juniors
Waterloo Region and Guelph will be well represented as the International Ice Hockey Federation World Juniors gets underway.
London
-
Palace Theatre boarded up over the holidays due to recent damage
A break in, theft, and continued property damage has led to the boarding up of the Palace Theatre over the Christmas holidays.
-
Knights stars ready to help Canada chase gold at World Juniors
Three London Knights are on the roster, including Easton Cowan, who scored a hat-trick in Canada’s first exhibition game.
-
London fire responds to Wellington Road collision, contains fuel leak
London Fire Department was on the scene of a two vehicle collision involving a delivery truck on Tuesday morning.
Windsor
-
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
-
VIDEO
VIDEO From a repaired stuffed animal to an ATV, shoppers reveal the best gift they have ever received
We asked people of all ages getting in some last-minute Christmas Eve shopping inside Windsor’s Devonshire Mall to talk about the best present they've ever received — and their answers might just warm your heart this holiday season.
-
'We may have to look at other sensible locations': Where will Windsor’s new H4 be located?
The search for a site to house Windsor’s new Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4) is back underway after the city scrapped plans at 700 Wellington Avenue on Monday.
