Fred Mah receives Vancouver Civic Merit Award

In a ceremony at city hall, Mayor Gregor Robertson said council unanimously voted in favour of giving Mah the award for his “many contributions” to arts, culture, and community in Vancouver.

“Fred has given very generously of his time as a volunteer to numerous groups and causes for many, many years,” said Robertson as he presented the award. “He has great achievements to speak of, achievements that tell the story of a person who is totally committed to his city, his community and to the environment, a person who’s committed to ensuring that our city is stronger, healthier and more vibrant, and an inclusive place for many generations to come.”

Robertson said Mah’s achievements have included conservation of heritage buildings in Chinatown, his work that led to the designation of the neighbourhood as a national historic site, and his efforts to establish business, cultural, and educational relationships with Guangzhou, Vancouver’s sister city in China. He has also helped to organize the Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival parades, and to start groups including the Chinese Cultural Centre, the Vancouver International Dragon Boat Festival Society, and Friends of False Creek.

"Fred's work on building relationships between Vancouver and China has had a great impact on the city, both culturally and economically," said Robertson.

The award, which recognizes individuals for outstanding achievement in a particular field or for a specific service, has been presented by the City of Vancouver since 1942.