City of Fort St. John employee to receive WOW Award

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — City of Fort St. John employee Kylah Bryde is set to receive a Widening Our World (WOW) Award for demonstrating inclusivity in the workplace as the aquatics manager of the North Peace Leisure Pool.

Presented by Community Living British Columbia (CLBC), the WOW Awards recognize B.C. employers who create opportunities for people with developmental disabilities by championing inclusive workplaces. 

Bryde is receiving recognition for supporting North Peace Leisure Pool employee Andrea, who is also a Fort St. John Association for Community Living (FSJ ACL) client. 

With the help of her staff, Bryde worked with Andrea over the last five years to help her grow from her initial cleaning position to completing her bronze cross in swimming and first aid, which will allow her to take on more tasks at the pool. She is also working to hire Andrea in a permanent union position. 

Sheri Ashdown, inclusion and employment manager for the FSJ ACL, nominated Bryde for the award. 

Ashdown says Bryde has provided support for FSJ ACL clientele in the past when she was a manager at the Pomeroy Sport Centre.

“She takes the time to get to know her staff, she slowly incorporates new things, and she encourages professional growth every day to everyone, no matter their needs,” said Ashdown. 

“She is always smiling and approachable and will push for any adaptions needed to better people’s success.”

Ashdown added if the award wasn’t meant for a single person, she would have nominated the entire team at the pool for their work with Andrea.

Bryde says she is honoured to receive the award celebrating Andrea’s accomplishments. 

 “I have witnessed so much growth in Andrea over the years,” said Bryde.

“She has worked hard to complete the prerequisites of introductory lifeguard courses and standard first aid to become a waterslide attendant. I see her push on through everyday challenges to achieve her goals of becoming a lifeguard and swim instructor.”

Bryde says she and her staff look forward to seeing what Andrea will “set her sights on and achieve” over the next five years. 

Earlier this month, the FSJ ACL kicked off National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by partnering with Inclusion BC to create a video featuring Andrea. 

CLBC will present Bryde with her WOW Award next Tuesday afternoon during a drop-in ceremony at the Pomeroy Sport Centre from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.