Kawartha Lakes Celebrates Accessibility Champions at 2025 Awards

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The City honoured individuals, businesses, and organizations making a meaningful difference for residents with disabilities, during the 17th annual Accessibility Awareness Recognition Awards at the Committee of the Whole meeting, on June 3rd.

This year’s ceremony marked a historic milestone, with the launch of the Kathryn Peeters Youth Accessibility Award, introduced by Christine Briggs, People Partner - Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility and staff liaison for the Accessibility Advisory Committee.

“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 Ms. Briggs. “Young people across Kawartha Lakes are already taking action. They're showing initiative, empathy and leadership, and creating more inclusive environments.”

The new award is named after Kathryn Peeters, a lifelong accessibility advocate, who overcame significant challenges due to a brain tumour and lived with legal blindness, a seizure disorder, and cognitive impairment. Kathryn passed away last year, after spending 25 years fundraising and speaking at events to promote disability awareness.

“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,” explained Ms. Briggs. “I'm thrilled to announce we have created the Youth Accessibility Award.” The inaugural award will be presented in 2026.

Chairperson Elizabeth Peeters and Vice-Chair Kate Lowes, of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, joined Christine Briggs in presenting the 2025 awards which recognized a wide range of accessibility achievements throughout the municipality.

The Wheat Sheaf Café, in Bobcaygeon, was praised for its accessible indoor and outdoor seating and staff support, for patrons with visual impairments. The Symposium Café, in Lindsay, was recognized for providing a flexible, accessible dining area and well-designed facilities for mobility device users.

Ken Reid Conservation Area was celebrated for installing a new accessible washroom, opening outdoor recreation to more residents. Trinity United Church, in Bobcaygeon, was commended for its ongoing commitment to accessibility, including automatic door openers, large-print bulletins, and a washroom upgrade in progress.

Celebrations, a facility used for various local events, was noted for its barrier-free access, excellent lighting and audio systems, and some of the municipality’s best accessible washroom facilities.

CMS Web Solutions, a Lindsay-based company, founded by Richard and Sandi Gauder, was honoured for over 15 years of leadership in digital accessibility. The company works with local businesses to develop barrier-free websites and meet compliance standards under the AODA and ACA.

City staff member, Lindsey Schoenmakers was acknowledged for her extraordinary effort in ensuring the City’s Economic Development Strategy remained fully accessible. After the document lost its formatting during revisions, Lindsey manually restructured the entire file to meet accessibility standards, an effort described as “massive.”

John and Cheryl Hassan received the Barbara MacArthur Memorial Award of Distinction, for their advocacy and service with the Alzheimer’s Society, Brain Injury Association, Community Care, and Ross Memorial Hospital. The Hassans, who both live with disabilities, were commended for their hands-on support of brain injury survivors and those with communication challenges.

The awards reflect the City’s commitment to removing physical, digital, and social barriers and advancing public awareness.

“Our community is stronger when everyone can participate fully,” concluded Ms. Briggs. “Each of this year’s recipients is helping build a more inclusive Kawartha Lakes.”