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Age-Friendly leaders recognized for making a difference

October 15, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Nineteen individuals, businesses and organizations were honoured at the County of Simcoe’s 2026 Age-Friendly Recognition Awards ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Through their dedication, innovation and service, the honourees are helping older adults remain connected, independent and engaged in their communities.

The awards celebrate contributions that enhance accessibility, foster social connection, and improve quality of life for aging residents across the county.

Recipients were nominated by community members, colleagues, customers, clients and peers who have seen firsthand the positive impact of their efforts.

“Creating age-friendly communities is a shared responsibility, and these award recipients demonstrate what that commitment looks like in action,” said Simcoe County Warden Basil Clarke. “Whether through exceptional customer service, innovative business practices, volunteerism, advocacy or simple acts of kindness, each recipient is helping to make Simcoe County a more welcoming place to age. On behalf of county Council, I extend my sincere congratulations and gratitude to all of this year’s honourees.”

The Age-Friendly Recognition Awards are part of the county’s ongoing commitment to supporting the needs of a growing older adult population and fostering communities where residents can remain active, engaged and connected at every stage of life.

Award recipients were honoured at the County of Simcoe’s annual Age-Friendly Recognition Awards ceremony, hosted by CTV Barrie’s Sarah Freemark and attended by community leaders, family members, nominators, and supporters.

Congratulations to Individual Age-Friendly Recognition Award recipients:

• Carol Baird – Wasaga Beach

• Diane Blaylock – Barrie

• Mary Vaillancourt – Penetanguishene

• Roy Atikinson – Orillia

• Zina Thomson – Penetanguishene

• Jennifer Gerynowicz – Collingwood

• Gerry Peters – Midland

• Douglas Mein – Alliston

Age-Friendly Business Recognition Award recipients:

• Barrie Housing – Barrie

• Wasaga Beach Public Library – Wasaga Beach

• Helping Hands – Orillia

• Orillia Active Living Centre – Orillia

• Stayner Dentures – Clearview

• Tip Top Smiles Dental Hygiene and Myofunctional Therapy – Wasaga Beach

• Askennonia Senior Centre – Midland

• OMG! Men & Women’s Fashions – Penetanguishene

• Lakehead University’s Office of Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning – Orillia

• Dentures by Denturists – Penetanguishene

• Kennedy’s Lakeside Grocery – Barrie

The County of Simcoe is committed to creating inclusive, supportive communities where older adults can age well and remain active, connected, and engaged. Guided by the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Communities framework since 2015, the county recently launched its refreshed Positive Aging Strategy 2025-2030 and, in 2025, was officially designated a member of the WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. 

Through its Age-Friendly Program, the county works with municipalities, organizations, businesses, and residents to advance initiatives that improve quality of life for older adults across the region.

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