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Kawartha Lakes – At the Committee of the Whole meeting on June 4, 2024, the sixteenth annual Accessibility Awareness Recognition Award winners were announced. These awards recognize individuals, groups and businesses in Kawartha Lakes that have exceeded expectations while working to remove barriers for individuals with disabilities or increase public awareness within the community.
Mayor Doug Elmslie introduced the awards by saying, “Over the past 15 years, we have celebrated nearly 150 award recipients, and this year we will add to that number. What a remarkable milestone. On behalf of the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the City, thank you to today’s award recipients for going above and beyond for your fellow residents. May your work continue to inspire others to make Kawartha Lakes accessible for all.”
The following awards were presented by members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee: Christine Briggs, Kawartha Lakes People Partner - Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility, Elizabeth Peeters and Kate Lowes.
Photo Caption (from left to right): Top row Mayor Doug Elmslie, Christine Briggs, Elizabeth Peeters. Bottom row Erastus Burley, Jennifer Hutchinson, Kirsten Meehan, Brianne Harrison, Cassandra, Michael Wilson, Hannah Brouwer.
Outstanding Contribution - Business
Brouwer Bakeshop
Located in the former Downeyville General Store, Hannah renovated the bakeshop to be accessible for all customers. Adding a beautiful ramp from the parking lot to the shop, it has open space for mobility supports as well as having shelves at a viewable level for all.
Photo caption (from left to right): Hannah Brouwer, Christine Briggs, Mayor Doug Elmslie, Elizabeth Peeters.
On The Locks
The owners of On The Locks have constructed a portable ramp to allow anyone to enter their restaurant. The restaurant has room for wheelchairs and walkers. They are doing their best to cultivate an accessible environment.
Photo caption (from left to right): Christine Briggs, Mayor Doug Elmslie, Jennifer Hutchinson, Elizabeth Peeters.
Pie Eyed Monk
The Pie Eyed Monk has one of the best accessible washrooms in the municipality. The restaurant is easily maneuverable for those who use mobility devices. 
Staff are inclusive and always willing to help.
Photo caption (from left to right): Christine Briggs, Mayor Doug Elmslie, Erastus Burley, Elizabeth Peeters.
The Queen’s Bistro
The owners of Queen's Bistro saw a need for increased accessibility at their establishment. With an older demographic who can benefit from increased accessibility, they decided to install an accessible washroom including one of the first adult change tables in Kawartha Lakes.
Wilson’s Fresh Blueberries
Wilson's Fresh Blueberries is doing its best to offer an inclusive blueberry picking experience by providing an alternate accessible pathway for guests.
Photo caption (from left to right): Christine Briggs, Mayor Doug Elmslie, Michael Wilson, Elizabeth Peeters.
Outstanding Contribution – New Build or Modification
Pinnguaq
Pinnguaq is working hard to make their entire Lindsay facility accessible.
Hallways are wide, each floor has accessible washrooms, ramps are used to accommodate entrances below grade and up to grade and all desks go up and down to accommodate sitting and/or standing.
Photo caption (from left to right): Christine Briggs, Mayor Doug Elmslie, Cassandra, Elizabeth Peeters.
Outstanding Contribution – City Employee or Team
Brianne Harrison
Brianne is an administrative assistant in the municipality’s Engineering Department. Brianne has worked hard to learn about accessible document creation so that she can teach her division best practice and amend documents that fail to meet Information and Communication standards.
Photo caption (from left to right): Christine Briggs, Mayor Doug Elmslie, Brianne Harrison, Elizabeth Peeters.
Kirsten Meehan
Kirsten is a Communications, Advertising and Marketing Officer with the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Kirsten has been instrumental breaking down barriers by training staff on accessibility and vetting documents to ensure that they are compliant with web accessibility standards.
Photo caption (from left to right): Christine Briggs, Mayor Doug Elmslie, Kirsten Meehan, Elizabeth Peeters.
Barbara McArthur Memorial Award of Distinction
Lee-Anne Grof
Lee-Anne is a long time employee of Trillium Lakelands District School Board as an educational assistant. Lee-Anne is committed to supporting students of all abilities so that they can participate to their full potential. Lee-Anne shows her students that equity and inclusivity is possible.
Photo caption (from left to right): Christine Briggs, Lee-Anne Grof, Kate Lowes.
To watch the full awards presentation, check out the Committee of the Whole meeting on our YouTube Channel.
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