Peterborough Celebrates National AccessAbility Week

Peterborough, ON – National AccessAbility Week, taking place from Sunday, May 31 to Saturday, June 6, 2026, is a time to raise awareness about accessibility and highlight the importance of identifying and removing barriers so that people of all abilities can participate fully in community life. 

Founded in 1988 as National Access Awareness Week and inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour, National AccessAbility Week continues to promote accessibility and inclusion across Canada. 

Mayor Jeff Leal has released the following statement for National AccessAbility Week: 

“National AccessAbility Week is an opportunity to reflect on how we continue building a community where everyone can participate fully. 

This year’s theme, ‘Building a Strong, Accessible Canada,’ recognizes that accessibility is shaped by the decisions we make every day in our public spaces, services, programs, workplaces, and community planning. 

In Peterborough, accessibility remains an important part of creating a city that is welcoming, connected, and responsive to the needs of residents of all abilities. Meaningful progress comes through collaboration, open dialogue, and learning from lived experience. 

National AccessAbility Week also highlights the value of partnerships between residents, community organizations, businesses, advocates, and local government in identifying barriers and improving accessibility throughout our community. 

On behalf of City Council, I thank everyone who continues to support a more accessible Peterborough.” 

Several events are taking place from Tuesday, June 2 to Saturday, June 6, to celebrate National AccessAbility Week. All events are free to attend.  

The schedule can be found below:  

Finding Work That Works for You 

Location: Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N. 
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

Adults only. Register can be done online through the Peterborough Public Library at ptbolibrary.ca.   

Red Shirt Day 

Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 

In support of Red Shirt Day, the City of Peterborough encourages residents to wear red on Wednesday, June 3. Established in 2019 by Easter Seals Canada, Red Shirt Day encourages people to help remove physical, attitudinal, and systemic barriers to accessibility. More information about Red Shirt Day is available at redshirtday.org. 

City Hall will be lit red on Red Shirt Day as a visual display of solidarity and support for people with disabilities. 

Bonnerworth Accessible Pickleball Play 

Location: Bonnerworth Park, 560 McDonnel St. 
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026 
Time: 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. 

Drop-ins are welcome, online pre-registration is preferred. To register visit connectptbo.ca/pickleball. Spare equipment and two instructors will be available on site. Accessible courts, along with additional courts, will also be available. 

Free Skate and Learn: Accessible Skate and Sledge Hockey 

Location: Miskin Law Community Complex – CHE Pad, 271 Lansdowne St. W. 
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026 
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Sledge on site plus accessible push-bar devices. Wheelchairs are permitted on the ice after cleaning. Support person permitted as necessary but must be wearing skates. 

CHE Pad, Capacity of 165 persons 

CapableCon 

Location: Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St. 
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026 
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
 
Hosted by the Council for Persons with Disabilities, Capable Con is celebrating its 5th Anniversary. This event will celebrate inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment for people of all abilities. For more information, visit pcpd.ca/capable-con.