Every year, BeSpatial recognizes outstanding individuals who go above and beyond in service to the GIS profession. The 2026 Service Award recipients have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, mentorship, and commitment to advancing the geospatial field.  Today, we proudly celebrate their achievements and thank them for their dedication to strengthening the future of GIS. Congratulations to our 2026 award recipients!

Hall of Fame

The Ontario GIS Hall of Fame Award pays tribute to the distinguished leaders of the geospatial community. Reserved for those whose contributions exemplify creative thinking, visionary innovation, inspiring leadership, unwavering perseverance, and a strong sense of community. Recipients, whether individuals or organizations, are trailblazers whose pioneering work has significantly advanced the geospatial industry, steering it towards a brighter, more resilient future.

Congratulations to our 2026 award recipient: Matt Pietryszyn!

Matt is a trailblazing leader in geospatial technology who has significantly advanced geomatics services across Ontario’s municipalities, notably in Brampton and Hamilton, and through co-founding Qwhery Inc. By driving initiatives like the Maturity Model, he has empowered both city staff and citizens with reliable, real-world data. This award recognizes his career-long commitment to innovation, perseverance, and community, celebrating his visionary leadership in building a stronger, more resilient future for the geospatial industry.

GIS Leadership

The GIS Leadership Award is presented to members who have demonstrated exemplary leadership to Ontario's Geospatial and Information community including creativity, innovation, and dedicated support of programs. Reserved for BeSpatial Ontario members with a demonstrated pattern of leadership, recipients have typically spearheaded new initiatives or significantly enhanced existing programs, propelling BeSpatial Ontario into new realms and bolstering our reputation within the professional community. This award honours those whose visionary leadership propels the geospatial industry forward, setting a standard of excellence for all.

Congratulations to our 2026 award recipient: Melanie Wawryk!

Melanie is a respected GIS leader who has spent over two decades serving as a pillar of Ontario’s geospatial community. Through her extensive volunteer work with BeSpatial Ontario and URISA, she held nearly every Board position, shaping the organization's governance, programs, and professional reputation, and she continues to champion its mission even after stepping down in late 2024. In her professional role with the City of Kitchener, Melanie has driven major advancements—such as launching an open data hub and interactive mapping portals—to empower staff and support equitable decision-making. This recognition honors her long-standing dedication, creativity, and leadership in elevating both BeSpatial Ontario and the broader geospatial industry. 

John Bacon Exemplary Service

The John Bacon Exemplary Service Award is a prestigious recognition occasionally bestowed upon individuals for their enduring commitment to BeSpatial Ontario and the broader geospatial and Information industry. This distinguished honour is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication over the long term. Awardees epitomize the pinnacle of service, having made significant contributions to both BeSpatial Ontario and the geospatial community at large. This award stands as a symbol of gratitude for their unwavering commitment and invaluable impact on our organization and profession. Starting In 2023, the award was renamed to the John Bacon Exemplary Service award.

Congratulations to our 2025 award recipient: Lena Gomes!

Lena has 25+ years’ of dedicated experience in the GIS industry leading digital and geospatial teams within both the public and private sectors, and the utilities sector incorporating location-based services, digital technology and innovation. Lena is a 20-year + member of BeSpatial and has volunteered as a Director, as President, and as Past President from 2008-2015. She continues to be an active member of BeSpatial today and continues to offer her expertise by presenting at multiple events.

*The John Bacon Exemplary Service Award was not awarded in 2026.

GeoDynamo

The GeoDynamo Award is presented to exceptional volunteers who demonstrate unwavering dedication to the geospatial community. Recognizing outstanding leadership and selflessness in their contributions, recipients strengthen BeSpatial Ontario's mission while elevating the industry as a whole. This award celebrates those who have sparked positive change, inspired others, and demonstrated a profound commitment to service. The GeoDynamo Award stands as a testament to the invaluable role volunteers play in shaping the future of our community and industry.

Congratulations to our 2026 award recipient: Wendy Baldin!

Wendy is a respected industry leader and a deeply deserving recipient of this year’s GeoDynamo Award, recognized for her exceptional volunteer leadership and selfless service. Her unwavering commitment and steady guidance have been instrumental in revitalizing BeSpatial Ontario, empowering its Board, and strengthening the association's mission. Through her collaborative spirit and dedication, Wendy has helped shape a stronger, more vibrant future for both the association and the broader geospatial profession.