Brockville honours three local organizations with accessibility awards

At their meeting on Tuesday, June 24, Brockville City Council recognized three outstanding contributors to accessibility and inclusion in the community at the annual Accessibility Awards from the Brockville Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee (BMAAC).

The awards ceremony is meant honour individuals and/or organizations that are making strides towards improving accessibility and inclusivity in Brockville. This year’s recipients were the Brockville Winter Classic Committee, Wall Street United Church, and the local branch of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).

Brockville Winter Classic Committee

The Brockville Winter Classic Committee was acknowledged this year for its ongoing contributions to creating inclusive spaces at Rotary Park. Committee member Jeff Severson and long-time advocate Dan Thompson spoke to council to outline the extensive revitalization work that began in 2009 to transform the once-inaccessible park into a barrier-free, year-round facility.

Some of these significant improvements are accessible playground equipment, a splash pad, improved walkways, and the addition of the accessible washrooms. More recently, the committee secured federal funding to enhance park lighting, audio systems, and an accessible viewing area.

“Accessibility is about making the environment welcoming to all,” Thompson said during his presentation. “BMAAC gave us a vision and a framework, and this recognition shows how far the community has come.”

Beyond park improvements, the Brockville Winter Classic Committee continues to champion youth participation in hockey through subsidized registration programs and a community-driven equipment exchange. Their ultimate goal is to make the sport more accessible for local families to participate in.

Wall Street United Church

One of the night’s awards was presented to Wall Street United Church in recognition for its deep, ongoing commitment to inclusion. Reverend Dr. Kimberly Heath accepted the award on behalf of the church, speaking passionately about the church’s long-standing focus on improving accessibility.

“We see accessibility not just in overcoming physical barriers but in creating space for people with mental illness, neurodiversity, and different life experiences,” Reverend Heath said.

With accessible entrances, an elevator, and hybrid meeting spaces, the church prides itself on welcoming diverse community groups, including CNIB, Special Olympics, and local support groups. Heath emphasized that churches, especially those located in central areas, often serve as essential community hubs for those most in need.

“In a time when many churches are closing, this recognition means a great deal,” she explained. “We are proud to be part of building a city that includes everyone.”

Canadian National Institute for the Blind

Paris Escandon, a local artist and CNIB community advocate, presented the final award to Linda Bucha, commending her tireless efforts to guide and help people with vision loss. Escandon, who is visually impaired himself, shared a unique audio presentation with Council using the same screen reader that has guided him for two decades. This method offered a glimpse into the daily accessibility challenges faced by those who are blind and how impactful the right technological aids can be.

“We’re independent—we just have to do things differently,” Bucha told council. “It’s nice to be recognized, but truly, it’s my pleasure to do this work.”

Linda Bucha, who lives as legally blind, has become a beacon of support through her leadership in the CNIB’s Brockville peer support group and her virtual program “Cooking with Linda,” which teaches cooking skills and kitchen safety to people with vision loss across Canada.

These awards served as a powerful reminder that accessibility is not just about meeting standards—it’s about building a community where everyone feels welcome. As BMAAC Chair Janet Jones closed the presentations for the evening, she reminded council that these awards highlight the importance of continuing the mission towards total accessibility. “We all need to remember that just because we don’t see something doesn’t mean it’s not there. People experience the world in many different ways.”