Haldimand County celebrates National AccessAbility Week (May 25 to May 31, 2025)

On May 26, 2025, staff, members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee (ACAC) and members of Haldimand County Council gathered to raise the National AccessAbility Week flag on Haldimand’s community flagpole. Throughout the week, staff will be highlighting recently completed accessibility enhancements and encouraging residents to share ideas for future accessibility projects. 

In recent years, Haldimand has purposefully invested in projects and initiatives that enhance accessibility. To support these ongoing efforts, Haldimand County Council recently approved the creation of an Inclusive Spaces Fund, which provides up to $50,000 in capital funding annually for accessibility improvements at existing municipal facilities. 

Haldimand’s Accessibility Advisory Committee plays a key role in shaping Inclusive Spaces Fund initiatives by providing insight and recommendations on key areas of need. Comprised of community members with lived experience and expertise in accessibility, the committee works closely with staff to identify priorities and propose solutions when it comes to reducing barriers to programs, services and facilities.

In 2024, the Inclusive Space Fund enabled the following projects:

• Installation of an accessible rest area added to the Dunnville Lion’s park pathway near Grandview Lodge
• Installation of an accessible picnic table under the gazebo at Esplanade Park in Port Maitland
• Installation of automatic door openers at the Hagersville and Caledonia arenas
• Added a path from the parking lot to one of the ball diamonds at the Dunnville Kinsmen park
• Installed a new, accessible adult change table in the Dunnville Library’s public washroom
• Purchased a waterproof wheelchair for use at the Caledonia Lions Pool

2025 projects are currently being considered and residents are encouraged to share ideas on how to make Haldimand more accessible. A brief survey has been created to collect resident feedback and inform future accessibility projects; it can be accessed online at haldimandcounty.ca/accessibility or at any public library branch.

“Building an inclusive county means ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate in community life,” said Haldimand County Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. “Through initiatives like the Inclusive Spaces Fund, we are taking meaningful steps toward greater accessibility, but we know there is always more to do. We encourage residents to share their feedback on the types of accessible amenities and improvements they would like to see in our communities,” Bentley added.