The Times Colonist was honoured Tuesday at the Jack Webster Awards, which recognize excellence in B.C. journalism.
Times Colonist reporter Louise Dickson was a finalist in the Community Reporting category for her article Death at 844 Johnson: ‘We both knew this building was going to kill him.’
The award went to IndigiNews for its two-part series: Community rallies for Carsyn Seaweed. Vancouver Is Awesome was also nominated, for its story Downtown Eastside emergency: An inside look at B.C.’s busiest fire hall.
Dickson’s article described the life of 43-year-old Jamaal Johnson, who predicted he would not survive after being moved into social housing at 844 Johnson St., a building in Victoria known for substance abuse and crime.
Dickson looked at the gap between what officials said was offered there and the reality of the situation, including Johnson — described as a neighbour, loving husband and father — not being able to get the help he needed in his life.
Dave Obee, the Times Colonist’s publisher and editor-in-chief, said the nomination shows the work done by the Times Colonist is among the best in the province.
“It’s important that our readers know what is happening inside 844 Johnson St. Louise pulled back the curtain just enough to let some light shine on the problems in that building,” he said.
Other winners on Tuesday night included The Globe and Mail, Hakai Magazine, and The Narwhal.
The Webster Awards are given annually to recognize excellence in journalism in B.C.
They are named for the late Jack Webster, a long-time reporter who is in the Canadian News Hall of Fame and a member of the Order of Canada.
