Prince George philanthropist Selen Alpay named to Order of British Columbia
PRINCE GEORGE — Longtime Prince George business leader and philanthropist Selen Alpay has been named to the Order of British Columbia, the province’s highest honour, recognizing decades of charitable work and community leadership in Northern B.C. and beyond.
Alpay is one of 12 British Columbians selected for the prestigious award in 2026. According to the province, he is being recognized “for strengthening lives across Northern B.C. through years of generosity, mentorship and hands-on service.”
The honour adds to a growing list of accolades for the Prince George Canadian Tire owner, who in 2023 was also named a recipient of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Northern British Columbia.
Alpay’s journey began in Ontario in the 1970s, where he started at Canadian Tire helping with monthly inventory counts. Over the years, he worked in virtually every department, developing his customer service skills and business expertise before eventually becoming a store owner. Fifteen years ago, he brought that experience to Prince George, where he has since become one of the city’s most recognizable community supporters.
