The Petawawa Accessibility Advisory Committee (PAAC) is established through a formal motion of Council and is mandated to fulfill the minimum responsibilities as set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and any other additional responsibilities as may be assigned by Council.
Committee Membership is composed of local residents who are individuals with disabilities or who represent a person or persons with disabilities. Each member is appointed by Council and the committee receives municipal support as designated by the Chief Administrative Officer.
This committee provides advice and recommendations to Council about facilities and other infrastructure, programs, services, activities and policies, for the purpose of improving the Town’s livability, inclusiveness and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
PAAC intends to be a leader in developing accessible environments for all, embracing the principles of universal design, encourage inclusion and appreciating differences while promoting a common goal to make Petawawa a more accessible place to live, work and play for everyBODY.
Building an Inclusive, Accessible Petawawa
Petawawa is committed to creating a welcoming community where everyone can participate fully. Learn more about our accessibility efforts, policies, and the supports in place to remove barriers for residents and visitors of all abilities.
PAAC Meeting Minutes
PAAC Meeting Minutes Archive
Terms of Reference & Application
Communications
National AccessAbility Week
Celebrated annually in May
PAAC is proud to recognize National AccessAbility Week each year — a time dedicated to celebrating the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and promoting accessibility and inclusion in our community.
Through events, public engagement, and awareness campaigns, PAAC highlights the importance of creating spaces and opportunities that are welcoming and inclusive for all.
Past activities have included:
- Community art projects like the Community Quilt, displayed in public spaces
- Educational outreach on local accessibility initiatives
- Live entertainment and community gatherings
- Opportunities to connect with PAAC members and learn how to get involved
We invite all residents to take part in this national celebration and help build a community where everyone can thrive.
Stay tuned each spring for event details and ways to participate.
TREAT ACCESSIBLY Every Halloween!
PAAC is proud to support Treat Accessibly — Canada’s first movement for an inclusive Halloween. With over 400,000 children in Canada living with disabilities, this initiative helps ensure Halloween is fun and barrier-free for everyone, regardless of ability.
Here’s how you can help create an accessible Halloween:
- Distribute candy from an obstacle-free location, such as the end of your driveway.
- Pick up a FREE “Accessible Trick-or-Treating” lawn sign from Town Hall to show your support.
- Add your street to the Accessible Treat Map to help families plan their route.
Displaying the sign lets families know your home is part of the campaign. We recommend placing it on your lawn at least a week before Halloween to give families time to plan.
🎃 Join us on Halloween night at Town Hall for an accessible celebration with the Petawawa Fire Department! Meet Sparky the Fire Dog, snap some fun photos, and collect treats from our barrier-free stations.
Together, let’s make Halloween a spook-tacular and inclusive night for all!
🧡 Stay tuned this fall
Sensory Santa: A Magical & Stress-Free Holiday Experience
Each December, PAAC proudly hosts Sensory Santa — a calm, sensory-friendly alternative to traditional Santa visits, designed especially for children with autism or sensory processing challenges.
This special event creates a welcoming environment where children can meet Santa in a way that’s comfortable and tailored to their needs.
What Families Can Expect:
- A quiet, low-stimulation setting — no bright lights or loud noises
- One-on-one time with Santa at your child’s own pace
- The option to take your own photos or receive a professional image from Danis Photography delivered via email
- Scheduled visits by appointment to ensure a relaxed, personalized experience
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This is an RSVP-only event with limited 15-minute time slots per family.
Stay tuned for updates, registration info, and reminders closer to the date!
Together, let’s make the magic of the holidays accessible to every child.
