Honouring the 2026 Live More Awards Main Honourees
The Northwood Foundation Live More Awards, presented by rcs construction, takes place October 22, 2026, at the Halifax Convention Centre, celebrating extraordinary people whose leadership, generosity and community contributions help more Nova Scotians Live More. This year’s gala will also raise funds for new physiotherapy equipment to support strength, mobility and independence for Northwood residents and clients.
This year, we are honouring five people who have made an impact on Northwood and its community. Each honouree represents the importance of giving back and the impact that dedicated individuals can have on the lives of others. Their recognition reflects the spirit of the Live More Awards: celebrating the people whose efforts help create stronger, more connected communities.
Through their contributions, they remind us that making a difference is not always about one moment or one action. It is about the lasting impact of showing up, supporting others, and investing in the well-being of our community.
Louie Lawen
Louie Lawen is President and CEO of the Lawen Group, a family-owned company that includes Dexel Developments, Dexel Architecture and Paramount Management. A professional engineer, he founded Dexel Developments in 1999 and has since helped shape the Halifax skyline with more than 2,000 homes and 300,000 square feet of commercial space. His work has earned the Lieutenant Governor’s Design Award in Architecture and several Multi-Unit Development of the Year honours. A dedicated community builder, Louie serves on the board of the Housing Trust of Nova Scotia, has been named an IPOANS Pillar of the Community, and is an active leader at Saint Antonios Orthodox Church.
Brian Lugar
Brian Lugar has worked in real estate development, leasing and brokerage since graduating from Saint Mary’s University in 1978. In 2000, he co-founded Novacorp Properties Limited with Jim Todd, and today he oversees a portfolio of more than 3,000 residential units along with retail and office properties. Brian and his wife Donna are passionate about giving back, and Brian has served on many boards, including CNIB and the Housing Trust of Nova Scotia. A proud supporter of Northwood for 25 years, he and the Novacorp team help guide the care, management and growth of Northwood’s homes.
Jim Todd
For more than five decades, Jim Todd has been a leader in Atlantic Canada’s real estate industry. In 1980, he founded Fencorp Properties Ltd., which grew into one of the region’s largest property management firms before he sold the company in 1997. Not ready to retire, Jim co-founded Novacorp Properties Limited with Brian Lugar in 2000. He has guided Northwood’s infrastructure and apartment portfolio for many years and currently serves as Project Manager for Northwood’s three new long-term care homes now under construction. A longtime supporter of Northwood, Jim has also volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Rotary. He and his wife have nine children and 13 grandchildren.
Tracey McGillivray
Tracey McGillivray is Co-Founder and CEO of Axtion Independence Mobility Inc., creators of the award-winning RAYMEX® Lift. Inspired by her family’s caregiving journey with her father, Raymond, Tracey built the RAYMEX® to support the independence and dignity of older adults while making care safer for caregivers. Made in Amherst, Nova Scotia, the RAYMEX® is now sold across Canada, the U.S., the UK and Australia. Tracey brings more than 30 years of global executive experience, served in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and remains a proud supporter of Acadia University through governance, philanthropy and student mentorship.
The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab
Lena Metlege Diab is a lawyer, former business owner and dedicated community leader. Before entering politics, she practised law in Halifax for more than 20 years and was awarded the Queen’s Counsel designation. As a provincial MLA, she became Nova Scotia’s first female Attorney General and Minister of Justice. She was elected to Parliament in 2021 and appointed Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship in 2025. Her community involvement and volunteerism have earned her many honours, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals.
Thank you to our honourees for their time and dedication to the Northwood Community.
Join us at the Live More Awards Gala presented by rcs construction on October 22, 2026, to honour our recipients.
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