The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce recognized longtime business owner and volunteer Evan Ortynsky with an Honourary Life Membership. Ortynsky, who spent 35 years involved with the Chamber, said the recognition caught him off guard. “I was surprised I was being singled out,” he told CTV News during Wednesday’s luncheon at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Cultural Centre. “So many people I’ve worked with have done so much — we’ve done it together.” Throughout his decades of involvement, Ortynsky served as Chamber president in 1997 and remained a consistent advocate for Yorkton’s business community. He said his work focused on promoting economic development, supporting business growth, and ensuring the Chamber remained “the voice of business” in the city. He pointed to the Celebrate Success program as one of the initiatives he was proud to help lead. “It recognized business success locally and said, ‘Hey, you did a good job. You contributed to the community. You’re a rock star,’” he said. Chamber Executive Director Juanita Polegi said Ortynsky’s long record of volunteerism made him an ideal choice for the 2026 honour. “He was a tireless volunteer for the community,” she said. “He served the Yorkton Chamber and the Saskatchewan Chamber, co‑chaired the capital campaign for the Trades and Technology Centre, worked on economic development committees, and was involved in the Health Foundation." “All those activities added up to a lifetime of community service.” Polegi said the Chamber selects its Honourary Life Members based on “meritorious service and business achievement.” The award grants lifetime membership privileges, excluding the ability to hold office, and exempts recipients from paying dues. Ortynsky said he hopes to continue contributing to the Chamber’s work. “If I can, I sure will,” he said. “My hope is that it continues to be an advocate for business, to encourage business growth in the city, and to help business[es] on issues they face.” The Chamber has awarded Honourary Life Memberships since 1969 and currently represents more than 420 businesses and organizations.
