Ontario is All America City finalist

Ontario has been named one of 20 finalists for the 2019 All America City Award, which is presented by the National Civic League.

The award, which is presented to 10 cities every year, recognizes “neighborhoods, villages, towns, cities, counties, tribes and regions that engage residents in innovative, inclusive and effective efforts to tackle critical challenges,” according to a statement released by the city Monday.

This year’s theme is “Creating Healthy Communities through Inclusive City Engagement.”

In its application, Ontario cited the Healthy Ontario Initiative, which is meant to improve the health and living habits of all city residents.

“We’re honored to be part of this exclusive group of cities recognized by the National Civic League,” said Mayor Paul S. Leon in the statement. “Ontario has always been a model city, and in the case of the Healthy Ontario Initiative, we’ve shown that collaboration and inclusive civic engagement can create a paradigm shift that ultimately leads to a healthier, more prosperous community.”