Smith was bursting with excitement at the recognition | Photo provided
Community Improvement Coordinator for the Municipality of Central Huron Angela Smith, was recognized for her outstanding contributions to community development at the Economic Development Council of Ontario (EDCO) awards at the beginning of February.
She secured not only the prestigious Influencer of the Year for Equity and Inclusion award, but also received an award for Rural Economic Excellence, and Inclusion in Community events. Her tireless advocacy for accessibility and inclusivity in Central Huron have focused on making downtown areas and local events more accessible for all community members.
Smith recognized that it was a proud moment for Minister Thompson to present the award to a community from her own constituency! | Photo provided
One of Smith’s standout projects was the creation of sensory-friendly zones at community events. Understanding the challenges faced by families with autistic members, Smith collaborated with the Huron Respite Network to provide a welcoming environment, ensuring everyone can participate in festivities.
Moreover, Smith’s dedication to fostering inclusivity extends beyond physical accessibility. She emphasizes the importance of considering the diverse needs of all community members, including youth, seniors, and individuals from different backgrounds. Her commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone has set a standard for community development.
Smith is known to get her hands dirty.
In addition to her efforts in accessibility, Smith was also recognized for her innovative approach to promoting the skilled trades. Through initiatives like a Student Sculpture Garden, she has encouraged youth to explore career paths in trades while showcasing their artistic talents.
Looking ahead, Smith remains focused on further enhancing community inclusivity and engagement. She is exploring new projects, including the integration of three-dimensional animations and augmented reality into public art installations, with the goal of inspiring creativity and technological skills among local youth.
Being recognized for her efforts, and putting Central Huron in the spotlight as a pioneer in the inclusivity and accessibility space is an experience that Smith says was unmatched.
She says that at the end of the day, her goal is to make sure that everyone in the community has the opportunity to participate, and help make Central Huron the best possible community it can be.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
