News

Durham Region gives 2025 accessibility award to Durham College’s Ajax Urban Farm

Justin Barber

02 Nov 2025 — 1 min read

The Region of Durham awarded a 2025 Accessibility Advisory Committee Award in September to Durham College’s Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture for accessibility features and programming at the Ajax Urban Farm. The award was presented at the Region’s Annual Accessibility Awards Celebration.

The recognition centres on the farm’s design and partnerships that support people with reduced mobility or complex needs. The site in Ajax was built using universal design principles and includes features intended to broaden participation in on-site activities.

The farm includes accessible picnic tables, crushed gravel pathways, raised garden beds, and regular rest stops. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) signage and handheld supports are used to help participants communicate and take part in activities.

“Creating inclusive spaces where everyone can learn and experience the benefits of sustainable agriculture is an important part of our mission,” said Carey Yeoman, partnership manager at the Barrett Centre.

Summer programming included collaborations with several community organizations. The Alzheimer Society of Durham Region brought clients for gentle movement, reminiscing, and hands-on activities. The Community Development Council of Durham – Adult Newcomers participated in sessions on community building, agri-education, and language skills. Grandview Kids ran activities focused on communication, sensory experiences, and nature connections.

“This was our first time hosting one of our Active Living programs entirely outdoors, and it was largely made possible due to the accessibility considerations of the farm’s design and team,” said Sara Sellers, manager at the Alzheimer Society of Durham Region. She said farm staff completed Dementia Friendly Community training before the sessions.

The Barrett Centre’s Food IQ workshop series extends the work beyond the farm, engaging groups such as the Brain Injury Association of Durham to build food literacy, skill development, and hands-on learning focused on affordable, nutritious, and replicable meals. As the growing season winds down, the Barrett Centre will continue accessibility-related programming through the Food IQ series and other community-based initiatives in Durham Region.

The Region’s annual accessibility awards recognize organizations and individuals for contributions to accessibility across Durham Region.

CFIA issues Class 2 recall for pistachio desserts sold at Toronto Ladurée stores over Salmonella risk

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a Class 2 food recall warning on Oct. 31, 2025, for two pistachio desserts sold at Ladurée stores in Toronto due to possible Salmonella contamination. Distribution is listed as Ontario and online. The products were clerk-served with no UPCs and were sold over multiple

Registration opens for Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week, Nov. 17–21

Registration is open for Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week, a series of more than 30 online and in-person business sessions scheduled November 17 to 21 across Durham Region. Most events are free. The program offers workshops, practical sessions and networking. Local organizations are involved, including the Clarington Board of

Durham College student wins $5,000 tuition credit through campus-event draw

First-year Finance – Business Administration student Taylor Bacon received a $5,000 tuition credit through Durham College’s annual campus-events registration contest, the college announced Oct. 30. The contest is open to all applicants who register for campus events such as Open House and Program Information Nights. The award is issued

CFIA recalls certain roasted pistachios sold at Edmonton retailer due to possible Salmonella

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a Class 2 food recall warning on Oct. 30, 2025, for certain roasted pistachios sold at Fresh Nuts, 12522-132 Avenue in Edmonton, due to possible Salmonella contamination. The products have no listed brand and were sold in variable sizes with no UPC between April

Read more

CFIA issues Class 2 recall for pistachio desserts sold at Toronto Ladurée stores over Salmonella risk

Registration opens for Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week, Nov. 17–21

Durham College student wins $5,000 tuition credit through campus-event draw

CFIA recalls certain roasted pistachios sold at Edmonton retailer due to possible Salmonella