A high Canadian honour has been awarded to the owner of North Vancouver’s world-famous suspension bridge.
Capilano Group CEO Nancy Stibbard received a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Canadian Tourism Awards held in Gatineau, Que., on Nov. 28.
The award recognizes an individual who has significantly contributed their energy, service and talent toward the growth of the Canadian tourism industry while demonstrating leadership abilities.
“I am truly touched by this honour,” stated Stibbard in a press release from Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. “Lifetime Achievement sounds quite daunting to me – especially as I am still in the thick of achieving!”
Stibbard purchased Capilano Suspension Bridge in 1983 from her father Rae Mitchell. Her goal, to elevate the park from a mere stop-off to a destination attraction, was realized in less than ten years.
Over the years, Stibbard has been dedicated to advancing tourism in Vancouver and across Canada.
Her achievements include forming co-operative industry associations and leading a convention centre task force instrumental in acquiring the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
The Capilano Group employs more than 550 people at tourism hot spots around Western Canada, including Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Stanley Park Pavilion and Prospect Point in Vancouver, Cathedral Mountain Lodge in Field, B.C., along with Moraine Lake Lodge in Alberta.
Stibbard was inducted into the Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame in 2000.
