Otonabee Conservation wins County of Peterborough Accessibility Award

The accessible washroom and change facility at Harold Town Conservation Area, located conveniently at the trailhead.

When nature calls, Otonabee Conservation has the answer for all to comfortably enjoy nature.

On May 16, at the annual Peterborough County Community Recognition Awards, Otonabee Conservation was awarded the Accessibility Recognition Award for providing new accessible washroom and change facilities at three Conservation Areas in the region.

Three Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) compliant vault washrooms were constructed at Selwyn Beach, Harold Town, and Squirrel Creek Conservation Areas in Selwyn and Otonabee-South Monaghan Townships. Construction was completed in spring 2023. Each building features wheelchair-accessible entrances, grab bars, braille signage, and spacious interior layouts to ensure equitable access. 

“Otonabee Conservation is honoured to be recognized by the County of Peterborough for our efforts to enhance outdoor spaces with accessibility features that allow more inclusive experiences in nature,” shared Otonabee Conservation’s Board Chair Michael Metcalf, “especially when the health benefits associated with being in nature, are so widely known.”

The facilities are also gender neutral and allow ample room for visitors to change into swimming, running, and biking attire to enhance comfort while enjoying each site. Additionally, several environmental features reduce the footprint of the builds, which incorporate solar power and other environmentally friendly features. 

Board Members and Staff from Otonabee Conservation celebrate their Accessibility Recognition Award with the County of Peterborough Warden at the Peterborough County Community Recognition Awards on May 16th.

Funding for the new buildings was secured by Otonabee Conservation through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario the Canada (Community Revitalization and Tourism Relief Funds) and many community donations.

“The new washroom and change facilities were designed to allow a greater number of people to enjoy nature while providing infrastructure for a wider range of visitor needs and comforts,” explained Janette Lovey Smith, CAO of Otonabee Conservation, “We are grateful for the funding awarded by FedDev and tremendous support from community donors, who have helped us make our Conservation Areas more accessible and enjoyable for all.”

For more information contact:

Karen Halley | Manager, Communications, Outreach, and Special Projects
Otonabee Conservation
khalley@otonabeeconservation.com
705-745-5791 Ext. 224