The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) has nominated former municipal councillor Jim Lowry for Ontario’s new “Accessibility Champion Award”.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Government of Ontario in partnership with AMCTO (Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario) has launched a one-time award: the AODA 10th Anniversary Champion Award. The award recognizes outstanding individuals who demonstrate leadership, passion and commitment in the promotion of accessibility and inclusiveness in their community. Jim Lowry served 29 years in municipal government – first as Councillor and Reeve in Ramsay Township and then as Councillor on the Mississippi Mills Council after amalgamation. Jim has also served on numerous public and private boards and associations, including the AAC from 2005 until present day. An excerpt from the AAC submission nominating Jim Lowry for the award:
“While Jim Lowry has spent more years on the AAC than any other member and is happy he has helped accessibility issues in the community, he recognizes that AODA legislation has certainly helped Mississippi Mills and his efforts to make improvements. Municipal buildings are now accessible. Parks are inspected by the AAC and paths improved. The private sector has also made accessible improvements: museums and local churches have installed ramps and elevators. Many businesses such as banks and stores have installed ramps and automatic doors. The NLAS hall has an accessible, level rear entrance and improved stair handrails.”
The 2015 AAC recognizes Jim Lowry as Mississippi Mills’ accessibility champion. We hope the province echoes our declaration – stay tuned for the official announcements this fall.
(This is an announcement from the Mississippi Mills Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). We are a committee of six, more info on this committee here.)
