Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee Announces Award Winners
by Bob Montgomery
Huron County's Accessibility Advisory Committee has announced Award winners for Barrier Free Design in the Private and Public Sector.
Carol Leeming is the 2023 Sandra Thompson Memorial Accessibility Champion Award recipient. The Accessibility Champion Award was established by the Committee in 2022, to honour the memory of Sandra Thompson, and to recognize the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated each year on December 3. Leeming was Huron County's Accessibility Coordinator from 2019 until 2023.
The Riverview Local Eatery is the winner of the Business Award of Merit for Barrier Free Design. Renovations to the restaurant included new accessible door pads on all entrance doors, a patio suitable for diners with mobility devices, and an accessible bathroom that includes power door openers and closers. The Municipality of Central Huron is the winner of the Public Award of Merit for Accessibility Programming for their outstanding effort in educating the public on the importance of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, International Accessibility Regulatory Standards and requirements, raising awareness, and advancing understanding about the need for barrier free design and accessibility generally. The Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh is the winner of the 2023 Public Award of Merit for Barrier Free Design. ACW has taken outstanding care and effort with their renovations so that their municipal services may be accessible to everyone.
In Ontario, more than 24% of the population aged 15 and older identify as having a disability. More information about the Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee can be found at
