Zita Cobb, Shane O'Dea, Timothy Borlase named to Order of Canada

Three Newfoundlander and Labradorians can now boast being named to the Order of Canada, as Gov. Gen David Johnston announced the latest appointees to one of the nation's highest honours on Thursday.

Zita Cobb, Shane O'Dea, and Timothy Borlase have all been appointed as members of the Order of Canada, a designation that recognizes outstanding contributions on a local or regional level.

Businesswoman Cobb, of Joe Batt's Arm, has been the force behind the award-winning Fogo Island Inn, as well as the Shorefast Foundation, an organization dedicated to community revitalization.

Her Order of Canada recognizes her as someone who "has helped revive the unique rural communities of Fogo Island and Change Islands through innovative social engagement and geotourism."

Borlase, of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, is a long-time educator specializing in the needs of native and isolated youth in communities across Labrador. He's being recognized for those teaching initiatives as well as his contributions to music, arts and drama.

O'Dea, of St. John's, is being appointed for "his impact as an advocate for the preservation of built heritage in Newfoundland and Labrador," as well as his educational work with Memorial University, where he is a professor of English and Public Orator.

The three will receive their medals at a later date, yet to be announced.