Just 12 people in 2024 are being given the Order of B.C., and one of them is a Coldstream resident. 

Imant Raminsh will be receiving the Order, after years of enriching B.C.'s cultural life with his contributions as a composer, conductor, teacher and mentor. 

The Order of B.C., created in 1989, is the province's highest honour. It celebrates people who are distinguished and have excelled in their field of endeavour, bringing great prestige to the province and beyond. 

A special ceremony will take place at Government House in Victoria on Wednesday, Sept. 4, to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Order, which will have a total membership of 515. 

鈥淭his year鈥檚 recipients are impressive, not simply because of their outstanding contributions to their communities but also because of the diversity of their achievements," said Janet Austin, B.C. Lieutenant Governor. "The recipients have made advances in sustainability, reconciliation, health care, technology, arts and business. I am amazed by their dedication and innovation, and I look forward to celebrating their installation into the Order at Government House.鈥�

Raminsh, born in Latvia, has a bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto, with further studies in Salzburg, Austria and the University of Victoria.

The 80-year-old has founded and conducted numerous musical organizations in B.C., including forerunner of the Prince George Symphony, the Aura Chamber Choir, the Youth Symphony of the Okanagan, and the Nova Children鈥檚 Choir.

His compositions have been performed on six continents in renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, where he conducted multiple concerts.

Along with his musical achievements, Raminsh has inspired countless young musicians as a violin teacher at the Vernon Community Music School since 1977. 

Other awards claimed by Raminsh is the Order of Canada, Order of Three Stars from Latvia, Latvian Grand Music Award, and multiple honours from the B.C. Arts Council and the Canadian National Choral Awards.

The 11 other recipients of the Order of B.C. for 2024 are: 

• John Anderson- West Vancouver
• Brenda Crabtree (Xyolholemo:t)- Vancouver
• Karimah Es Sabar- West Vancouver
• qiy蓹plen蓹x史 Howard Grant- West Vancouver
• Lily Lee- West Vancouver
• Don Mattrick- Victoria
• William P.J. McCarthy- Burnaby
• Colin James Munn- North Vancouver
• Elana Rosenfeld- Invermere
• Gary Segal- Vancouver
• Catherine Ulrich- Prince George