Photo of Jim MacArthur giving the opening statement (Image Credit: Jett Schwaier/CHAT News)

By Jett Schwaier

IN THE COMMUNITY

Nomination applications for the Top 7 Over 70 Awards are set to open

Feb 25, 2026 | 7:40 PM

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta has announced the start date for nomination applications for the second biennial Top 7 Over 70 Awards.

The award celebrates the remarkable achievements of seven individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields after the age of 70.

Renowned Albertan, oilfield pioneer, and philanthropist Jim Gray founded the initiative in 2017 to recognize people over 70 who have made significant contributions in fields such as science, literature, sports, agriculture, philanthropy and the arts.

The initiative is also to inspire communities that age is not a barrier to innovation, creativity, and positive societal impacts.

Nominations for these outstanding individuals in Medicine Hat and across Southeast Alberta will open from March 2 to June 30, 2026, on the community foundation’s website.

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The announcement has been made on Wednesday at the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club by Gray, city councillors, Top 7 over 70 Southeastern Alberta executive committee chair Jim MacArthur, and Top 7 over 70 Canada chair Kim McConnell.

MacArthur said hearing the stories of previous recipients is inspiring.

“It will demonstrate to people that [a recipient] isn’t necessarily someone with a recognizable name or notoriety,” MacArthur said.

“It could be your neighbour, a relative that has just been working away at something, [or] an ordinary person that does something extraordinary,” he added.

“Not to mention, now we can talk about the concept spreading across Canada, and certainly, we are so indebted to the top 7 Over 70 committee in Calgary that launched the original one back in 2017.”

MacArthur said as a society, the idea of aging and retiring is changing.

“We hear the term ageism from time to time, but we think that this [initiative] will sort of push back on that and demonstrate to people that many wonderful things can happen after the age of 70,” MacArthur said.

The gala featuring the presentation and interview of the seven winners will take place on Oct. 14,2026 at Medalta.

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READ: ‘All worthy no matter what’: Top Seven over 70 in south Alberta winners revealed (Sep 5, 2024)