Stephen Beckta has been fielding hundreds of notes of congratulations and support in the past few days, a time he says has been both joyous and overwhelming.
On Dec. 31, Beckta was one of 80 Canadians appointed to the Order of Canada by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon. Appointed as a member of the order, he was recognized for his entrepreneurial work in Ottawa’s hospitality industry, as well as his community service with the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa.
“As a high school dropout, I never imagined letters after my name,” Beckta wrote on LinkedIn last week, referring to the C.M. that members of the Order of Canada can add to their name.
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“As I think others have suggested as well, there’s always a little imposter syndrome where you think, ‘This can’t be (for) me. There’s got to be more deserving people,’” he told OBJ on Monday.
“A friend of my mom’s nominated me three years ago and I thought I was doing her a favour by allowing her to nominate me because she was so passionate about my contributions to the Boys and Girls Club (of Ottawa) and to this city, but I never thought that I would actually win.”
Beckta said it’s incredible to represent the hospitality industry on a national level. “The Order of Canada means something so important to people and (this honour) puts a spotlight on our industry, showing that we can do great things and make a huge difference in people’s lives,” he said in the interview.
Though he may be best known in the city for his restaurants, Beckta spent 15 years on the board of BGC Ottawa, including six years as chair, helping connect Ottawa’s youth to programs. During his tenure, Beckta said the organization was able to accomplish many things, from opening a new clubhouse in the city’s south end to increasing the number of youth served.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work we did as a group. Obviously, they don’t give this award to groups, only to individuals. I guess as chair that distinction fell on me and I am very grateful to be able to receive this on behalf of the incredible board and management team at the Boys and Girls Club,” he told OBJ Monday.
The honour comes as Beckta gears up for the final day of service at Play Food and Wine, his ByWard Market restaurant, which will close its doors on Jan. 10 after 17 years in business.
“It’s definitely a juxtaposition,” Beckta said. “In the last two months since we announced that we weren’t renewing the lease, we’ve had so many incredible people reach out and tell us how important this place has been to them … 17 years is a great accomplishment. It’s just time to focus on other projects and wrap this up in a wonderful way.”
Looking ahead, Beckta said he will be adding Monday services at his other restaurants, Beckta on Elgin Street and Gezellig on Richmond Road, to accommodate Play’s staff and customers.
He added that he has other projects on the go, including working with The Ottawa Hospital on its food service program.
Beckta is one of 11 Ottawans on the list of appointees to the Order of Canada. Other local appointees are:
- Michael James Moldaver, former Supreme Court Justice
- John Cameron Bell, cancer researcher at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
- Janice Charette, former clerk of the Privy Council
- Penny Dorothy Collenette, adjunct professor of law at the University of Ottawa
- Kathleen Fox, aviator and former Transportation Safety Board chair
- Reesa Greenberg, art and exhibition historian and philanthropist
- Susan Phillips, professor emerita at Carleton University
- Della Wilkinson, former RCMP research scientist
Roseann Runte, former president of Carleton University, was promoted within the Order of Canada to officer. An honorary appointment was given to Brenda Okorogba for her contributions to equitable access to education and workforce opportunities for diverse communities.
“The Order of Canada fosters a sense of pride and cohesion in our country. Every appointment celebrates not only the talent, expertise and dedication of individuals, but also the countless lives they have touched through their work, vision and contributions. Their commitment extends beyond borders, inspiring progress in our communities, our country and around the world. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to each new appointee on this well‑deserved recognition,” said the Governor General in a press release.
The Order of Canada is the country’s highest honour. Since its creation in 1967, more than 8,250 Canadians have been appointed to the order.
