ONTARIO NEWSPAPER AWARDS

Tyler Brownbridge, Windsor Star Winner, Richard Sutton Award, Photojournalist of the Year

Saturday, April 30, 2011 Waterloo, Ontario

Nick Brancaccio, Windsor Star, Finalist, Photojournalist of the Year

Mathew McCarthy, Waterloo Region Record, Finalist, Photojournalist of the Year

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Welcome to the Ontario Newspaper Awards!

Thanks. That word, or some derivative, is probably the one I've used most often regarding the Ontario Newspaper Awards since we came out of a fairly dark period a couple of years back. Most of you know the story by now, but I'll recap just in case. The recession and stressed newspaper economy came together and hit ONA as they did so many other facets of our industry. But thanks to the efforts of a small but dedicated band of volunteers, and the rock solid support from newspaper sponsors The Spectator, the Record of Waterloo Region and The Toronto Star, we pulled through. And we have a story to tell. Yes, we lost a lot of corporate newspaper support, in fact, only the aforementioned papers remain in an official capacity. But we've gained a tremendous amount of financial and organizational support from a growing team of sponsors. Their names appear elsewhere in the awards booklet. I need to especially thank our small but mighty organizing committee: Wendy McCann of The Canadian Press; Don McCurdy of the Ontario Press Council; Sherri Haigh of the Real Estate Council of Ontario, Phil Andrews of the Guelph Mercury, Jim Merriam, formerly of the Owen Sound Sun Times, and last but certainly not least, our hard working administrator and treasurer, Rosie Grover of The Hamilton Spectator. I also want to thank The Record's Liz Wilson, who stepped down as treasurer last year after many years of service. We've tried some new things leading up to tonight's event. ONA now has a cool web site, designed by John Size. We're also active on Facebook and Twitter, thanks to the leadership of Wendy McCann. So ONA is strong once again, and we thank you for your support and enthusiasm. Enjoy the rest of your night, and please let your friends and colleagues know that ONA is alive and well, and still a hell of a good time. Warmest regards, and congratulations to all our winners. Howard Elliott Managing Editor The Hamilton Spectator Chair, Ontario Newspaper Awards

Member papers
Barrie Examiner Belleville Intelligencer Brantford Expositor Brockville Recorder and Times Chatham Daily News Cobourg Daily Star Cornwall Standard-Freeholder Guelph Mercury Hamilton Spectator Kingston Whig-Standard The Record (Waterloo Region) London Free Press Niagara Falls Review North Bay Nugget Orillia Packet and Times Ottawa Sun Owen Sound Sun Times Pembroke Observer Peterborough Examiner Port Hope Evening Guide St. Catharines Standard St. Thomas Times-Journal 3 Sarnia Observer Sault Star Simcoe Reformer Stratford Beacon-Herald Sudbury Star Thunder Bay Times Journal Timmins Daily Press Welland Tribune Windsor Star Woodstock Sentinel-Review

Greetings from ONA'S Corporate Sponsors

PAUL McCUAIG, Publisher
Grand River Media, The Waterloo Region Record & Guelph Mercury
On behalf of The Waterloo Region Record and Guelph Mercury it is a pleasure to be able to welcome the Ontario Newspaper Awards to Kitchener - Waterloo. Each year we gather to celebrate excellence and innovation in our newsrooms and to recognize it as the engine that drives our business. Newspapers, online and in print, remain the single most important source of local community information. Congratulations to all the nominees and everyone have a great time!

DANA ROBBINS, Publisher, The Hamilton Spectator

Tonight is about celebrating; celebrating great journalism and the dedicated professionals who create it, celebrating an industry that, sometimes against the odds, continues to invest in the calibre of storytelling and reporting that is so evident tonight and so vital to our communities, and celebrating the all-too-rare occasions when old friends and colleagues can indulge in an evening of simple camaraderie. On behalf of The Hamilton Spectator, congratulations to all of this evening's nominees and award recipients. You have achieved something quite special, something well worth celebrating.

Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.

Famiglia Dragani, producers of fine wines from the Abruzzi region of Italy, are proud to sponsor the Ontario Newspaper Awards and the celebration of excellence in journalism. All of us at Dragani hope you enjoy the festivities and wines and congratulations to all of this year's nominees.

The 57th Annual Ontario Newspaper Awards Waterloo Inn April 30, 2011
ORDER OF CEREMONY
Welcome: ONA CHAIRMAN: HOWARD ELLIOTT A toast: Don McCurdy Message from ONA Host Publisher Message from Sponsor Representative

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
The following are sponsored by WATERLOO REGION RECORD
K.A. (Sandy) Baird Award Humour Writing John E. Motz Memorial Award Design and Graphics (over 25,000 circulation) John E. Motz Memorial Award Design and Graphics (under 25,000 circulation)

The following are sponsored by TORONTO STAR

Feature Photography (under 25,000 circulation) Online Photography

The following are sponsored by FORD OF CANADA

Spot News Reporting Award (over 25,000 circulation) Sports Photography (under 25,000 circulation) Tony Fredo Memorial Award for Feature Writing (under 25,000 circulation)

The following is sponsored by MARKETWIRE

Investigative/Enterprise Journalism Sports Photography (over 25,000 circulation)

The following are sponsored by TIM HORTONS

Gene Florcyk Memorial Award Sports Writing (over 25,000 circulation) James Bruce Award Excellence in coverage of Entertainment and the Arts Del Bell Memorial Award Feature Writing (over 25,000 circulation) Jack Bowman Memorial Award Spot News Photography (under 25,000 circulation) Joan May Memorial Award Columns Walter J. Blackburn Excellence in Editorials, Opinion and Analysis (over 25,000 circulation) K.J. Strachan Award Excellence in Editorials, Opinion and Analysis (under 25,000 circulation)

The following are sponsored by REAL ESTATE COUNCIL OF ONTARIO

Business Writing Excellence in News Feature Writing Online Video Production Bill McGrath Award for Layout

The following are sponsored by ONTARIO PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

Municipal Affairs Reporting (over 25,000 circulation) Municipal Affairs Reporting (under 25,000 circulation)

The following are sponsored by COLLEGES ONTARIO

C.B. Schmidt Award for Novice Reporting (over 25,000 circulation) Larry N. Smith Award for Novice Reporting (under 25,000 circulation)

The following are sponsored by THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR

Robert J. Hanley Award Sports Writing (under 25,000 circulation) Online Multimedia Special Project

The following is presented by WATERLOO REGION RECORD

Richard Sutton Award Photojournalist of the year

The following are sponsored by CNW GROUP

Spot News Reporting Award (under 25,000 circulation) Spot News Photography (over 25,000 circulation)

The following is presented by TIM HORTONS

Martha Blackburn Award Journalist of the Year

The following are sponsored by ONTARIO POWER AUTHORITY

Green Environment Writing Feature Photography (over 25,000 circulation) Multi-Media Journalists

CLOSING REMARKS: Howard Elliott, ONA Chair

Brian Thompson, Brantford Expositor Winner, Feature Photography, under 25,000 circulation

Mike DiBattista, Niagara Falls Review Finalist, Feature Photography, under 25,000 circulation
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Tony Saxon, Guelph Mercury Winner, Sports Photography, under 25,000 circulation

Tony Saxon, Guelph Mercury Finalist Feature Photography Under 25,000

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Martha Blackburn Award

Journalist of the Year
Sponsored by: Tim Hortons in recognition of the London Free Press publisher, whose death in 1992 was tragically premature. She encouraged everyone to be the best they could and strive to find ways to be better. Judges: Scott White, editor-in-chief, The Canadian Press, and Ann Rauhala, journalism professor, Ryerson University

STEVE BUIST
Hamilton Spectator
As the main reporter on the Spectator's ground-breaking Code Red project, Buist put a human face on the statistics that showed an enormous gap in the health of the people of Hamilton, depending on where they lived within the community. Code Red is a significant piece of work, both for the complexity of its analysis and for the detailed reporting on the human toll of poverty. The impact of poverty is an under-covered political issue in Canada. At a time when newspapers everywhere are facing challenges, the Spectator and Buist have done what all newspapers should still strive for: uncovering a significant story that raises serious questions for politicians, educators and everyone in the community. The statistical analysis in Code Red was only part of the picture. Buist raised the series to a higher level by finding and telling individuals stories, whether it was the paramedic delivering a baby in a rough part of town while the new father is screaming at his girlfriend to produce a paternity test, or a mayor who knows poverty from his own childhood, or a 21-year-old woman with four kids who's still optimistic her daughter will be the one to break the cycle of teen pregnancy that has been part of her family for generations.

Finalists
JEFF OUTHIT
Waterloo Region Record
Pity the people who live on Albert Street "Waterloo's equivalent of Animal House." University students who live on the street have clashed with permanent residents for years. Outhit used freedom-of-information data from police dispatch records to paint a startling picture of how often police and bylaw officers are on the scene. It's just one of several strong stories uncovered by Outhit on his city hall beat. He also revealed that taxpayers were footing the bill for back taxes owed by municipal employees for personal benefits and outlined in detail the rise in city hall spending and local tax rates just as the municipal election was kicking off. Citizens in Waterloo Region were well served by Outhit's strong and effective journalism.

JONATHAN SHER
London Free Press
Wind turbines have already generated a lot of heat, even if it isn't exactly the green energy that their advocates are promoting. Ontario's grand plan to ramp up the province's use of wind power fivefold in the next 20 years has turned farmlands into battlefields and cottagers into placard-waving protesters. In this series, Jonathan Sher explores the many conflicting interests at stake in what has become a hostile dispute with farreaching and long-lasting implications. On one hand, there are communities happy to reap the employment benefits of transforming Ontario into an international leader in green technology. Siding with them are those who say that wind power is safer and cheaper than most alternatives, noting that it has been used in Europe for decades. On the other side are the anti-wind power groups "53 so far in 32 counties" who say the giant windmills could ruin their health, their property values, local wildlife and, yes, destroy the views at sunset. Sher sorts out the disputes evenhandedly, with careful, detailed reporting and energetic, accessible writing. No reader could fail to be better informed about this important environmental issue "one likely to become an election issue in Ontario" after reading Sher's series. 8

Richard Sutton Award

Photojournalist of the Year
Sponsored by: The Waterloo Region Record. In recognition of Richard S. Sutton, an outstanding photographer and former chief photographer of the Record, who died in May 1976. Judge: Graeme Roy, director of news photography, The Canadian Press

TYLER BROWNBRIDGE
Windsor Star
Tyler Brownbridges portfolio was full of images that made excellent use of light with strong composition and content making for a winning entry. Brownbridge showed a deft hand at using mostly available light to help shape the content in his photos, which produced dynamic and clear storytelling images. Aided by his strong compositional skills, his portfolio collectively and on a picture-by-picture basis was extremely dynamic and yet pulled you into the photos with a calm and gently touch. Using high shutter speed to help freeze the water drops falling on a young boy at a splash-pad along with his joyous facial expression, or the narrow depth-of-field used in a close up of a dragonfly on a flower, to the seemingly smiling face of a tiny baby possum eating from a syringe at a rescue shelter, Brownbridge delivers an amazingly touching photo time after time.

Finalists
MATHEW McCARTHY
Waterloo Region Record
Mathew McCarthys strong portfolio featured a wonderful collection of found moments and carefully crafted and thought-out portraits which highlighted his keen eye and strong compositional skills. His ability to anticipate and capture the moment is highlighted in photos like the young lego robot engineer reacting to his creations performance, or the elegantly captured great egret captured at the exact right moment as it pulls a fish from the water. Also standouts are his elegant and thoughtful portraits of renowned cosmologist Stephen Hawking, the smart use of shallow depth-of-field in his photo of football player Tyler Varga, and his graceful touch with cancer patient Stuart Summerhayes.
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NICK BRANCACCIO
Windsor Star
Nick Brancaccio sure seems to be at the right place at the right time...all the time. His portfolio runs the gamut from humourous photos to great sports moments, to hot spot news. His patience and planning are evident in photos like the perfectly placed old fashioned horse drawn hearse passing by the elegant gates of the cemetery. His spot news photos of a deer rescue from the ice further show he knows where to be to capture the moment effectively. Same for his photo of a goggle-wearing pooch sticking its head out of the top of a sunroof. You have to have the skill to pull all the elements together into a winning photograph.

C.B. Schmidt Award

Novice Reporting (over 25,000 circulation)
Sponsored by: Colleges Ontario in honour of its late editor-in-chief, Carl (Cully) B. Schmidt Judge: Paul Woods, director of human resources, The Canadian Press

FRANCES WILLICK
Windsor Star
The recipient of an honourable mention in this category last year, Frances Willick takes top spot this time thanks in large part to a superb long feature called "Island of Misfit Toys." It tells the story of Drouillard Road, "the most visibly wounded neighbourhood" in a city that has been hit hard by the recession and cuts in the auto industry. Despite living in an area seen as "literally the wrong side of the tracks," community residents embrace and support each other, from drug addicts to prostitutes to those who are simply down on their luck. Willick, who visited the area several times over two weeks to get to know its motley "misfits," paints vivid pictures with her words and especially her judicious use of quotes. "Last year, he caught on fire . . . got drunked up and I was partying and I got stupid and went up in flames." Willick also submitted hard-edged news stories about a man haunted by the sexual abuse he endured as a child from a priest, and an immigration adviser accused of defrauding a long string of citizenship applicants.

Finalist
TERI PECOSKIE
Hamilton Spectator
Teri Pecoskie appears to be everything a modern newspaper could want in a reporter. She has a nose for news, the ability to tell a story well, and a high level of comfort with new technology, especially video. Her submission included three diverse features: a behind-the-scenes look at the bustling activity inside a courier cargo operation in the frantic days before Christmas, a touching portrait of a popular pediatrician still practising at the age of 90, and a video piece on a campanologist, or bell expert. The video (shot, scripted, voiced and produced by Pecoskie ) takes the viewer inside a church tower where the campanologist demonstrates the physics and mechanics of a craft that is becoming increasingly rare. Gino Donato, Sudbury Star Finalist, Spot News Photography under 25,000
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Larry N. Smith Award

Novice Reporting (under 25,000 circulation)
Sponsored by: Colleges Ontario in tribute to Larry N. Smith, former managing editor of The St. Catharines Standard Judge: Allison Jones, Reporter/Editor, The Canadian Press

BARBARA SIMPSON
Simcoe Reformer
Its clear that a promising journalism career lies ahead for Barbara Simpson. The strong package submitted for this award shows she has a strong nose for unearthing news. Her stories have made waves locally, provincially and even nationally. Simpson broke the story of Cody LeCompte, a local teen stuck in Cuba following a car accident and stuck with the saga as it gathered steam nationally. Following up on a local gas bar closure Simpson also discovered that impending new safety regulations risked putting almost 90 per cent of Ontarios propane retailers out of business. Simpson deftly drew readers into the issue in the lede, by telling them their summer barbecues, campers and even farming equipment were in jeopardy. The province eventually backed down. Simpson also produced a strong series of stories on medical marijuana after discovering a shop was setting up in Delhi. Not every interviewee brandishes an illegal rifle during the interview to illustrate how he protects himself, but she struck the right tone on a controversial issue.

Finalist
KIM MacKRAEL
Guelph Mercury
If a GA reporters chops are measured in tales of fates conspiring at deadline, superspeed copy turnarounds and angry interview subjects, Kim Mackrael is well on her way to becoming a grizzled veteran. Mackrael displayed the tenacity, critical thinking and in-depth research required of a good reporter in a fascinating profile on a controversial local businessman. He makes some wide-ranging and fantastic claims and Mackrael makes sure to thoroughly look into all of them and present them with enough context for readers to make up their own minds about whether this man is a hero. As a summer intern, Mackrael had just returned to the newsroom one night from a story when she was sent right back out to cover a house fire. In about 90 minutes, Mackrael gathered colour and details, interviewed neighbours and officials, discovered she lost her car keys and couldnt get back to the newsroom, begged an interview subject to let her use their home computer and filed a tight story with all the relevant information before the 10 p.m. deadline.

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Kaz Novak, Hamilton Spectator, Finalist Sports Photography over 25,000

Peter Lee, Waterloo Region Record, Finalist, Spot News Photography, over 25,000
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Spot News Reporting Award

over 25,000 circulation
Sponsored by: Ford of Canada Judge: Wendy McCann, Ontario Bureau Chief, The Canadian Press

LONDON FREE PRESS NEWS TEAM

The definition of spot news journalism has been turned on its head as a result of the online media revolution. Its no longer good enough to nail the story for the next days paper. In the Internet age, consumers of news demand to know what reporters know as soon as they know it. And thats what the London Free Press team covering the shocking shooting of Ontario Provincial Police Const. Vu Pham delivered: solid journalism in real time. The Free Press team got to the scene 80 kilometres north of London within an hour of the shooting, and almost immediately began plastering their site with a torrent of news, photos and video. While the reportage was fast and furious, it was also insightful. In the end, this team eloquently told the tragic story of an embittered logger and smalltown politician so consumed by anger over the end of his marraige that he gunned down a cop and hockey dad who had been rescued as a child from Vietnam.

Finalists
WINDSOR STAR TEAM
Highway 402 was so dumped with snow in a mid-December storm, that the Canadian Forces had to be called in to rescue 237 people stranded in their vehicles. But the ferocity of the storm didnt deter the Windsor Star team dispatched to report on it. Reporter Trevor Wilhelm and photographer Dan Janisse took a ride aboard a four-seater airplane to get a glimpse of the storms devastation captured by no other media. The Windsor Star team filed regular updates to the website from the field, while Craig Perason worked the phones and cleverly used social media to reach stranded motorists in their cars. The Star did what smart newspapers do best: it engaged readers in the coverage by posting a readers video of driving conditions, reader photos and a YouTube video taken by a trucker. The ariel photo of a huge convoy of trucks sitting idle on the snow-covered highway is unforgettable.

JOANNA FRKETICH The Hamilton Spectator

Every day, journalists write stories about charges laid by police. Its much more satisfying to be the reporter whose journalism helps lead police to alleged villains. Such was the case for Joanna Frketich as she raced against a tight deadline to reveal that a young Burlington woman faked cancer to raise thousands of dollars for herself. Within hours of becoming aware that a local cancer fundraiser could be a hoax, Frketich had found fundraisers who worked on the womans behalf, donors, the girls parents, friends, colleagues and beneficiaries. Less than 24 hours later, police had laid charges and the fraudulent fundraising had come to an end. Thats spot journalism that made a difference.
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Spot News Reporting Award

under 25,000 circulation
Sponsored by: CNW Group Judge: Richard Brennan, National Affairs, The Toronto Star

SARNIA OBSERVER TEAM

As quickly as the once-in-a-lifetime storm snowstorm hit the area between London, Ont. and Sarnia in December 2010, the news team at The Observer was delivering cold hard facts about a wintry blast that literally brought hundreds of motorists along the busy stretch of Highway 402 - to and from the CanadaTara Jeffrey Tyler Kula United States border to a standstill. The stories of selflessness, bravery and good old southwestern Ontario hospitality were brought into sharp focus not only for Sarnia and area residents but for all Canadians, who turned to the Observer website to read about the storms aftermath. The white-outs, frigid temperature and impassable roads made this no ordinary storm. In some cases people sat in their trucks and cars - those lucky enough to have fuel that is - for more than 24 hours waiting to either be rescued Cathy Dobson Shawn Jeffords or for the storm to let up. Police, military personnel - this truly was a case for the military unlike storms elsewhere and Good Samaritans worked feverishly to help the stranded to safety, a warm meal and hot coffee. The stories, photos and personal accounts carried in the paper were complemented by web videos, scores of online photos and breaking news. The Observer delivered the whole package under the usual time constraints. Nothing spells teamwork like a newsroom working on a big story that requires everyone to do their part to get it right and get it now.

Diana Martin, Chatham Daily News, Winner, Spot News Photography, under 25,000
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Spot News Reporting Award

under 25,000 circulation

Finalists
BELLVILLE INTELIGENCER TEAM
News that Col. Russell Williams, 8 Wing/Canadian Forces Base Trenton, was charged with the murders of two area women and sexual assaults was met with stunned disbelief. Not easy for anyone to get their head around such a story but the Belleville Intelligencer team of reporters Jason Miller, Luke Hendry, Brice McVicar and Jason Miller Luke Hendry city editor Chris Malette never missed a beat from beginning to end. Besides doggedly reporting on the murders and on a community gripped in fear, the Intelligencer was the first to break the story of the Williams arrest and gave blow by blow coverage of the guilty plea and the subsequent gripping trial. The team punched above its weight as it went head-to-head with the national newspapers and television networks transfixed with the story that both repulsed and riveted readers and viewers. It was plain to see the Intelligencer Brice McVicar City Editor staff kept on top of the story by working their contacts and keeping Chris Malette in close touch of the relatives of the murdered women and base personnel. Raw emotions were laid bare in a thoughtful and respectful manner. What makes this entry even more important is that it was done with small staff successfully doing more with less. Print and web stories and photos and courtroom Tweets, they did it all for Intelligencer readers.

HEATHER IBBOTSON
Brantford Expositor
Every so often there is a suspicious death or unsolved murder that calls out for a newspaper to revisit. You just never know what might turn up. Such was the case of Brantfords Aaron Reid, 17, whose lifeless body was found in 1999, apparently killed by a passing train. His mother Donna Reid, 65, never believed it was an accident. In 2009 the Expositors Heather Ibbotson talked at length with Reid and wrote about her unwavering belief that her son was victim of a murder and not some untimely accident. Then in February 2010 word came to Ibbotson from Aaron's older brother Joe that the Brantford Police Service with some help from a mother who never gave up hope and Ibbotsons feature had arrested three men and a woman in connection with the train fatality turned cold case homicide investigation. Charges resulting from cold cases always make for interesting reading but Ibbotsons earlier news feature helped lay the groundwork for an in-depth front page news story that told readers not only about the unexpected murder charges but of a mothers decade-long search for justice for her beloved son. Whether it was a hunch or just old-fashion good reporting, Ibbotson did her job well and Expositor readers were the better for it.

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Gene Florcyk Memorial Award

Sports Writing (over 25,000 circulation)
Sponsored by: Tim Hortons Judge: Julie Scott, Assistant Sports Editor, The Canadian Press

STEVE MILTON
Hamilton Spectator
Finding something new to say about hockey is not easy, but veteran columnist Steve Miltons Working at the Game series provided a fresh take on Canadas game. Through scores of interviews with professors, hockey writers, leaders in the sport and even sociologists, Milton examined hockeys journey of self-exploration over the past 50 years and its place in Canadian culture. Exploring everything from how the 1972 Summit Series was a crucial turning point to the way the game is glued in some manner to our national psyche, Milton took an innovative approach to what could have been just another hockey story.

Finalists
JON WELLS
Hamilton Spectator
Its likely that many Spectator readers didnt know the legend of Jimmy Howard before reading Jon Wells colourful profile of the former stock car driver. Howard hadnt been interviewed in years, but Wells was able to get the 91-yearold to open up. The result is an entertaining narrative piece that includes such vivid descriptions one can almost smell the motor oil in Howards garage at his home on Hamiltons beach strip. Interviews with family members, a former rival and a fan - as well as details from old racing reviews - help complete the compelling portrait of Howard. Its a pleasure to read from beginning to end.

JEFF HICKS
Waterloo Region Record
It was a Tuesday night in Woodstock and time was winding down in a Junior C hockey game between the hometown Renegades and the New Hamburg Firebirds. When two players got into a fight, linesman Kevin Brown waited for an opening to break them up. Then, one of the players tumbled, his skate slicing the right side of Browns unprotected neck. It was a life-changing split second as Brown suffered a near-fatal stroke. Hicks piece is built around Browns first extensive interview on the long-term effects of his injury, giving readers an inside look at the challenges he faces in the wake of the accident.

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Robert J. Hanley Award

Sports Writing (under 25,000 circulation)
Sponsored by: The Hamilton Spectator in tribute to its retired award-winning sports editor. Judge: Bryan Cantley, Vice-President of Member Services, Canadian Newspaper Association

CORY SMITH
Woodstock Sentinel-Review
Junior hockey players arent supposed to be paid. Theyre amateurs. But in a thorough and compelling expos, Cory Smith of the Sentinel-Review revealed that some players have received thousands of dollars - in cash - to play hockey in small communities. Smith gathered evidence while surveying more than 100 Ontario Hockey Association teams on whether they had ever paid players or felt rival teams were doing so. The story became Junior Hockeys dirty little secret, all in the interests of winning a championship, even if it breaks OHA rules. This was a textbook example of outstanding investigative reporting.

Finalists
KEN PAGAN
North Bay Nugget
Capturing the full emotion of a distraught Olympic athlete by telephone is a rare talent. Journalist Ken Pagan had arranged for a post-competition phone call with North Bay athlete Steve Omischl but then had to wait anxiously for the call which almost didnt come in time. Omischl, who finished a devastating eighth in the aerials competition in Vancouver, had at first been too upset to give interviews. But just as Pagan started to head home empty-handed after his shift ended at midnight, Omischl called Pagan on his cellphone. Facing a 1 a.m. deadline after the 20-minute interview, Pagan wrote the story and repaginated the sports page. Pagan brilliantly conveyed the athletes feelings, all on a tight deadline.

DARRYL G. SMART
Brantford Expositor
Darryl G. Smart of the Brantford Expositor told the heartwarming story of a high school hockey players battle back from a broken neck, suffered the season before, when he was hit from behind in a minor midget game in February of 2009. The story recalls Michael Stevens crushing injury, slow recuperation, courageous return to the ice for his high school a year later and his hopes of playing higher level hockey. Smart nicely allowed Michaels father, a coach and a teacher to lend their views to a story that captured the imagination of an entire city.

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Dan Janisse, Windsor Star, Winner, Spot News Photography, over 25,000

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Del Bell Memorial Award

Feature Writing (over 25,000 circulation)
Sponsored by: Tim Hortons Judge: Malcolm McNeil, Senior National Desk Editor, The Canadian Press

STEVE BUIST
Hamilton Spectator
The Spectator series, Code Red, Where You Live Affects Your Health, used extensive original research and analysis to uncover stark inequalities among Hamilton neighbourhoods. The finding that crystallizes its sobering picture is in reporter Steve Buists opening paragraphs: Two neighbourhoods, separated by just five kilometres as the crow flies. They might as well be worlds apart. Between these Hamilton neighbourhoods, representing two ends of the spectrum, theres a difference of 21 years in average age at death. The neighbourhood on the losing end of that measure would rank 165th in the world for life expectancy, tied with Nepal. The finding on age at death is one of a list of neighbourhood disparities highlighted. Third World health outcomes as well as Third World lifespans were found in some parts of the city with entrenched poverty. The gulf in average age at death suggests limitations to what universal health care can accomplish and that society needs to look elsewhere for answers to what can close the divides quantified by the Spectators research, which included accessing more than 400,000 pieces of hospital and death data. The picture of Hamilton presented by the series, which was years in the making, did not go unnoticed by politicians, academics and others, and its influence will be felt for some time in the city and beyond.

Finalists
AEDAN HELMER
Ottawa Sun
A 29-year-old who is HIV positive is held on charges of aggravated sexual assault, accused of having unprotected sex and not disclosing his status as a carrier. Police think the information should get to the public and make his name and photo available. Should media outlets take the same view and publish? The mainstream media answered yes in May 2010 in the case of a man police in Ottawa described as a sexual predator. But the backlash from parts of the gay community to that decision caused the Ottawa Suns Aedan Helmer to take a second look. The result was Courting Confusion, an even-handed exposition of the arguments for and against the decision to publish the news the police wanted disseminated. Police said they did not make the decision lightly but believed the release of the photo was needed; that the public had to be notified as the man was believed to have multiple, unwitting sex partners. Activists said the publicity could have an unwelcome result men with high-risk behaviours might become more reluctant to get tested, taking the view: Dont get tested or you will get arrested. And they said a criminal aspect isnt always clear in such cases, but that it depends on circumstances. Helmer stands aside and lets the activists and police have their say. Courting Confusion educates readers on a question many may find surprisingly complex and resistant to easy answers. 19

JON WELLS
Hamilton Spectator
The narrative starts on Fathers Day 2000 with police interviewing a toddler who says Paint all over the walls. Mamas wall. The toddler is Eugene and his mother, Charlisa Clark, and her friend Pat Del Sordo have been beaten to death in a Hamilton apartment with a baseball bat. Eugene saw the aftermath. The videotaped police interview with the three-year-old who had been found wandering the streets in his diaper is the opening of Hamilton Spectator reporter Jon Wellss seven-part 23,000word story, Witness, a True Crime Story. It is the story of three killings and one killer; the families of the victims; the committed police work; the man who led to the break in the case, and much more. It is a strong narrative with details that only exhaustive research which included a prison interview with the killer, Carl Hall can produce. The fact the story starts with a crime committed almost 10 years before publication allows Wells to tell about some of the central figures over a long period of time. Readers get to learn how young Eugene is faring years after that horrible Fathers Day.

Tony Fredo Memorial Award

Feature Writing (under 25,000 circulation)
Sponsored by: Ford of Canada Judge: James McCarten, Senior National Editor, The Canadian Press

TEVIAH MORO
Orillia Packet & Times
Teviah Moros work has caught the eyes of Ontario Newspaper Awards judges in the past - a fact that comes as no surprise after reading his ambitious and compelling work on Project Umbrella Burma, an Orillia-based charitable organization that helps Burmese refugees. Moro travelled to the remote border town of Tae Sot, Thailand, to learn more about the work of the charity, which is dedicated to helping the Karen a small ethnic minority that lives in the often brutal shadow of the Burmese military regime. With the help of Karen rebels, he travelled at night through the jungle so he could visit a camp that the Thai military would not have allowed him to see. The visit produced a beautifully written story, rich with detail, colour and voices, about the young students who brave landmines, starvation, malaria and the military to discover more about themselves and their power to effect change. Elsewhere in the series, Moro visits a clinic where a family doctor from Orillia is treating the sick and injured, and also tackles the question of whether the Canadian International Development Agency is going to continue to fund refugee relief efforts. Moro went in search of, and found, the compelling backstory to what many might have seen as just another boring local charity. He proves the point that even the most mundane stories can leap off the page if youre willing to go the distance to bring them home.

Finalists
HEATHER RIVERS
Woodstock Sentinel-Review
In the right hands, journalism is a powerful tool that can inform, enlighten, evoke strong emotions and bring about change. Rare indeed is the story that can do all of the above, but Heather Rivers manages to do just that in her series on a local hospice in Woodstock. Even while dealing with the constraints of a small, resource-challenged newsroom, Rivers managed to secure extensive opportunities to interview and get to know some of the people at VON Sakura House, all of whom are in the midst of one of the most compelling stages of the human condition: preparing for death. Theres always a danger of hankie-wringer stories like these lapsing into maudlin purple prose, but Rivers keeps her writing taught and touching, ensuring it doesnt lose any of its power. In short, she handles one of humanitys most difficult and demanding subjects with class, consideration and style - a fact evident in the feedback of readers, one of whom wrote of being deeply moved by the series, which she said brought tears to my eyes. Reaching even one reader in such a way is indeed among the highest forms of praise. 20

GALEN EAGLE
Peterborough Examiner
At the end of the day, the best writing in the world cant compensate for shoddy journalism. Long before you can start crafting that perfect lead, you have to put in the legwork. No one need tell Galen Eagle that, however. Its clear he already knows. Eagle, the Peterborough Examiners crime writer, set out to land a big fish. He went after a former drug dealer-turned-Hells-Angelsinformant, certain he would have a fascinating story to tell. Eagle spent two long years trying to convince Merv Monteith to come forward, persisting long after a lesser reporter would have cut bait and headed home. His efforts were eventually rewarded when Monteith agreed, returning to a city where it was dangerous for him to simply show his face in order to tell Eagle his gripping, harrowing story of drugs, money, violence and redemption. Kudos to Eagle for getting past the usual police-blotter fare and giving the readers of Peterborough a story like few others - a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes goings on in the world of bikers, drugs and money.

Business Writing
Sponsored by: Real Estate Council of Ontario Judge: Suanne Kelman, Interim Chair, School of Journalism, Ryerson University

ELLEN VAN WAGENINGEN

Windsor Star
Ellen van Wageningens story leads the list because it takes a lot of work and craft to turn the financial problems of a tool, die and mould factory into a cliffhanger. She injected real drama into the story of Platinum Tool Technologies Inc., adding a human dimension to the impressive array of facts and figures she unearthed. She was able to show how a government stimulus program backfired, as its conditions led the company to decisions that now threaten its survival. This was far from the only story this year about a manufacturer struggling in a dangerously precarious market, but it is unique in its portrait of a business that is close to failing precisely because it did everything right.

Finalists
SONJA PUZIC
Windsor Star
Sonja Puzics series on Ecumedical is first runner-up because it is a terrific story about money, crime and the Ontario health-care system. It becomes richer with each installment; she has done the polices work for them. The series is as compelling as an episode of Law and Order, without ignoring the health-care problems that create a demand for companies like EcuMedical.

CHELSEY ROMAIN
Timmins Daily Press
Chelsey Romains series on the proposed closing of a copper and zinc smelter becomes the focus for examining Northern anger at Ontarios government and its economic policies. The series captures both the intense emotion generated by the issue and the opposing visions of the Norths future: as a home for industry that will support a thriving population or as a vast parkland. Mathew McCarthy, Waterloo Region Record, Winner, Sports Photography Over 25,000
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Ontario Power Authority Award

Green Environment Writing
Judge: Don Gibb, Professor Emeritus, Ryerson University School of Journalism

JONATHAN SHER
London Free Press
Newspapers are at their best when they grab a topic and dont let go. This was the case with a series of articles by Jonathan Sher on the contentious issue of on-shore and off-shore wind farms. From August to December, he documented the reactions of cottagers, politicians and academics as they argued over the strengths and shortcomings of one crucial aspect of Ontarios Green Energy Act. Shers reporting culminated in a lively online chat that included Energy Minister Brad Duguid, the leader of a grassroots protest, and the newspapers readers. Sher deserves credit for sticking with and focusing attention on an environmental issue that not only affects his readers, but will have a major impact on the entire province.

Finalists
MIKE WHITEHOUSE
The Sudbury Star
Mike Whitehouse did an excellent job of showing the regreening of Sudbury as well as what the future holds. While the environmental recovery is remarkable in a city known more for its stark landscape and blackened hills, Whitehouse tells us that single-species forests have failed to address the need for a healthier life on the forest floor. He shows readers the future how the planting of forest mats will help spread plants, seeds, insects and micro-organisms throughout the forest floor. It is his detailed and visual explanations that make his stories easy to understand and appreciate.

MARG BRUINEMAN
The Barrie Examiner
The targeting of area farmlands for the construction of panels to generate solar energy has long-term implications for local communities. Some farmers have been anxious to cash in on farming this new crop, embracing it as a good investment they cannot ignore. Others lament the loss of land used to grow food such as corn and soybeans. Marg Bruineman produced some solid human interest stories on both sides of the debate as well as documenting the extent of the solar power invasion.

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James Bruce Award

Excellence in Coverage of Entertainment and the Arts
Sponsored by: Tim Hortons Judge: Nick Patch, music writer, The Canadian Press

JON WELLS
Hamilton Spectator
Wells rich, fully felt profiles of a blues musician and a terminally ill glass sculptor are as comprehensively detailed as they are compulsively readable. John Ellison - a long-established blues musician who never received the fame or credit he deserved - is brought to life through a series of carefully drawn details, such as the darkened bath water his father left behind after a soak in the tub, while Wells portrayal of Shirley Elford is similarly moving and evocative, leaving the reader simultaneously sad and uplifted. Though both pieces display an exhaustive amount of research, its Wells story-telling skill and sensitivity that allows his subjects to shine.

Finalists
JOHN LAW
Niagara Falls Review
Niagara Falls DJ Robert Zimmerman (a.k.a. Deadmau5) is a Grammy-nominated rising star of dance music, and has thus been the subject of countless profiles by writers around the world. But few offer the insight of Laws fascinating profile. Law eschews focusing on the typical Zimmermans technical prowess, or his lightningquick ascension - by dialing in on his sweet relationship with his mother, who proudly watches (and worries) as her son treks through every corner of the world and dates Playboy bunnies. Articles on the demise of a Niagara Falls theatre company, which dissolved amid the bickering of two friends, and a profile of Ringo Starr are similarly compelling, buoyed by Laws rock-solid writing.

JOEL RUBINOFF
Waterloo Region Record
Billy Bob Thorntons outburst on CBC-Radio was top of mind for Rubinoff when he set up an interview with actressturned-rocker Juliette Lewis. With his subsequent feature, he does a wonderful job of explaining that anxiety and using Lewiss bemused reaction to provide insight into her irreverent personality, elevating his story well beyond the typical rock-star profile. Similarly, his pieces on Jerry Seinfelds woeful reality TV venture, The Marriage Ref, and the backlash against Taylor Swift sparkle thanks to his unique sense of humour and persuasive style.

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Tyler Brownbridge, Windsor Star, Finalist, Spot News Photography, over 25,000

Ian McAlpine, Kingston Whig-Standard Finalist, Spot News Photography under 25,000

Mark Wanzel, Barrie Examiner, Finalist Sports Photography, under 25,000

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Walter J. Blackburn
Excellence in Editorials, Opinion and Analysis (over 25,000 circulation)
Sponsored by: Tim Hortons in memory of the London Free Press publisher, whose career spanned 47 years. He died in 1983. Judge: Kathy English, Public Editor, Toronto Star

CHRIS VANDER DOELEN

Windsor Star
Windsor Star columnist Chris Vander Doelen writes convincingly with clarity and conviction. His Page 3 column, focused primarily on the cut and thrust of local politics, has become a must-read in Windsor; his views a lightning rod for public discussion. Vander Doelen pulls no punches, no more so than in the 2010 municipal election campaign when the Star itself became part of the story after a mayoralty candidate accused the papers opinion columnists of bias and complained to the Ontario Press Council. Vander Doelen refused to be silenced by this bizarre swerve toward the gutter and was straight up with his readers: For the record, no editor or executive at the Star has ever dictated, ordered, or even hinted at any opinion they expected me to have or write during my years as a columnist here.

Finalists
ANNE JARVIS
Windsor Star
Windsor Star columnist Anne Jarvis is a voice of cool reason - when reason is called for. She can just as easily express fiery outrage when outrage is demanded. Her well-reported columns provide persuasive arguments built on solid fact and astute analysis, whether shes writing about the need to restructure local health networks, the failure of universal health care or the influence of special interests in the citys municipal election.

JOHN ROE
Waterloo Region Record
Tackling issues that matter to his community, Editorial Page Editor John Roe pushes for action and answers from all levels of government. His strong, succinct editorials consistently make a difference. Whether hes chastising local politicians for allowing taxpayer-funded perks, calling on the Ontario government to come clean on its commitment to public transit, or demanding the release of Ashley Smiths prison files, Roes words dont simply evoke reaction - they provoke results.

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K.J. Strachan Award

Editorials, Opinion and Analysis (under 25,000 circulation)
Sponsored by: Tim Hortons Judge: Raymond Brassard, Managing Editor, Montreal Gazette

TARA KLAGER
Guelph Mercury
What strikes the reader first is the passion and underlying anger that drives Tara Klagers opinions. In her own words, Some issues are so noxious that reaction naturally surges to the fore and I have a struggle on my hands to find some measured way to handle it. Such is the emotion that has her calling for Canada to pull out of the Commonwealth Games after its revealed that India is using child labour to construct the games sites. Klager expresses her passion in a clear and precise writing style, chock full of vivid images. Listen to the music in her reaction to NATO allies criticizing Canadas decision to end its combat role in Afghanistan: (NATO)...seems not to take into account Canadas contribution over the years of blood and sweat already soaked into the ground. Or, All the while, Canadians have been repatriated from Afghan fields to their native land under flags the colour of poppies. Pure poetry, recited through bared teeth.

Finalists
BRUCE CORCORAN
Chatham Daily News
No holds barred. That sums up Bruce Corcorans style in three submitted editorials. With a powerful voice, Corcoran mocks Chatham-Kent for accepting a free but terrible jingle in order to promote the municipality. He is equally forceful in chastising the local health network for hiring a consultant to sell a deeply flawed report that would result in the closure of small-town emergency rooms. But Corcoran saves his most powerful venom for eligible voters who failed to turn out for October municipal elections in Chatham-Kent. In an editorial titled Nonvoters, take an embarrassing bow, he addresses the apathetic head on: Congratulations. For those of you in that mass of non-voting pulp who briefly considered taking part in democracy, you likely bitched that your vote wouldnt make a difference...Well, you sure as hell helped ensure that was the case, didnt you?

JOHN CHAMBERS
Brantford Expositor
John Chambers voice is clear, concise and determined. He defines problems, maps the solutions and challenges us to do what is right. In an editorial on the victims of Robert Pickton that the justice system marginalized by staying the charges, Chambers ensures they not be forgotten by listing the names of the 20 women whose DNA was scraped from the mud of Picktons pig farm... He challenges us to rethink how the Order of Canada is awarded, arguing that it has strayed from its origins of rewarding those who work tirelessly to make Canada a better place and instead rewards those who have become popular. Finally, Chambers expresses anger at those who ignore laws that address cell-phone use and texting while driving. Arguing that stricter enforcement and more severe punishments are needed in light of how many fatal accidents are caused, he concludes, Its just too bad you cant legislate common sense.

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Joan May Memorial Award

Columns
Sponsored by: Tim Hortons in memory of Joan May, a frequent WONA winner and columnist at the London Free Press until her death in 1964. Judge: Gerry Arnold, Executive Editor, The Canadian Press

SUSAN CLAIRMONT
Hamilton Spectator
Clairmonts submission showed skillful writing and reporting, allowing the power of the subject matter to stay in the forefront while she carefully interpreted the events for the reader. The level of reporting she brings to her work is impressive and the economy of her writing style stands out in an era where sometimes more is perceived to be better.

Finalists
EARL MCRAE
Ottawa Sun
McRae allows his passions and personality to flow into his columns and for the readers, thats a good thing. Witty, sensitive and in touch with the pulse of his readership and community, McRaes work resonates.

PAUL BENEDETTI
Hamilton Spectator
Benedettis work, often brushed with humour that is usually at his own expense, consistently engages the reader. What he brings to his writing is a consistent voice that carries you along effortlessly. It is virtually a certainty that the cadence of his writing is a powerful element of his relationship with readers.

The Ontario Newspaper Awards would like to thank all of our judges, with special thanks to The Canadian Press. Without your dedication, these awards wouldn't be possible.

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K.A. (Sandy) Baird Award

Humour Writing
Sponsored by: Waterloo Region Record in tribute of the paper's late publisher, who served WONA for more than a decade as chairman and publisher liaison with participating papers. JUDGE: Vinay Menon, columnist, Toronto Star

CHUCK BROWN
Guelph Mercury
Good humour writers shine a flashlight into the mineshaft of the ordinary. Great humour writers jump in headfirst and return with comedy gold. Chuck Brown is a great humour writer. Whether hes doling out sarcastic and utterly terrible advice on painting or musing about the office Christmas party or fearing bodily harm related to not buying his 11-year-old daughter a cell phone - You really wouldnt shank your dad for a phone? - Brown uses wit, hyperbole and relatable anecdotes that glitter and shine as we laugh.

Finalists
TOM MILLS
The Sault Star
When a column begins, I guess I should explain why I punched that donkey, we know two things: 1. Its impossible to not keep reading. 2. We are in the presence of an unusually funny storyteller. Tom Mills has a dazzling touch with the language and he is blessed with a generous sense of the absurd, two essential traits for a humour writer. Donkeys may disagree. But what do they know?

JOEL RUBINOFF
Waterloo Region Record
Becoming a first-time dad at the age of 50 might lead to moments of despair. But for Joel Rubinoff, it has also led to charming humour writing. From interviewing his stepdaughter over the C-minus grade she awarded him in a daddy report card to lamenting a bedtime ritual that involves singing Don McLeans American Pie to a sonically insatiable toddler, Rubinoff invites readers into his home where the domestic foibles are always a laughing matter.

Congratulations to all ONA award winners from everyone at the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association

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Spot News Photography

Over 25,000 circulation
Sponsored by: CNW Group Judge: Moe Doiron, Staff Photographer, The Globe and Mail

DAN JANISSE
Windsor Star
With hundreds of motorists trapped in their cars and roads and ramps shut down Dan Janisse of The Windsor Star took to the air to record the rescue efforts following a massive snowstorm in South Western Ontario. As a result Janisses aerial views, as well as his photos on the ground, gave readers a glimpse into nomans land. His enterprising skills earns him the award for Spot News Photography.

Finalists
PETER LEE
Waterloo Region Record
Covering the funeral for slain OPP constable Vu Pham, The Records Peter Lee sensitively captured a familys grief with a poignant photo that tells the story of shattered wife, son, brother and mother. Lee kept his distance but was clearly aware of the tragic story unfolding before him and composed his image perfectly.

TYLER BROWNBRIDGE
Windsor Star
In the true spirit of spot news Tyler Brownbridge of The Windsor Star is at the right place at the right time when a blast of flame threatened fire fighters as they battled a blaze. Clearly the fire fighters were not the only ones in a tight spot as Brownbridge also braved the dangerous conditions to capture this dramatic photo.

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Jack Bowman Memorial Award

Spot News Photography (under 25,000 circulation)
Sponsored by: Tim Hortons Judge: J. Fred Kuntz, former editor-in-chief, Toronto Star; former publisher,Waterloo Region Record and Guelph Mercury

DIANA MARTIN
Chatham Daily News
A school bus lies toppled, its undercarriage inspected by a fire captain on Blind Fourth Line near Chatham. The driver and five children aboard escaped with cuts and bruises, after the bus began fishtailing in the muddy road, then swerved and flipped. Touching on the fears of parents, this simple, stark composition makes this an arresting image.

Finalists
IAN MacALPINE
Kingston Whig-Standard
Thousands of cigarettes litter Highway 401 near Kingston, contraband that spilled from a pickup truck as it crashed and rolled at the end of a high-speed police chase. The photographer took back roads to the closed section of highway, then shot from an overpass.

GINO DONATO
Sudbury Star
Glowering through a jagged frame of broken glass, a Sudbury police officer guards the door to an apartment where a fellow officer shot and killed a man; that man, who was wielding a knife, had just killed his roommate. An unusual portrait from a tense scene of bloodshed.

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Feature Photography
Over 25,000 circulation
Sponsored by: Ontario Power Authority Judge: Chris Young, Photographer, The Canadian Press

JASON KRYK
Windsor Star
Not only is Jasons picture a visually striking image in its own right, as well as technically adept in terms of composition and exposure, but it wins because it shows imagination and more importantly the desire to create a photograph rather than simply make record of what was happening, which, after all, is an important component in feature photography. Zoo assignments can be notoriously difficult as not only can the environment of a cage or enclosure present aesthetic obstacles but so does the position from where he or she can take a picture from. The erratic and occasionally chaotic nature of the animals presents challenges, that can drive photographers with less patience to distraction, so to produce an image as interesting as this is commendable. Jason is to be congratulated on approaching the subject with creative endeavor and his ability to produce an interesting and evocative picture.

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Feature Photography
Over 25,000 circulation

Finalists
MICHAEL LEA
Kingston Whig-Standard
What is interesting about Michaels image is his desire to craft a picture in order to tell a story. The juxtaposition of the soaring birds in the mural against the body language of the man walking past them would not have been as stark had it not been shot in a penitentiary. But given the environment Michael has composed a picture to reflect not only the subjects feelings but has also contextualised them to help the viewer gain a better understanding of the man and the place, which demonstrates a commendable journalistic awareness. Encapsulating a story with a single image is a difficult process, as the photographer has only one shot in which to tell the beginning, middle and end to a tale. Michaels use of the uplifting mural set against the prisoners weary gait compliments each other perfectly enough to present a compelling contrast which tells a story in itself.

TYLER BROWNBRIDGE
Windsor Star
Tylers picture of a young boy cooling off in the heat is a classic summer image. What makes Tylers picture standout is the techinical expertise that the picture demostrates. He has shown a commendable command of light to expose the water droplets balanced against the boys skin tones and has judged his shutter speed well to illustrate the water droplets. As well as the excellent technical aspect of this picture, the boys expression shows the delight of the summer heat set against the apparent shock of the cool water. Its a strong and classic summer image
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Feature Photography
Circulation under 25,000
Sponsored by: Toronto Star Judge: Susan Brophy Down, Managing Director, Dailies, Newspapers Canada

BRIAN THOMPSON
Brantford Expositor
Brians fresh new angle on a seasonal Halloween subject makes this photo outstanding. Careful planning, including his use of social media to find a family carving pumpkins and his thoughtful inside-out perspective, was what set this apart from the usual kids-and-pumpkins shot. By framing the young faces in the triangles on the orange ground, he has elevated an enterprise photo to an artistic statement.

Finalists
TONY SAXON
Guelph Mercury
Deceptively simple, this mosque photo reveals centuries of Muslim tradition within a young girl at prayer. The almost monochromatic colour palette of saffrons and flesh tones frames the central face perfectly. Tony chose to focus on the eye and the blurred figures of the other worshippers are perfectly cropped so there is not too much identifying and distracting detail. The paper ran this in black and white, a testament to the excellent composition that ensures its visual appeal either way.

MIKE DiBATTISTA
Niagara Falls Review
Patience paid off for Mike on a hot summer day at the lake. He took his time, waiting for just the right moment to capture the contrasting modes of transport - horsepower and sail - creating an arresting visual story. Choosing the exposure suited to the sun-brightened water and sailboats hulls, he left the darker horse underexposed and turned it into an appealing silhouette. Like a fish out of water tale, this photo makes readers take a second look.

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Sports Photography
Over 25,000 circulation
Sponsored by: Marketwire Judge: Steve McAllister, Managing Editor, Sports, Yahoo! Canada

MATHEW McCARTHY
Waterloo Region Record
Getting a photo from the super combined skiing event into a Canadian newspaper is no small feat, even when it's taken at the Winter Olympics and those Games are being held in your own country. McCarthy's intelligent use of his equipment, combined with improvisation and anticipation, resulted in a dynamic, breathtaking shot of a Norwegian skier. The photographer's creativity allows him to win a battle with the sun, and hence, provide Record readers with a gold-medal photo that put a little-known skier in a little-known sport among North Americans into a Canadian newspaper.

Finalists
DAVID BEBEE
Waterloo Region Record
There were several excellent jublilation-themed photos in the list of entries this year. Bebee's photo stands out because he captures different displays of joy with the girls field hockey team celebrating a shootout win in a championship game. Bebee takes a gamble by opting to focus on five players not directly involved in the shootout. The result is a wonderful photo that vividly tells a feel-good story through the expressions and actions of the five players.

KAZ NOVAK
The Hamilton Spectator
Novak shows one of the best qualities a top-flight journalist can possess - a willingness to make one more phone call, talk to one more source, and in this case, shoot a few more frames. The photographer's decision to stay a little longer at a Sunday afternoon rodeo pays off wonderfully with his shot of a rodeo clown unsuccessfully dodging a bull. Novak's commitment to his craft was rewarded by his editors' decision to remake A1 to feature his ouch-inspiring shot in the Monday newspaper.

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Sports Photography
Under 25,000 circulation
Sponsored by: Ford Canada Judge: Randall Moore, Assistant Photo Editor, The Globe and Mail

TONY SAXON
Guelph Mercury
Two OHL players squared off, faces taut in exertion and anticipation, a suspended fist the menacing connection between them. Fighting in hockey is polarizing. You are either in the its-part-of-the-game camp, or believe that fighting has no place in the sport. Regardless of your position, it is tough to ignore the impact of Tony Saxons photo, particularly now, when violence in hockey is under scrutiny unlike any other time. Tight composition and frozen peak action force the viewer to mentally complete the sweep of the arm. To some disturbing, to others great action, an extremely compelling image whatever your stance.

Finalists
BRIAN THOMPSON
Brantford Expositor
Major league action from a minor league event. Brian Thompson has extracted just that with a photo of a minor novice player flying through the air, a fraction after shooting on net, the puck visible en route to the goaltender. Superb timing, good perspective and exposure rewarded him with Page One play.

MARK WANZEL
Barrie Examiner
A complex visual idea and the technical capability to pull it off are the sterling hallmarks of Mark Wanzels photo of a swimmer. Mark lifted the routine assignment for a profile of the athlete to the realm of high art. Careful placement of an overhead strobe to freeze the splash and good lens selection to compress the composition landed this photo on A-1 the next day, justifiably so.

35

Excellence in News Feature Writing

Sponsored by: Real Estate Council of Ontario Judge: Noreen Rasbach, The Globe and Mail

JON WELLS
Hamilton Spectator
What would possess a police officer in his early 40s to leave the peace and security of London, Ont., to join the fight in war-ravaged Afghanistan? In Pete Goes to War, reporter Jon Wells introduces us to his close friend Capt. Pete Reintjes, who did just that. The answer, as Wells points out, is both complicated and simple - Pete wants to serve his country, loves soldiering and helping others, and believes in the Afghan mission. Also: I think at his core Pete is a true believer - in heroes, in the romance and reward of swashbuckling adventures, even those where human limits are pushed to the brink and where painful death is a distinct possibility. Part profile, part memoir, this piece is beautifully written, with the right mix of nostalgic reflection and details of the brutal reality of the front, courtesy of Petes e-mails. When we learn Pete is due to come home in a few weeks, we feel overwhelming relief that he just might survive Afghanistan. When, in the end, he decides to stay until the end of the mission, our hearts break. It just shows how brilliantly Wells has done his job.

Finalists
BRIAN CALDWELL
Waterloo Region Record
The murder captured headlines across the country: Hunter Brown, a 74-year-old family man, was stabbed to death while delivering Christmas cards to neighbours. In fact, Brown was stabbed 40 times in the face and head with a foot-long hunting knife brandished by Trevor La Pierre, a troubled 22-year-old stranger. Caldwell used testimony from a preliminary hearing he attended, court documents, La Pierres online journal and interviews with family to put together a fascinating and detailed look into La Pierres mental state, about which there was a lot of controversy. La Pierres parents agonized over their son and his deteriorating mental health, with his periodic trips into the mental-health system. After his arrest, La Pierre was given a psychiatric assessment that stunned his lawyers - the expert said that he was not mentally ill at all, but angry and alienated, and that he faked or embellished symptoms of extreme detachment. Caldwells well-paced and compelling read looks at the evidence of both points of view and the reader comes to a disturbing conclusion: He may have killed Brown but no one really knows why.

MIKE ADLER JILLIAN FOLLERT ROB O'FLANAGAN JOAN WALTERS

Metroland Media Joint Project Hamilton Spectator Guelph Mercury Waterloo Region Record
This is the second year in a row that a Metroland Media joint project has been recognized for excellence in news feature writing, and deservedly so. This years topic is the long-term care crisis, and its a doozy. The series documents a system that is so overburdened that its virtually paralyzed - and impossible for families to navigate. It looks at what it is like to be in long-term care, from the point of view of residents and front-line workers. Even worse are the families who are trying to get their loved ones a spot, but are forced to fend for themselves while being left on waiting lists. The series tracks down never-seen-before numbers and offers up a number of personal and, frankly, anguishing examples. You cant help, after reading it, to be fearful for the future. Metroland is to be commended for taking a story that touches every Ontario community and delving in deep, putting together an investigative team and dedicating resources to this important and worthy project. 36

Bill McGrath Award

Layout
Sponsored by: Real Estate Council of Ontario in honour of the London Free Press retired art director Judge: Mary-Deanne Shears, Former Managing Editor, Toronto Star; Board Member, Canadian Journalists for Free Expression

BRANTFORD EXPOSITOR
The Expositor zeroed in on a very contentious local issue - major downtown expropriation and demolition to produce a supplement that documented the history of a city street and EACH of the 41 targeted buildings. The result: a layout that worked seamlessly with the reporters words to convey history and significance and dramatically helped tell a story of bygone days, businesses, people and place. The supplement, A WALK ON THE SOUTH SIDE, almost overflows with information but its layout pulls the reader in to a citys disappearing past. Surely a keepsake for readers who care about their local community.

Finalists
WINDSOR STAR
From its poignant front page to its eye-candy section fronts The Windsor Star produced a weekend paper designed to draw in its readers, whatever the topic. Art is played boldly to make each section an inviting look and read.

BARRIE EXAMINER
The Examiner set out to capture the electionnight results of a changing political tide and did just that with a combination of strong photos and graphics that captured the drama of an election described as electric. And its Sports section was a real treat with the main art showing a very happy young boy at a ski swap. A refreshing change of pace.

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John E. Motz Memorial Award

Design and Graphics (over 25,000 circulation)
Sponsored by: Waterloo Region Record as a memorial to its publisher for 29 years, who died Dec. 23, 1975. Judge: Patti Tasko, Managing Editor, Pagemasters, North America

BRAD NEEDHAM
Waterloo Region Record
Needhams work is varied, original and evocative of its subject matter. He makes great use of design imagery beyond photos to bring a uniqueness to his pages that draws the reader in. His inspired integration of an original concept drawing on a page about the making of a sculpture of Oscar Peterson, combined with photos of the sculpture as it took shape, tells the entire story without words.

Finalists
TANIA PRAEG
Waterloo Region Record
Praeg shows an impressive range in her work. Her pages vary in tone and style, ranging from an eye-popping page built around an unusual photo on a World Cup page, to the retro feel created by a black and white photo illustrating a story on the 50th anniversary of the 401. A third page successfully pulls off a tricky challenge: incorporating a large close-up of a speedskater into the masthead in a distinctive way.

MARK STEWART
Windsor Star
Is it possible to have too much red and gold on a page about Canadas record wins at the Olympics? Using organization and scale, Stewart shows how to get away with it with a design that cleverly combines photos of no less than 19 gold-winning athletes. Other Games-focused pages demonstrate the same eye for balanced design and pleasing integration of content.

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Enterprise/Investigative Reporting
Sponsored by: Marketwire Judge: Jim Bronskill, Reporter, The Canadian Press / Sessional lecturer, Carleton University School of Journalism and Communication

JON WELLS
Hamilton Spectator
Jon Wells probing story of a 28-year-old cold case exemplifies the traits that mark the finest enterprise journalism the desire to piece together an important puzzle of public interest, dogged determination, attention to detail and masterly storytelling. The descriptive colour, well-chosen quotes and artful writing propel the narrative along in murder-mystery fashion without losing sight of the storys focus: the haunting legacy of Trisha Roachs sad demise.

Finalists
JEFF OUTHIT
Waterloo Region Record
Jeff Outhits original and well-conceived series on what bothers people about buses makes excellent use of the complaints data he obtained from the Grand River Transit authority. What easily could have been a dry dissertation of jumbled numbers becomes an engaging three-part analysis of rider rancour looking at common complaints, flared tempers and commuter injuries. Interviews with a range of players from frustrated travellers to harried drivers unravel the dynamics at work behind the figures. Vivid examples and nicely executed graphics help tell a story of wide public interest.

ERICA BAJER
Chatham Daily News
Erica Bajer unearths the eyeopening story of a serious car crash caused by a drunk driver that would otherwise have escaped public attention. Beginning with a tip about the accident that left two people with injuries and the guilty driver with a light sentence, she exposes shoddy police work through key interviews and court transcripts. In shining a light on the troubling case and the discipline quietly meted out to an officer, the piece succeeds in holding the police service accountable.

39

John E. Motz Memorial Award

Design and Graphics (under 25,000 circulation)
Sponsored by: Waterloo Region Record as a memorial to its publisher for 29 years, who died Dec. 23, 1975. Judge: Richard Hoffman, Public Affairs Officer, Thames Valley District School Board

SHERRI LAVIGNE
Sault Star
Sherris pages stand out for their bold, uninhibited use of colour, typography and illustration. She has taken every opportunity to visually leverage the content to create lively and colourful layouts that hold reader's attention. For a feature about a retreat for aboriginal women, Sherri skillfully dominates the page with the image of a First Nation woman to create a sense of dignity and calm. For a story about Northern forest firefighters, she uses her skill as an illustrator to combine photography and typography to create an eye-catching focal point.

Finalists
BRAD NEEDHAM, DIANE SHANTZ Guelph Mercury
Brad and Dianes entry continues the Mercury's tradition of strong page design and sophisticated application of colour, type, photography and illustration. These pages also illustrate beautifully the axiom that, sometimes, less is more. A close-cropped photo of a a spoon and a salt shaker are all that were needed to Brad Needham Diane Shantz illustrate a full page lifestyle feature on sodium in our diets. Likewise, you can almost feel the stubble on the cartoon legs Diane created to illustrate a story about women who don't shave their legs.

BRIAN RODNICK, IAN SHANTZ, ED JONES Barrie Examiner

All three pages in this entry focus on the sacrifices Canadian military men and women have made for their country. Sometimes, the best design allows the Brian Rodnick Ian Shantz Ed Jones words and photos to speak for themselves. There's nothing quite as solemn as the portraits of two recently fallen soldiers surrounded by columns of type containing the names of their dead comrades. Theres also nothing quite as powerful as the photographs of grief-stricken family members and crowds of Canadians expressing our collective support and sympathy.
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Municipal Affairs Reporting

Over 25,000 circulation
Sponsored by: The Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association Judge: John Size, Assignment Editor, Yahoo! Canada

JEFF OUTHIT
Waterloo Region Record
Theres nothing a university city dislikes more than bad publicity about its students, but thats exactly what Jeff Outhit delivered to readers who deserved to know how their police service was handling complaints and what was being done by council to make the city safer and more peaceful. Outhit persevered while winding his way through the red tape of the system using a freedom of information request challenge over three years and analyzing more than 500,000 police dispatch records, finding evidence of students behaving badly in a troubled student neighbourhood. The result was a packed Waterloo council chambers that pushed council to launch a planning review in late 2010. Outhit struck again learning taxpayers paid $1.4 million to pay income taxes owed by municipal employees for parking perks sparking outrage amongst taxpayers, The embattled council tried to explain itself to the public through an advertising campaign but ultimately capitulated and pledged to end the practice of taxpayer-paid parking for city workers. As the municipal election approached, Outhit decided to take a look at rising city payrolls and compare them against the constant hiking of property taxes. The comparison Outhit provided was repeatedly used by candidates during election debates. Outhit demonstrated strong reporting, writing and analytical skills to educate and activate the community. Solid municipal journalism and many hours of hard work earned this award.

Finalists
EMMA REILLY
Hamilton Spectator
Emma Reilly demonstrated strong reporting and good news instinct when she investigated financial mismanagement at the citys arms-length entertainment agency revealing a $7.1-million deficit, stories that prompted the city to launch an investigation. Reilly tackled the difficult subject of the conflict surrounding the Pan Am debate in the city, reporting as the issue spiked between the city and the CFLs Hamilton Tiger Cats. She handled the ever-changing story with confidence, knowledge and detail for readers hungry for every new twist and turn. Also impressive was the fast turnaround of a story on municipal managers snooping into employees personal information through a survey asking such questions as sexual orientation, hobbies and habits, all at cost of $80,000. Everyday stories good municipal reporters need to churn out to serve readers well.

JON WELLS
Hamilton Spectator
One thing Jon Wells does well is write stories that are impossible to put down. Wells is a born storyteller who captivates readers with his narrative. One such story was a profile titled, Bobs your mayor, an informative piece about Hamiltons new mayor, Bob Bratina. Using information gathered election night, interviews with Bratina and those around him, including family, Wells crafts a balanced story that is both biography and analysis to offer readers an inside peek at the man, his history and his personality. He poses the question: Who will sit as Hamiltons mayor, the fireside chat man or the flame thrower? Its one of the best profiles Ive read in a while. Wells was also assigned to cover the big three or the Tri Grande candidates for mayor, going much deeper than simply following them around at candidates meetings. Instead Wells hits the streets to talk to people in beauty salons, coffee shops and shopping centres. Back-to-the-streets journalism that makes readers believe they are part of the story. Wells also deserves credit for his coverage of the controversial stadium deal between the city and the Hamilton Tiger Cats revolving around the Pan Am games. He captured the history-making events with solid reporting that kept readers up-to-date as the story unfolded. 41

Multimedia Journalism
Sponsored by: The Ontario Power Authority Judge: Gregory Bonnell, Ontario News Editor, The Canadian Press

ELLIOTT FERGUSON
Woodstock Sentinel-Review
When disaster struck Haiti the world mobilized to help the impoverished island nation. Although the disaster was almost 4,000 kilometres away, Ferguson brought the story home to Woodstock readers through Oxfordbased aid agency Mission to Haiti Canada. Three months later, Ferguson embarked on an ambitious journey to the stricken country with the group, chronicling the trip with words, still images, and video. The result is truly moving - a multimedia report that captures the anguish and hope of the Haitian people.

Finalists
VINCENT BALL
Brantford Expositor
When word came that a new surgical technique was being used at Brantford General Hospital reporter Vincent Ball jumped at the opportunity to produce a truly captivating story. Gaining access to the operating room, Ball captured both on video and in print a fascinating knee-replacement technique.

BILL HENRY
Owen Sound Sun Times
Celtic music in Cuba? Bill Henry instinctively knew this unlikely pairing would make for a winning story, and set out on his vacation time to follow local Celtic musicians on a musical journey in Havana. The print story, photos and slide slow (complete with music) captured a vibrant exchange of cultures.

TYLER KULA
Sarnia Observer
When four-year-old Issac Watters fell from a third-floor apartment window and cracked his spine the people of Sarnia gasped in horror. Showing the resilience of body that only children can posses, Issac was up and playing, albeit with a 20-pound halo ring to stabilize his spine, just one week later. Tyler Kula visited Issac and his mother at their apartment and captured in print, photos and video moving images of the boy's naive fortitude.

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Municipal Affairs Reporting

Under 25,000 circulation
Sponsored by: The Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association Judge: Jim Poling Sr., Former Vice President, Editorial of Canadian Press

GEORGE MATHEWSON, SHAWN JEFFORDS

Sarnia Observer
Persistent sniffing and digging allowed The Sarnia Observer to reveal that the Walpole Island First Nation band council lost GEORGE SHAWN $670,000 of its peoples money through bad investments. MATHEWSON JEFFORDS Reporter Shawn Jeffords and Senior News Editor George Mathewson collected more than 1,000 pages of contracts, emails, council minutes and correspondence revealing suspicious business dealings in the United States. The band council had paid out large amounts of money to a Washington-area business that promised huge returns on green energy investments, including electric cars. No returns were realized. When the Observer began writing about the scandal, the band officials brought in a shredding company to destroy documents. Walpole residents demanded an investigation, and the Ontario Provincial Police anti-rackets group was asked to look into the losses. Senior band officials admitted the losses but said there had been no wrongdoing. The lost money came from Walpoles Casino Rama account, which banks Rama revenues shared by 134 Ontario First Nations. The Observers investigative work showed once again the troubles governing bodies get themselves into when they do not conduct the peoples business with total transparency.

Finalists
HUGO RODRIGUES
Woodstock Sentinel-Review
An anonymous source tipped Hugo Rodrigues about an illegal credit card use by a county politician. Rodrigues used the municipal FOI law to get the politicians monthly statement for the county-issued credit card. He found $780 in charges from a strip club in Myrtle Beach and confirmed details through phone calls to North Carolina. Confronted by the Sentinel-Review, the politician was less than truthful. He said he was having troubles with his personal card, so used the county one, despite knowing that personal charges on the county card are strictly forbidden. He said he immediately disclosed the personal use and was invoiced for the charges. That was in May, but the reimbursement was not made until July, in fact on the exact day he was interviewed by the SentinelReview. The politician was defeated in the Oct. 25 municipal election.
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BRENDAN WEDLEY
Peterborough Examiner
Sources developed over several years on the City Hall beat helped Brendan Wedley to protect the publics right to know what their elected officials were up to. Wedley reported that the new city council held a closed meeting soon after its election and discussed some matters of public interest. The new mayor, some councillors and city staff said the meeting was simply an administrative session - an orientation meeting. However, Wedley reported that council committee appointments and hiring for the mayors office were discussed at the meeting. Later, the mayors campaign manager was hired as an executive assistant. Also, a source tipped Wedley that another executive assistant was fired and replaced by a person who also served on the mayors campaign. Wedleys work served notice to the new council that the Examiner is there to ensure that the public is informed about business conducted by its elected officials.

Online Multimedia Special Project

Sponsored by: The Hamilton Spectator Judge: Derek Chezzi, Managing Editor, Yahoo! Canada

HAMILTON SPECTATOR
"The James Street Project"
Of all the submissions to the Online Multimedia Special Project category, The Hamilton Spectator stands out for its innovation in what might be called experiential reporting. The James Street project offers all residents of Hamilton (Spectator readers and non-readers alike) an opportunity to interact with their city through text, historical images, maps and video via their smartphone. While other newspapers have offered neighbourhood tours on their sites, the Spectators is unique in an execution that lifts it off the page and computer screen, turning this into a rich, living experience that takes participants out of their homes and into the environment where the stories are being shaped. The use of QR code technology allows the Spectator to create a series of stories that connects people with information about the places they are standing at that very moment on the streets of Hamilton. Blend a newsrooms ability to find quality sources and tell compelling stories in a variety of forms with this new technology, and you have the recipe for a winner.

Finalists
THE WINDSOR STAR
"2010 Municipal Election"
The Windsor Stars comprehensive coverage of the citys 2010 municipal election includes a live chat execution that creates a rich experience for participants, lots of video content, ward profiles, a dense resource center of voter tools collected from off-site sources, and ongoing coverage during the campaign and on election night.

SARNIA OBSERVER
"Summer Life in Sarnia"
A fun series of articles and video blogs that offer a refreshing take on coverage of activities that mark summer life in Sarnia. The enthusiasm, humour and first-person accounts by the reporters add a breath of fresh air to the coverage.

David Bebee, Waterloo Region Record Finalist Sports Photography over 25,000
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Online Photography
Sponsored by: The Toronto Star Judge: E. Brian Clark, former photo editor, Waterloo Region Record

BILL HENRY
Owen Sound Sun Times
Online photography often includes additional elements, including a selection of multiple photos as well as production techniques including fades and sound. These work together to provide information to the viewer beyond a single photo but the impact of the photos is still the prime factor in judging. The winner, Bill Henry of the Owen Sound Sun Times, combined a series of very strong photos of the Holstein Rodeo with a live commentary by participants to tell the story of the rodeo. The photos would be winners on their own, but combined with sound, they captured the action of the day.

Finalists
NICK BRANCACCIO
Windsor Star
Nick Brancaccios photos of a deer rescue on the shores of Lake Erie on New Years Eve were published on the Windsor Stars web site on January 1, a full day before the newsprint version would appear. This brought the drama of the life and death struggle to readers in a timely manner.

MATHEW McCARTHY
Waterloo Region Record
Mat McCarthy of the Waterloo Region Record produced an intimate slide show following a Municipal Bylaw Officer as she patrolled the parking lots of downtown Kitchener. Combining a keen eye for photo composition with a commentary by the officer, McCarthy captured the day to day experiences as she ticketed parking violators and interacted with downtown regulars.

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Online Video Production

Sponsored by: Real Estate Council of Ontario Judge: Angela Pacienza, Director of Online News, The Canadian Press

DOUG HEMPSTEAD
Ottawa Sun
Hempstead sat in a sweltering car for 20 minutes last summer to demonstrate just how extreme a heat wave can be on the human body. Supervised by a paramedic, the video takes viewers through the various stages along the way to heat stroke. The video, a companion piece to his print story, is entertaining and informative. A camera stationed on the dashboard helps convey just how much he was sweating. Theres a fun raw quality to the video thanks to Hempsteads off-the-cuff (and likely heat induced) commentary.

Finalists
ROBERT WILSON
Waterloo Region Record
This video introduces us to Meaghan Sheppard, a remarkable young girl with congenital limb deficiency, meaning she has no hands or feet. The video takes the viewer through a day in Meaghans life, from her breakfast routine to school and back home again. Wilson did a great job editing the piece together, using Meaghan as the narrator of the video. There are terrific shots that really illustrate what life is like for this young woman.

MELISSA TAIT
Waterloo Region Record
Theres some great camera work in this video about a man attempting to climb the seven summits, the seven tallest peaks on each continent. Tait manages to capture the feel of rock climbing using several techniques. She had the subject attach a camera to his head allowing for some great views 25 metres off the ground. Tait herself learned some basic rock climbing skills so she could get in close to where he would be climbing.

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