Kawartha Lakes commemorates International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Kawartha Lakes – Today, Kawartha Lakes joins communities around the world in marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3), reaffirming its commitment to building an inclusive, accessible, and equitable community for all residents.

“Inclusion is a shared responsibility. With one in four Canadians living with a disability, accessibility must be at the heart of how we serve our community,” said Christine Briggs, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) People Partner at Kawartha Lakes. “We are committed to providing accessible services, improving our facilities, and engaging youth in building a more inclusive future. The Kawartha Lakes Accessibility Advisory Committee continues to lead meaningful public awareness efforts that help ensure every resident can participate fully, contribute proudly, and feel they truly belong.”

Each year the Kawartha Lakes Accessibility Advisory Committee, provides advice on accessibility for people with disabilities and organizes the Accessibility Awareness Recognition Awards, open to people and businesses in Kawartha Lakes. In 2025, they introduced a new award for youth who show initiative, empathy, and leadership, and who work towards creating more inclusive environments. Named in honour of a local accessibility champion, the first Kathryn Peeters Youth Accessibility Award will be granted in 2026.

This year’s global theme for International Day of Persons with Disabilities emphasizes strengthening partnerships and advancing accessibility. The municipality highlighted ongoing efforts to improve accessibility across services, including upgrades to Customer Service at City Hall in Lindsay, ensuring documents are in accessible formats, and accessibility compliance throughout the municipal website.

Mayor Doug Elmslie seconded the municipality’s commitment: “A truly strong community is one where everyone belongs. Today reminds us that our work to remove barriers is not symbolic, it is essential. We’re committed to creating communities where people of all abilities can thrive.”

Kawartha Lakes encourages residents to learn more about accessibility initiatives and to participate in community conversations on inclusion.