Janice Lukes is a woman of real distinction — literally.

The St. Norbert resident won a 2012 YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the wellness, healthy living and recreation category on May 2.

Lukes was nominated by Ecole St. Avila principal Gordon Campbell and is currently the manager of special projects at the St. Boniface-based Rivers West.

"I’ve been called a lot of things during the 10 years I’ve been involved with building trails and bike paths, so it is a real honour and privilege to be called a woman of distinction," Lukes said.

In the past decade, Lukes has helped spearhead active transportation projects such as the incorporation of a safe pedestrian cycling crossing into the Chief Peguis freeway development and the expansion of the Bishop Grandin Trail West in south Winnipeg.

She has also become a leading player in developing storm water management and bio-retention systems in community spaces, including her role in Ecole St. Avila’s Down the Drain project and the Inside the Dike vision for land near St. Norbert Farmers’ Market.

The Forks’ CEO Paul Jordan, who wrote a letter of support for Lukes’ nomination, said the mother-of-three has a natural drive and determination to visualize long-term concepts and get things done.

"Whenever I have an idea that needs a dose of energy and intelligence in order to bring it into the real world, I call Janice," Jordan said. "Conversely, whenever Janice calls me with an idea, I immediately pay attention and know something is about to happen."

Lukes said she balances work, family and raising her nine-year-old triplets thanks to the help of her husband and the flexibility of her schedule.

"I have an amazing husband who really helps out around the home. The balance to my life is being able to do much of the work I do from home, as so much today is email-based," said Lukes, who also won a recent Premier’s Volunteer Service Award at the 2012 Volunteer Manitoba Awards.

"Working from home simultaneously allows me to do 10 loads of laundry, stick the dinner in the oven and wash the floor in between emailing, writing letters and making phone calls."

Two other southwest Winnipeggers also picked up awards on the night.

Linden Woods resident Dr. Maureen Heaman won in the science, technology and environment category, while Dr. Chau Pham, who lives in Fort Richmond, won for voluntarism, advocacy and community enhancement.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com