Midhurst/May 1, 2026 – The County of Simcoe is now accepting nominations for the Age‑Friendly Business/Organization Award and the Age‑Friendly Individual Recognition and Achievement Award. These awards celebrate local businesses, organizations, and community members who help create welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environments for older adults across the region.
“Building an age‑friendly Simcoe County is a shared responsibility, and every year we see incredible leadership from residents, businesses, and organizations who are making a real difference,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “These awards give us the opportunity to recognize champions who help ensure older adults are given opportunities to thrive in our communities.”
Residents, community groups, and businesses are encouraged to nominate individuals or organizations that demonstrate leadership in supporting age‑friendly principles, whether through accessible customer service, inclusive programming, or meaningful contributions that enhance the quality of life for older adults.
Nominations close July 31, 2026.
Age-Friendly Business Recognition Awards
This award recognizes local businesses and organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to age‑friendly principles. Nominees may be acknowledged for:
- Providing accessible, respectful, and inclusive customer service
- Creating safe, comfortable, and welcoming environments for older adults
- Offering programs, services, or supports that enhance independence, participation, and well‑being
- Implementing age‑friendly policies, staff training, or physical improvements that reduce barriers
Award-winning businesses will receive:
- Recognition in a County press release, social media announcements, and a website feature
- A certificate and window decal
- A complimentary digital marketing package valued at over $350 (conditions apply)
Customers and clients can also participate by completing the Customer Nomination Checklist, highlighting businesses that help make Simcoe County a better place for older adults.
Age-Friendly Individual Recognition and Achievement Awards
These awards honour individuals of all ages who have shown exceptional leadership, community spirit, and support to older adults. It celebrates those who have performed acts of kindness or inspiration and have made a dedicated commitment to serving others, resulting in lasting positive outcomes for older adults in Simcoe County. Individuals demonstrate an extraordinary dedication to creating age-friendly communities through the following:
- Leadership in promoting age‑friendly values
- Volunteerism that enhances social participation, safety, or community engagement
- Advocacy that improves accessibility, inclusion, or quality of life for older adults
- Innovative projects or initiatives that support healthy aging
Award categories include:
- Individual Champion: Recognizes individuals who have played an outstanding and meaningful role in advocating for, and helping to meet, the needs of older adults. They demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment, and purposeful use of time in advancing age-friendly practices, projects, and initiatives within their communities.
- Older Adult Champion: Recognizes older adults (60+) who generously devote their time to selfless volunteer service. These individuals serve as role models and champions within their communities, exemplifying the true spirit of community service.
- Youth Champion: Celebrates outstanding youth who have made a meaningful difference in their community, with a special focus on supporting older adults. Through outstanding volunteer efforts and acts of generosity beyond expectations, these youth demonstrate leadership, empathy, and community spirit in helping to contribute to an age-friendly Simcoe County.
Join us in recognizing community heroes who are shaping a more inclusive and age-friendly Simcoe County.
About the Simcoe County Age-Friendly Community Program
The Age-Friendly Community Program was established in 2016 to increase awareness of the County’s aging population and help businesses and organizations evaluate their environment and service delivery. The County continues to provide resources and assessment tools to help organizations implement age-friendly goals and strategies and adapt to our aging population. For more information on our Age-Friendly Community program and the Business Guide and Recognition Awards, visit www.simcoe.ca/agefriendly, email agefriendly@simcoe.ca or call 705-726-9300 ext. 3127.
About County of Simcoe
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.