The Access Recognition Awards recognize two kinds of achievements: personal accomplishments by people with disabilities who have overcome barriers individual or business contributions to remove (or prevent) barriers for people with disabilities These awards are presented to those who drive action that goes above and beyond legal requirements in order to remove barriers and improve accessibility in Guelph.  The Access Recognition Awards were presented on 

The Guelph Barrier Free Committee is proud to support the Guelph Enabling Garden and the meaningful work they do in our community. As part of that support, we are sharing information about their Horticultural Therapy program below. The content that follows comes directly from the Guelph Enabling Garden and highlights their services, including how they use horticultural therapy to support well-being, skill-building, and connection through nature.

The Guelph Barrier-Free Committee marked the beginning of NAAW (National AccessAbility Week) with a special flag raising ceremony held at Guelph City Hall, on Monday kicking off this year’s celebrations ahead of the official week (May 31 - June 6). NAAW is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and to highlight the efforts that make communities more accessible.

We’re so grateful to GuelphToday for recently spotlighting the Guelph Barrier Free Committee and the 2026 Access Recognition Awards!

Inclusion, equality, access, and independence for all!

The Guelph Barrier Free Committee invites community members to help kick off National AccessAbility Week (rickhansen.com) with a special flag raising ceremony on Monday, May 25 at 12:00 p.m. National AccessAbility Week runs officially from May 31 to June 6 and marks a time to recognize the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and to celebrate the ongoing work toward building accessible, inclusive communities for everyone.

GBFC is looking for new members who are excited by what we do and have a desire to actively contribute to the GBFC’s future. Our mission and values “Love takes time. Love forms through the expressi…

In July 2026, The Guelph Barrier Free Committee and the City of Guelph will partner for the Access Recognition Awards. This is a chance to highlight local businesses and organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusive service. These awards acknowledge those who not only understand accessibility requirements but also respond thoughtfully and creatively when unique support is requested.

The GBFC is pleased to share an update on committee leadership, while also offering a sincere thanks to those whose commitment to access around Guelph continued to helped to guide the committee through 2025. The committee extends its heartfelt appreciation to Justin Reesor, who served as Chair and in late 2025, shared notice of his resignation from the role. Justin’s time as Chair was marked by thoughtfulness and an unwavering focus on access throughout Guelph.

The City of Guelph celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, with a brief presentation at City Hall. City Accessibility Coordinator, Kayla Besse, highlighted this year’s UN theme of Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress. Besse outlined the City of Guelph's ongoing work to enhance accessibility across departments, including updates that will offer on-demand accessible document training in the new year.