Tom Carpenter and Chris Brown, proprietors of Hotel Wolfe Island, are recipients of the 2024 Frontenac Access Award. The award is presented annually to an individual, team, company, or organization living and working in Frontenac or involved in a project that helps to remove barriers and improve accessibility for people in Frontenac. Mr. Carpenter accepted the award from 2024 Frontenac County Warden Frances Smith at the Warden's Wine and Cheese celebration in Sharbot Lake, November 21.

Tom Carpenter receives the 2024 Access Award from 2024 Frontenac County Warden, Frances Smith in Sharbot Lake, November 21.
To improve accessibility for individuals with mobility impairment, sturdy metal handrails were installed beside exterior steps. A rear door is an accessible entrance to the bar and dining room for people who use wheelchairs and rollators. Staff readily swap-out chairs and reconfigure tables to accommodate individual needs.

Tom Carpenter and Chris Brown are proprietors of the Hotel Wolfe Island recipients of the 2024 Frontenac Access Award.

Hotel Wolfe Island is one of the largest accessible entertainment spaces on Wolfe Island, and the only dining establishment accessible to people who use wheelchairs.

Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Brown also donate use of the Hotel's interior spaces for meetings to local charities, allowing wider community participation.

Click here to learn more about the Hotel Wolfe Island.

John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, announced $50,435 for two local projects in his riding, to improve accessibility and support people of all ages and abilities.

“These investments will remove barriers locally and let people of all abilities live active and independent lives in our Lanark and Frontenac communities,” said MPP Jordan. “We see real results with Inclusive Community Grants that help so many across our riding stay connected, close to home.”

Welcome to the Frontenac’s Annual Accessibility Status Update.

This report provides an annual update on the progress made and work completed by the County and Townships in 2023 to improve accessibility and implement the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR), Ontario Regulation 191/11.

In 2022, the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee recommended to Council the approval of the 2023-2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. The Plan included additional paragraphs related to the County’s focus on continuous improvement, which includes accessibility. A section regarding Barriers was also included as well as a more high level overview of the Standards and how the County and Townships will work towards meeting the goals of those standards and ensuring compliance

Significant achievements have been seen in 2023 by all of the Frontenacs in part by the significant work and direction of the Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Click here to download the report document. Click here to visit the Accessibility Services in Frontenac page on FrontenacCounty.ca.

Statement of Commitment

Through accessibility planning and with the advice of the Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Frontenacs (County of Frontenac and the Townships within the County) will strategically identify, remove, and prevent as many barriers to persons with disabilities as possible.

The Frontenacs are committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting the accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Joint Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee (JFAAC) worked hard in 2023, despite setbacks due to the continued health crises and Covid-19! Providing input and recommendations on several municipal projects and initiatives, the JFAAC accomplished its goal towards improving accessibility in our community through the continual removal of barriers, including:

• Awarding of the Celebrating Accessibility Award.
• Provided input and guidance into the redevelopment of the County Administration Building
• Provided a review and guidance on potential improvements regarding communications for Howe Islander ferry passengers who are living with disabilities.
• Provided guidance on the K&P Trail, including potential access to ATVs on the K&P Trail from Verona to Harrowsmith, as well as infrastructure improvements
• Received quarterly updates on the County’s K&P Trail, including providing input to staff on accessibility requirements/enhancements of the trail.
• Aided and guided local businesses, specifically around barrier free access to older buildings.

Accessibility Achievements in 2023

Accessibility Updates to the K&P Trail

With the completion of core infrastructure on the Frontenac K&P Trail between the City of Kingston and Sharbot Lake in 2019, and with subsequent trail development to Clarendon Station in 2020 the County now actively manages 70 kilometers of multi-use trail daily. As a result of this work, and with the influence of the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic on recreational behaviour, the Frontenac K&P Trail has seen a significant increase of use by walkers, cyclists, and ATV users.

The Committee continued to guide staff and make recommendations for the accessibility of the K&P trail in 2023 in infrastructure improvements including preliminary discussions on road crossings in order to make some improvements which will guide staff in 2024. The Committee also provided input and recommendations on the request in front of County Council regarding access to ATVs on the K&P Trail from Verona to Harrowsmith.

Re-Development of the County Administration Building

At the June 15, 2022 regular Council Meeting, Council approved the awarding of the RFP for the redevelopment of the Administrative Building to Emmons & Mitchell Construction (2000) Ltd for the Renovations & Additions for the Joint Admin Facility for the County of Frontenac and Cataraqui Regional Conservation Authority. This is a $4.5M project.

Construction began in July of 2022. Submission of pertinent documents to the City of Kingston included a site plan application along with a completed Accessibility Checklist required by the City of Kingston. Significant accessibility inclusions in the construction include 2 new fully accessible washrooms, accessible entrances and accessible shared common areas. Construction is anticipated to be completed by end of 2023.

The Committee continued in 2023 to provide input on the renovations, including a planned site visit by the Chair to provide guidance on the locations of all fixtures to ensure accessibility to those using mobility aids.

Site Plans and Building/Renovation drawings and upgrades

Township of North Frontenac

Updates include:

• Accessible Parking Signs at Township boat launches
• Rink Building Accessibility and making access to the rink building accessible
• Accessible Outhouses regarding the replacement of all outhouses with accessible washrooms – 2023 to replace at PCCA Beach.

Township of Central Frontenac

Updates include:

• Public Works building and offices, including accessible washrooms, power door openers, accessible sidewalks around the building and parking lot improvements.
• Medical Centre in Sharbot Lake washroom
• Piccadilly Hall accessible doors
• Fire Hall regarding the installation of drainage grates to allow for a smooth area for vehicles and personnel.
• Create an accessible format to book halls, system called perfect minds. Allows residents to book from the comfort of their home, not having to come into the office

Township of South Frontenac

Updates include:

• Wayfinding Signage Strategy with appropriate contrast.
• Battersea Fire Station – Accessible Washroom
• Improved accessible human resources processes and documentation related to recruitment.
• Review of Council and committee report templates from an accessibility standpoint.
• Clerk’s Department to increase awareness of role of the Accessibility Committee

Celebration of Accessibility Award

The joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee works all year to make sure that Frontenac County is as accessible as possible for people living with disabilities. Each year since 2013 the committee has bestowed the Frontenac Access Award on groups or individuals who have worked to those ends during the year.

“Access” can include designing new or renovated buildings, an employment program; a transportation system, a recreational or leisure program; or anything that contributes significantly to persons with disabilities living independently.

For the 2023 Award, the Committee chose the following two recipients.

The Blue Moose Bed & Breakfast

The Blue Moose Family – Kate Slagle, James Bambury, Wes Bambury, and Ella Bambury – are owners and operators of The Blue Moose Bed & Breakfast on Wolfe Island.

The Blue Moose is a beautiful Century building right in Marysville. Like so many older buildings, it was not originally built with accessibility in mind. Since taking over in 2018 the Family has added moveable ramps to make the entire ground floor – including the porch and outside seating area – wheelchair accessible. Bed heights in the guest rooms were adjusted to facilitate transfers. Menus were developed to accommodate special needs. And last year the Blue Moose received Government of Canada support from the Enabling Accessibility Fund to complete a full wheel-in wet room. It’s a ground-floor guest bathroom that makes The Blue Moose accessible and comfortable for anyone living with mobility challenges or who uses a wheeled assistive device like a wheelchair.

The Standards

Information and Communications

Transportation

The County of Frontenac and its member municipalities do not provide a conventional transit system and the Howe Island Ferry and the Township Ferry do not meet the minimum tonnage under the Standard; however the County of Frontenac provides annual funding in the amount of $96,000 to ensure seniors and those with accessibility needs receive rides to appointments.

Design of Public Spaces

Customer Service

Employment

The Frontenacs, The Employer

In addition to the County’s municipal goods, services, programs, and facilities, it is important to remember that we are also an employer with over 400 full and part-time employees. The County is committed to maintaining a barrier-free recruitment and hiring process and recognizes the strength of a diverse workforce. In keeping with our Multiyear Accessibility Plan, the County will make continuous upgrades to our policies, procedures, and workplaces to foster a safer, more accessible, and inclusive work environment. Some highlights from 2023 include:

• Continue to advertise on all employment opportunities that, upon request, accommodations and alternate formats are available throughout the recruitment, assessment, and selection processes.
• Continue to use Individualized Work Modification Plan’s and Individualized Emergency Response Plan worksheets.
• 2069 Battersea Road: Accessible parking, accessible sidewalk from the parking lot, and installation of power door operator → parking and entrance are fully accessible for staff and visitors, with accessible washrooms on site.
• The County of Frontenac Human Resources now provides Equity, Diversity and Inclusion training for the Management Team to address aspects of equity, diversity and inclusion for the County of Frontenac.

Training

• Trained all County administrative staff on the use of Adobe Acrobat Pro, the County’s remediation tool for creating accessible PDF content posted to the County’s website.

What’s up for 2024

• Staff, including Council, Committee and public meetings, will be moving back into the newly redeveloped County Administration Building in January 2024. The opening of the new building will involve the FAAC and accessibility will play a key focus
• The County will continue to work jointly with the JFAAC on ensuring the development of the K&P Trail, as it continues to move north, meets the standards set out in the AODA
• Continue to make accessible improvements to the K&P Trail

The Blue Moose Family – Kate Slagle, James Bambury, Wes Bambury, and Ella Bambury – are owners and operators of The Blue Moose Bed & Breakfast on Wolfe Island.

“We are so grateful to be this year’s recipients of the Frontenac Access Award,” says Slagle. “Over the last five years our family has worked diligently to improve the bed and breakfast to make it accessible to everyone visiting the island. It feels great to be recognised for that work and we’re so proud to be the first accessible accommodation on Wolfe Island.”

Kate, Wes, James, and Ella – the Blue Moose Family – at their accessible Blue Moose B&B in Marysville on Wolfe Island, November 22.

The Blue Moose is a beautiful century building right in Marysville. Like so many older buildings, it was not originally built with accessibility in mind. Since taking over in 2018 the Family has added moveable ramps to make the entire ground floor – including the porch and outside seating area – wheelchair accessible. Bed heights in the guest rooms were adjusted to facilitate transfers. Menus were developed to accommodate special needs. And last year, the Blue Moose received Government of Canada support from the Enabling Accessibility Fund to complete a full wheel-in wet room. It’s a ground-floor guest-suite bathroom that makes The Blue Moose accessible and comfortable for anyone living with mobility challenges or who uses a wheeled assistive device like a wheelchair.

The Access Award was created in 2013 – 10 years ago this year – in partnership between Frontenac County and the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee to recognize those who make significant contributions towards improving access for people with disabilities in Frontenac County.

The award was presented by Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Chair Neil Allen, Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee member representing Wolfe Island Janet MacDonald, and Frontenac County Warden Ron Vandewal at the Warden’s Wine and Cheese celebration at Storrington Centre in Sunbury, November 29.

Click here to learn more about accessibility in Frontenac.

Click here to visit the Accessibility in Frontenac page on EngageFrontenac.ca.

Click here to visit the Blue Moose B&B.

Do you want to volunteer? Become a member of the joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee (FAAC).

The County of Frontenac is seeking a community member from the Township of North Frontenac for the joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee (FAAC).

The FAAC assists the County and Township Councils in enabling persons with disabilities to have equal access to all opportunities #inFrontenac and to help Frontenac meet the Province’s goal of a barrier-free Ontario by 2025.

You must be 18 years of age or older and a resident or landowner (or spouse of) in the County of Frontenac to be eligible, as well as a resident of the Township of North Frontenac. Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, a majority of the members of the committee shall be persons with disabilities.

Learn more about accessibility in Frontenac here and here.

Visit www.frontenaccounty.ca or the County Office or Township Offices for an application form. Applications are due by April 13 and may be submitted in person or via email to:

Ms. Jannette Amini,

Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk

County of Frontenac

2069 Battersea Road

Glenburnie ON K0H 1S0

Or Fax to: 613-548-0839

Or E-mail to: jamini@frontenaccounty.ca

Snow Road Community Centre Association member Jerry Lichty, Frontenac County Warden Ron Vandewal, and Howe Island Ratepayers Association member Gary Johnson.

Glenburnie, ON – The 2021 Frontenac Access Award was presented Wednesday at the Frontenac County offices by Frontenac County Warden, Ron Vandewal.

Two recipient groups earned the award: Members of the Howe Island Ratepayers Association donated $15,000 toward accessible improvements to Norris Community Park on Howe Island in the Township of Frontenac Islands. The award was accepted on behalf of the group by association member, Gary Johnson.

The Snow Road Community Centre Association donated $5,000 toward the construction of accessible washrooms at the Snow Road Community Hall at Snow Road Station in the Township of North Frontenac. The award was accepted on behalf of the group by association member, Gerry Lichty.

“To me, the Access Award highlights examples of neighbours in Frontenac volunteering to work together to welcome and support each other,” says Frontenac County Warden, Ron Vandewal. “On behalf of Frontenac County Council, I’d like to thank Gerry and Gary — and all their friends and colleagues who earned and share in this award with them — for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to your communities.”

About the Frontenac Access Award: The County of Frontenac, in partnership with the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee, created the Access Award in 2013 to recognize persons, groups or organizations that have made or are making a significant contribution, financial or otherwise, towards improving access beyond legislative requirements for persons in the County of Frontenac who are living with disabilities.

Access can include designing new or renovated buildings, an employment program, a transportation system, a recreational or leisure program, or anything that contributes significantly to persons with disabilities living independently.

Previous recipients are the Verona Lions Club (2013), Joe Ryan and Brenden Hicks of Accessible Living (2014), Doug Lovegrove of Verona (2015), the Bellrock Community Hall Association (2016), John Weatherall (2017), New Leaf Link (2018), Southern Frontenac Community Services (2019), Rural Frontenac Community Services Drivers and Inverary Youth Activities (2020.)