Glacier Media Group newspapers exceeded expectations at the Canadian Community Newspaper Awards held in Vancouver on April 29.
In the general excellence categories, the Whistler Question led the way in capturing best front page, best editorial page and best all-round newspaper in its circulation category.
The Rocky Mountain Outlook took second place behind the Question in all three categories while Coast Reporter finished in third place completing the sweep of the competitive 6,500 to 12,500-circulation grouping.
The Taber Times was awarded best front page in its circulation category and a second place finish in best all-round newspaper.
The Squamish Chief scored a first place finish for best front page in its circulation category.
The Western Wheel in Okotoks, Alta. was awarded best all-round newspaper in the 12,500 to 25,000-circulation category.
The St. Albert Gazette finished in third place in the competitive 25,000 and over circulation category for best all-round newspaper.
Premier awards were achieved by many of the Glacier Media Group's papers as well. The Squamish Chief's David Burke scored a second place finish in the best national editorial category for papers under 10,000-circulation.
Dave Whitfield (Rocky Mountain Outlook) grabbed second place in best local editorial, circulation 4,00 to 12,500; David Mah (Prince George Citizen) was first in best spot news photo coverage, circulation 12,500-plus and Janice Huser (St. Paul Journal) finished in second place for best photo essay, circulation under 4,000 edging out Alicia Newman (Powell River Peak).
Powell River Peak took first place for best holiday edition, circulation under 4,000 beating out the Humboldt Journal.
Whistler Question and Rocky Mountain Outlook grabbed the first and second place spots, respectively in the best sports coverage, circulation 4,000 to 12,500 as did the St. Albert Gazette and Saint City News in the circulation 12,500 and over.
Powell River Peak once again dominated the best website, circulation under 4,000, with another first place finish with the Squamish Chief grabbing third place.
Fast Forward Weekly, Calgary, was awarded first place in best multimedia feature, circulation 10,000-plus.
In the special competition categories, the Humboldt Journal finished third for best business writing, circulation under 10,000 as did the Cory Hare, St. Albert Gazette in the over 10,000-circulation category.
Prairie Post out of Swift Current placed second in the best agricultural edition, circulation 10,000-plus and Pat Peckover (Humboldt Journal) scored a second place finish in the best agricultural story category.
"Glacier Media remains committed to high standard of journalism and design," said Peter Kvarnstrom, vice president of B.C. Newspaper Operations Glacier Media Group. "This year's performance at the CCNA awards recognizes the work and talent of all our staff in ensuring that commitment is carried out every day at all our operations. We are proud of the recognition that our operators have brought us consistently over the years."
