Huntsville resident Debbie Kirwin is a long-time advocate for accessibility and community engagement, and on April 14, 2026, she was recognized for her work.
On Tuesday, Ontario awarded 20 of the province’s most exceptional civic leaders with the 2024 and 2025 Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. Renamed in tribute to the late monarch, this medal is the province’s second-highest civilian honour and recognizes those whose leadership and exceptional volunteer service have left a lasting impact on their communities and helped build a stronger Ontario and Canada.
Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, honoured recipients during a ceremony held at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park in Toronto.
“Service to others lies at the heart of our communities,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “Through the Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, I am delighted to honour exceptional individuals and recognize their remarkable contributions across our province.”
Kirwin has been a strong advocate for making community spaces accessible, particularly for people with mobility challenges. Her experiences helped raise awareness among local leaders about accessibility barriers and the need for more inclusive infrastructure.
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Debbie, congratulations… so well deserved. You were a true champion for disabilities. Thank you
Congratulations, Debbie
Debbie, heartfelt congratulations on receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. This recognition reflects years of unwavering advocacy, leadership, and determination to make Huntsville—and Ontario—a more accessible, inclusive, and compassionate place for everyone.
Your work has changed policies, reshaped public spaces, and opened doors for countless residents who now move through our community with greater dignity and independence. You’ve shown what it looks like to pair courage with kindness, and persistence with purpose.
This award is a testament not only to what you’ve accomplished, but to the way you’ve done it: collaboratively, respectfully, and with a deep belief in the value of every person. Huntsville is better because of you.
Warmest congratulations on this well‑deserved honour.
Debbie, how timely to see you last Friday night and chat. I’ve always admired your contributions to accessibility in our town. You are a very special woman and much deserved of this recognition.
God bless you.
Congratulations on this well-deserved honour, Debbie!!
As I recall, when MP Scott Aitchison was Mayor, he also recognized Debbie’s tireless work in making our community more accessible. Although her work is on behalf of those with disabilities, it makes Huntsville a better place to live for all of us.
As an Honourary Rotarian of the Rotary Club of Woodbridge and a volunteer to the Rotary Club of Huntsville.I had the pleasure of meeting Ross and working with Ross at Dockfeast. Congratulations on receiving your award.
Congratulations Debbie. A well deserved honor.