Accessibility Awareness Recognition Awards

Nominate someone by completing an Accessibility Awareness Recognition Award Form.

2025 Accessibility Awareness Recognition Award Winners

At the Committee of the Whole meeting on June 3, 2025, the seventeenth 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.

Before the 2025 awards were presented, Christine Briggs, People Partner- Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility at City of Kawartha Lakes, and Staff Liaison of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, introduced the new Youth Accessibility Award. “When we think about a future where accessibility is embedded in our community ethos and in our planning, we first must engage our youth,” said Briggs.

“Young people across Kawartha Lakes are already taking action. They're showing initiative and empathy and leadership, and creating more inclusive environments,” she added. “While we've proudly recognized a number of incredible champions over the years, we're missing one voice from our accessibility awards, and that's the voice of our youth. I'm thrilled to announce that we have created the Youth Accessibility Award.” The new award was approved at the May 20, 2025 Council meeting.

The new award has been named after Kathryn Peeters. She was a former recipient of the Barbara MacArthur Award and a shining example of what this new youth award represents. Kathryn led a remarkable life. Diagnosed with a brain tumour as a child, she faced life with legal blindness, a seizure disorder, and a cognitive impairment. She never let them stop her, and instead was even more determined to raise awareness and advocate for change. Kathryn spent 25 years fundraising and speaking at conferences and community events, from the time she was a child. Kathryn passed away last year. Naming this award in her honour will ensure that her impact continues to inspire future generations

The first Kathryn Peeters Youth Accessibility Award will be granted in 2026.

The following awards were presented by the Accessibility Advisory Committee: Christine Briggs (Staff Liaison), Elizabeth Peeters, Chairperson, and announced by Kate Lowes, Vice-Chairperson.

Photo Caption (from left to right): Top row Elizabeth Peeters, Christine Briggs, Richard and Sandi Gauder. Middle row Lindsey Schoenmakers, Mayor Doug Elmslie, Melissa Creasy-Alexander, John Hassan. Bottom row Deputy Mayor Charlie McDonald, Richard Fedy, Susan Hachey, Kristie McCabe, Cheryl Hassan, Atheana Brown.

Outstanding Contribution – Business

The Wheat Sheaf

The Wheat Sheaf Café is located in downtown Bobcaygeon and offers a great accessible location. They have an outdoor patio as well as indoor seating. The tables are a comfortable height for patrons in wheelchairs. Staff are willing to re-arrange table arrangements if required. The staff are very receptive to helping patrons with card machines if needed due to visual concerns.

Symposium Cafe

The Symposium Cafe offers an accessible dining option in Lindsay. The seating area offers various options including tables with chairs that can be easily moved as well as booths. The washroom facilities are open and easily accessed by mobility device users. Symposium Cafe is well lit for those with visual impairments.

Ken Reid Conservation Area

In order to make the trails and facilities open to move residents, an accessible washroom facility has been installed at Ken Reid Conservation. This upgrade allows residents of varying abilities to hike the trails and have access to an accessible washroom.

Trinity United Church Bobcaygeon

Trinity United Church is doing its best to make their facilities accessible to all. From automatic door openers, well-maintained sidewalks, linking the parking lot to the sound system, and providing large print bulletins, the church is trying to break down barriers to their facility. In addition to the accommodations made to date, the church is in the process of upgrading the washroom to be fully accessible.

Celebrations

This facility is used for a variety of local celebrations. It offers a lift to the main floor allowing patrons of all abilities to obtain access. The primary gathering room is well lit, has a great audio system, and is barrier free; that is, users do not have to navigate thresholds and risers. The Committee feels that the washroom facilities are some of the best accessible facilities in the municipality. They are spacious, allowing for assistance and aid if required.

CMS Web Solutions

Lindsay based CMS Web Solutions, founded by residents Richard and Sandi Gauder, has been developing accessible websites and providing digital accessibility education for over 15 years. The team at CMS Web Solutions work with several local businesses to ensure their websites are accessible and barrier free for individuals with disabilities. They provide guidance to ensure compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Accessible Canada Act (ACA). They provides accessibility strategy development workshops, website reviews/audits, accessibility education, training, and accessible WordPress development. Their work ensures that local businesses are able to provide accessible information and communications to their patrons.

Outstanding Contribution – New Build or Modification

Fieldside Yoga

Atheana Brown, and her husband Justin, took a tractor storage barn and fully renovated it to provide a one of a kind field-side experience. Fieldside Yoga boasts a barrier free washroom, designated accessible parking, automated doors, and an easily traversable open concept design. Locally, they are the only privately owned yoga studio in the City of Kawartha Lakes that is accessible. Fieldside has combined yoga and supportive self-care practices, that meet the needs of diverse bodies to provide an inclusive experience for patrons.

Outstanding Contribution – City Employee or Team

Lindsey Schoenmakers, City of Kawartha Lakes

Lindsey Schoenmakers played a critical role in the creation of the Economic Development Strategy. The almost fifty (50) page document was made fully accessible by an external consultant but when changes were made to the draft, all accessibility formatting was lost. Lindsey single handedly went through the document and made it accessible once again. This required retagging a huge portion of the content, adding accessible tables, alternative text, imposing structural formatting for reading order, lists, nested headings, and links. It was a massive undertaking and it was only because of Lindsey’s hard work that the Strategy could be posted on our website.

Barbara McArthur Memorial Award of Distinction

John and Cheryl Hassan

John and Cheryl are both strong advocates for accessibility. Through their work with the Alzheimer's Association, Brain Injury Association, Community Care, and Ross Memorial Hospital, they have worked diligently to make our community a better place for people with disabilities. Both Cheryl and John live with disabilities themselves and are not afraid to advocate for themselves and others. John and Cheryl oversee a variety of projects from woodworking classes for individuals with brain injuries, to supporting those struggling with language acquisition. Their dedication removes barriers for individuals with disabilities in the Kawartha Lakes.

---

2024 Accessibility Awareness Recognition Award Winners

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

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.
• 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.

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.

---

2023 Accessibility Awareness Recognition Award Winners

Outstanding Contribution – Business

• Aunt Laura’s Tearoom: Aunt Laura’s Tearoom is located in an old farmhouse that is at least 175 years old, not a business you would expect to be accessible and yet, owner Kathy Morton does her best. There is a path and ramp to allow access, and tables and washrooms are accessible. Lighting is great for those patrons with visual impairments.
• Country Side Pharmacy: Countryside Pharmacy has worked hard to reduce barriers for customers, having recently installed an automatic door. They are committed to serving clients who cannot enter the building and offering free delivery once a week. They also offer vaccinations outside if clients are unable to access the building.
• A Step Ahead Foot Clinic: A Step Ahead Foot Clinic is helping to make life easier for residents with disabilities with compassionate staff who are patient with clients with disabilities, in-home services, and a bright, accessible location with wide halls, slip resistant floors and chairs in the treatment rooms.

Outstanding Contribution – Community Groups

• Fenelon Falls United Church: The church is doing its part to break down barriers to accessibility. An elevator allows all visitors access to the building. After realizing that some visitors were having difficulty seeing the screen or bulletins, a large print version was made available each Sunday. A wheelchair accessible washroom is available for anyone needing it and other organizations can use the building for disability programing.
• Tru Faces: Tru Faces is an online community for individuals with disabilities. It allows members to share their stories, educate about disability awareness and connect with others with similar challenges. Tru Faces was co-founded by sisters Emilee and Hannah Schevers, whose goal was to create a space where the voices of people with disabilities are amplified and included.

Outstanding Contribution – Individual

• Andre Obumsawin: Using his past employment experience in planning as well as personal experience with accessibility issues, Andre developed a series of standardized comments for the Public Spaces Working Group to use while reviewing building plans. These comments were meant to encourage developers to see the inclusion of accessibility features as a bonus, not an onus. Andre was recognized at the awards but was unable to attend.
• Norm Price: Norm Price is a long time member of Kawartha Lakes Accessibility Advisory Committee and has advocated for many years to improve the Lindsay Transit system for riders with accessibility issues. He served on the Transit Committee and then the Public Spaces Working Group, voicing his concerns with the system. As a result of his efforts, the Lindsay Transit System is more accessible to residents with mobility concerns.

Barbara McArthur Award of Distinction

• Emilee and Hannah Schevers: Emilee and Hannah are sisters and co-founders of Tru Faces. They have provided over 1000 hours in the past four years to improve the lives of people with disabilities through community development, integration and support. Tru Faces is dedicated to creating a public awareness of disabilities as well as breaking down stereotypes. Hannah accepted the award on behalf of herself and her sister Emilee.
• Kathryn Peeters: Kathryn Peeters who is almost 31, has been speaking for 25 years. By her fifth birthday Kathryn had six brain tumours. As a result of surgery to remove the tumors, she is legally blind, has a seizure disorder and cognitive impairment.  Kathryn has spoken at events, community groups and for crowds up to 1,500 people to raise awareness about pediatric brain tumours and visual impairments.

---

2022 Accessibility Awareness Recognition Award Winners

Outstanding Contribution Business

• Lindsay Food Basics: Recognized for their hiring of individuals with disabilities. Up to 10 individuals with a variety of challenges, both physical and intellectual, are employed at the store at any time. Their decision to hire employees with disabilities is not company-driven, but a conscious decision by their local management.

Outstanding Contribution – Community Groups

• Kawartha Settlers’ Village, Bobcaygeon: In 2020 due to the ongoing pandemic, the Kawartha Lakes Festival of Trees was not possible but this did not dissuade the volunteers at the Village. They created a drive through event and the change allowed everyone to enjoy the festival from the comfort of a vehicle. In 2021 the drive through event continued and allows more people to join the festivities.
• Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) Vaccination Team: The drive through vaccination clinic opened at the LEX on March 18 and ran until August 22, 2021. The drive through clinic increased access to the vaccine and in total more than 62,000 vaccinations were administered at the site. A team of more than 20 nurses and doctors from RMH worked at the site tirelessly, serving roughly 500 vehicles each day. The set-up removed barriers for people with mobility challenges and helped create a comfort zone for what can be an anxiety inducing experience.

Outstanding Contribution – Individual

• Carl Rennick: Carl has been instrumental in growing wheelchair curling in Canada since 2006. Carl read about Jon Thurston’s injury and encouraged him to try the sport—earlier this year Jon Thurston from Dunsford and the Canadian Paralympic Wheelchair Curling Team won bronze at the Beijing Winter Games. Carl also spearheaded the Give It A Go program at the Bobcaygeon Curling Club and has served on the board of hospitals in Sarnia, serving physically disabled children from birth to 16, and has been an active participant in accessibility issues for many years in our community.

Outstanding Contribution – City of Kawartha Lakes Employee/Team

• Paramedics Service: Seeing a need to assist members of the community with high-resource needs being discharged from the hospital with no family to assist, Paramedics Service helped these residents remain in their homes longer and avoid readmission to hospital. They created the Community Paramedics Program, with Paramedics performing regular in-home check-ins and providing medication and other services. The value of this program was recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Health and has been followed in other areas of the province.

Outstanding New Build or Modification

• Bobcaygeon Curling Club and Recreational Facility: Members of the Club wanted to allow the opportunity for wheelchair curlers to join their leagues, but before that was possible the building had to undergo some major changes. A wheelchair lift was installed, as well as accessible washrooms for greater access for all residents. In October 2021, the Club held it’s first Give It A Go Day to introduce wheelchair curling to anyone interested in attending.
• The Kirkfield and District Historical Society: The Society has undertaken a major renovation of the Kirkfield Museum, including a wheelchair accessible ramp, automated power doors and accessible washrooms with adult change tables. The group is also continuing with plans to remove stairs to the building, improving mobility inside and ensuring accessibility to all museum visitors.

Barbara McArthur Award of Distinction

• Lynda DaSilva: Lynda has volunteered and advocated for people with disabilities for almost 30 years. Lynda has been actively involved in the MS Society on the local, provincial and national level. She has offered encouragement and assistance for local residents diagnosed with MS and shares her personal history. Lynda was instrumental in establishing the Thumbs Up Program to encourage local businesses to train their staff on providing accessible customer service. Former Lieutenant Governor David Onley recognized the program when he attended the Accessibility Forum in Lindsay. Lynda has also broken down many barriers as a member of the Kawartha Lakes AAC.

---

2021 Accessibility Awareness Recognition Award Winners

Outstanding Contribution Business

• Dr. David Lane and Team: Dr. Lane is an ophthalmologist specializing in macular degeneration and other optic issues and he and his staff help a high percentage of patients with severe vision loss with great empathy and compassion.
• Subway, Lindsay: Staff at the Subway in Whitney Town Centre were nominated for their excellence in accessible customer service by a legally blind customer who they always make the extra effort to serve and assist.

Outstanding Contribution – Community Groups

• Fenelon Falls Curling Club: During the COVID-19 lockdown, on a volunteer basis the Curling Club delivered groceries from Sobey's to people who were home bound or shut ins, and continued for a three-month period, many of whom had Accessibility issues and were in need of this service.

Outstanding Contribution – Individual

• Mike Perry: Mike helped break down barriers in Kawartha Lakes for many years in many capacities. In 2015 he founded the Kawartha Lakes Disability Income Equality Coalition and through his involvement with the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce, Mike co-led a Diversity and Inclusion Campaign.

Outstanding Contribution – City of Kawartha Lakes Employee/Team

• Parks, Recreation and Culture Division: Congratulations and sincere thanks to Jenn Johnson, Rodney Porter, Ryan Smith and the entire Parks, Recreation and Culture team involved with Logie Park in Lindsay. An inclusive setting was designed with widened paved walkways, accessible playground with rubberized matting and splash pad along with accessible washrooms and change room areas.

Outstanding New Build or Modification

• T.H.R.I.L. (Therapeutic Horse Riding in Lindsay): T.H.R.I.L. is a program that reaches out to support the special needs community to provide adaptive therapy riding lessons on superbly trained horses with certified coaches. In order to continue to serve their most challenged participants T.H.R.I.L was able to install a lift that will aid the mounting and dismounting with an electronic mechanical hoist and an accessible cart that allows a wheelchair to be rolled up beside the instructor for pony driving carriage program.

Barbara McArthur Award of Distinction

• Jim Armstrong: Jim has been working quietly and diligently behind the scenes for many years to help ensure that our community of Fenelon Falls is as accessible, inclusive and diverse as possible. Jim is the co-founder of ABLE, an organization that enables local families with members who have intellectual disabilities to find the resources they need to thrive in the community.

---

2019 Accessibility Awareness Recognition Award Winners

Outstanding Contribution – Business

Appleseed Quiltworks

Appleseed Quiltworks is a local business example of what creating accessible spaces can do for customer and tourist attraction.

Sandra Falconer, owner, went above and beyond with the modifications of the property. She made the difficult decision to reduce retail footage to install a fully accessible covered entryway and accessible door.

A customer has been so impressed with the accessibility features of Appleseed Quiltworks that she travels past several quilt and fabric stores to make the hour plus trip to Lindsay. This customer along with friends and family now make Lindsay a destination for their day trips.

Outstanding Contribution – Community Group

Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes

Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes offers many services for residents throughout our area. Included in these services are Adult Day programs that allow elderly and disabled residents to come together and socialize as well as participate in various activities at the same time giving their caregivers respite. Other programs include Meals on Wheels and other food programs that allow residents to enjoy healthy food in their own homes. Foot care clinics are also held weekly for elderly and persons with disabilities.

Community Care along with Hospice CKL conducts a variety of support groups, both in person and by tele-conferences for residents facing stroke, cancer diagnoses and more.

Another valuable service that is available to residents is the transportation program. Volunteer drivers can be booked to take clients to day programs and appointments, allowing the clients to preserve their independence.

The Specialized Transportation use a fleet of wheelchair accessible vans that offer the same service to individuals with physical and/or cognitive challenges. The vans can also be used for non-emergency transfers between hospitals and home.

The transportation programs of Community Care allow clients independence and caregivers much needed rest and relaxation.

Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes is definitely breaking down barriers for residents with disabilities.

Rotary Club of Lindsay

The Rotary Club of Lindsay is one of the community’s longest running and most active service clubs, supporting a wide range of local, national and international causes throughout the year. Included in the club’s many great works, is the Adults with Disabilities Committee which considers requests for assistance from local residents who require support due to special needs and challenges.

Recently, through collaboration of several groups and organizations including the Rotary, a local resident, Ken, was able to receive a technological device to assist him to read. The OrCam02 is an advanced wearable Artificial Intelligence device for the blind and visually impaired that allows the user to read text, recognize faces and identify products.

The Rotary Club was able to provide a portion of the price of the device but their assistance didn’t stop there. Under the leadership of the Committee Chair John Coxon, other organizations were contacted and the funds were raised to purchase the device. Ken is now able to access so much more and it is making a huge difference in his life.

The Rotary Club is dedicated to helping residents meet the challenges and to remove barriers to their independence and capabilities.