Kathryn Peeters Youth Accessibility Award announced at 2025 Accessibility Award presentation

Kawartha Lakes – 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 Liason 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 Liason), Elizabeth Peeters, Chairperson, and announced by Kate Lowes, Vice-Chairperson.

Back row: Elizabeth Peeters, Christine Briggs, Richard Gauder, Sandi Gauder | Middle row: Lindsey Schoenmakers, Mayor Doug Elmslie, Melissa Creasy-Alexander, John Hassan | Front 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.

To watch the full awards presentation, check out the Committee of the Whole meeting on our YouTube Channel.