Emily Plihal
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

“It feels like you’re going home.”

Those are the words of Peace River, High Prairie, Valleyview and Fairview’s Tim Horton’s owner Barbara Drummond of the franchise restaurants and the feeling she and her husband (and co-owner) want their guests to experience.

After spending a couple hours with Barbara and Gordon, one recognizes that the energy and comfort felt in the restaurant may be partially a result of décor, but likely more a result of the kindness, authenticity, and community spirit they exude.

The couple were recently recognized by Tim Horton’s with the first-ever Lifetime Community Builder Award.

The award was created to recognize owner(s) who demonstrate ongoing dedication and service to their community.

According to the website, the recipient of the award will have a track record of continuously giving back and leading initiatives that support those in need and play a meaningful role in strengthening their community.

“We truly believe that whatever we give to our community that it is great for everyone,” says Gordon.

“We won the award, but it’s not because of us that it was won,” Barb humbly adds. “We have an amazing team and great support from our community.”

The Drummonds were recognized earlier this year by Tim Horton’s in Toronto, an award they were not expecting to win.

They explain that they were not told who nominated them until after they received the award, but a person from corporate had enlisted their two daughters and one of their boyfriends to gather bits and piece of information about their endeavours.

“When we were told we were nominated they sent a film crew to Peace River and asked us all sorts of questions,” says Barb.

“When they put it all together, they said it was only going to be released at the convention and we would be able to see it then.”

The Drummonds explain they were sitting with another owner from Calgary when the award presentation started at the conference.

“When they started playing the video, there was a portion saying how the owners had given a significant amount of donations,” says Barb.

“Then the video shows a drone flying over Peace River and we knew we were the recipients.”

Both Barb and Gord said it was hard to take it all in when they were first announced as the winners.

“That was the first time we had seen the whole video and so many people had such great things to say,” says Barb.

“It was very overwhelming, and they did such a great job on the video,” says Gord.

As part of their award, a cheque for $15,000 was donated to the Tim Horton’s Foundation Camp, a piece of Canadian artwork was given to them, and they had a pond named after them in Kananaskis at the Tim Horton’s Children’s Ranch.

“I still struggle with the whole thought process on how they came to select us and struggle that we were awarded it and what they did on our behalf,” says Gord.

“We understand that we are the catalyst, and we make it available, but the reality is that it is a result of the guests who are supporting us. This award is just as much theirs as it is ours.”

Barb explains Kananaskis means a lot to their family as they have been participants in various ways at the camps each year, and they were honoured to have the pond named after them.

“The camps are for socio-economically low-income families who may have never been able to participate in a camp like that,” explains Barb, noting that they are truly created to give an ultimate experience to the children who attend.”

Tim Horton’s frequent visitors will recognize the annual coffee sales that are given directly to these camps on ‘Camp Day’, with 100 percent of all hot and iced coffee sales given directly to the endeavour.

“White rafting, rock climbing, horse back riding, and so many other great activities,” Gord says enthusiastically. “I think it’s the best camp that Tim Horton’s has.”

Their first franchise was opened 23 years ago when Gord first told Barb that he’d like to find a community business they could run in the community they loved.

Barb was an administrator in a school and Gord worked in forestry.

The Drummonds worked opposite shifts when they first opened the Peace River restaurant, with Barb working 11 pm until 7 am and then Gord taking over the day shift.

They also were raising their two small daughters at the same time, adding two sons about a decade later.

The opportunity to expand into Valleyview was presented to them and most recently, in 2022, they were able to open two additional restaurants, one in High Prairie and one in Fairview.

The Drummonds are very proud of the community they live in, they speak highly of the quality of people, non-profit groups, and various organizations that encompass the north.

That pride is reflected right back in comments that are given about the Drummonds, likely most well spoken by Peace River’s councillor and Deputy Mayor Shelly Shannon.

“You will not meet more dedicated community leaders than Gordon and Barbara,” she says.

“Not only do they contribute economically to our region, but socially as well. They have led several initiatives to support our community and the region. Thank you both for making Peace River a great place to live, learn, and trade.”

The Drummonds have supported many initiatives in their 23 years of business, including: Ignite Youth Resource Centre, Always Find a Reason to Smile, Knowledge Tree and Daycare Centre, Open Air Cinema, Ecumenical Services, Stonebrook, Peace River Library, Points West Living, 55+ Summer Games, Fresh Air Cinemas, Wilderness Park, Canada Day, Peace River Pride, Heritage Towers, Soup Kitchen, Misery Mountain Slush Cup, Falher Seniors Village, Pick Up the Peace, Metis Local 78, FCSS Berwyn, Peace River Fire Department, High Prairie Children’s Resource Council, Orange Shirt Day in multiple communities, and so many other organizations in the Peace Country.