Huron County presents Foundation with award
County of Huron recognizes Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation with accessibility award for South Huron Trail Mobile
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation thanks County of Huron for award; and thanks donors, community partners and volunteer drivers for making nature appreciation possible for people with limited mobility
The County of Huron has honoured Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) with a 2025 Award of Merit for Barrier-Free Access. The award recognizes the South Huron Trail Mobile. The Trail Mobile provides a nature enjoyment and active recreation experience for people with limited mobility.
Charles Miner is ABCF Chair. He thanked Huron County for the award. He also thanked all the community donors and partners who have made the South Huron Trail Mobile possible for almost two decades. He also gave special thanks to volunteer drivers Norm Eckel and Jim Hayter.
Several residents of Exeter Villa are among people who have experienced nature as passengers on the Trail Mobile. Tamara Thompson is Director of Activities and Volunteer Services at Exeter Villa LTC and Retirement Living in Exeter. “The South Huron Trail Mobile has been such a rich, valuable community resource,” she said. “Exeter Villa is so fortunate to have this accessible mobility in our small community, for residents to be able to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature.”
The weekly tours on the South Huron Trail are a favourite activity for many of the Exeter Villa residents, she said. “We are grateful to have the Trail Mobile pick us up at our front door.” The volunteer drivers are “wonderful and so kind, caring and friendly,” she said.
Several Exeter Villa residents shared what the Trail Mobile means to them:
- “I like to go on the Trail Mobile to get out and relax and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air as we ride around.”
- “The drivers are very knowledgeable gentlemen – sharing information about the trail and their local knowledge.”
- “I like the scenery ...”
- “I like the freedom to enjoy the trail and sometimes sing a tune ...”
- “You get to see ducks, geese, squirrels and people walking with their dogs.”
The County of Huron Award of Merit for Barrier-Free Access recognizes outstanding contributions to creating spaces and experiences that remove barriers and foster a more inclusive community. This award honours those who have demonstrated excellence in designing spaces, products, or services that enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. It celebrates a commitment to innovation and design that promotes inclusivity and equity.
The Public category of the award honours efforts made by governmental bodies, non-profit organizations, and public institutions to create inclusive and accessible environments for all members of the community.
PHOTO INFORMATION:
COUNTY OF HURON RECOGNIZES CONSERVATION FOUNDATION WITH AWARD OF MERIT FOR BARRIER-FREE ACCESS – The County of Huron has presented Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) with an Award of Merit for Barrier-Free Access in recognition of the South Huron Trail Mobile, which (thanks to donors and volunteer drivers) provides a nature enjoyment opportunity for people with limited mobility. Shown in photo, from left to right, are: volunteer drivers Norm Eckel and Jim Hayter; Sahil Kaushal, IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Specialist at the County of Huron; Jamie Heffer, County of Huron Warden; Huron County Councillor Leah Noel; Charles Miner, ABCF Chair; and Nathan Schoelier, Stewardship, Land and Education Manager with Ausable Bayfield Conservation.