Tim Hortons Markdale has been nominated for the Age Friendly Award! Known to many as Tim's, Timmies, or Timmy's, this Canadian coffeehouse and fast-food chain serves up coffee, donuts, sandwiches, breakfast egg muffins, and more — and this location goes the extra mile for accessibility.
The parking lot offers plenty of space, including ample accessible spots, and the flat, step-free entrance makes coming and going effortless. Wide doorways and automatic doors welcome strollers and walkers alike. Inside, aisles are spacious and easy to navigate, cash lineups move quickly, and nearby seating gives those who need a break a place to rest. Washrooms are fully accessible, thoughtfully equipped, and always spotless.
Congratulations to the team at Tim Hortons Markdale on this well-deserved nomination — thank you for making your space welcoming for everyone in our community!
Markdale IDA Pharmacy is a well-deserved nominee for the Age Friendly Award, standing out as a local business that truly serves everyone in the community. As an independently owned and operated pharmacy, it brings a personal, hands-on approach that larger chains often can't match. Every customer, young or old, is treated with equal care and respect, and the staff consistently go above and beyond — taking the time to help people find what they need and answering questions with patience and genuine attention.
Accessibility is built into every part of the experience. From dedicated wheelchair parking to wide, welcoming aisles that easily accommodate strollers, the store is designed with all ages and abilities in mind. Navigating the space is simple and stress-free, making it a comfortable destination for everyone in the family.
Markdale IDA Pharmacy is a wonderful example of an age-friendly, community-focused business.
Markdale Foodland has been nominated for the Age Friendly Award, and it’s easy tosee why! The parking lot offers excellent spaces for young parents, along with well-marked, easy-to-find accessible spots. The barrier-free, well-lit entrance opensautomatically, making it simple for those using walkers or pushing strollers.
Inside, bright lighting helps shoppers see products and read labels clearly, while wide aisles mean no squeezing past fellow customers. Signs throughout the store offer strong text contrast for easy reading, and the intuitive layout means simple wayfinding without needing to track down staff for help. Frequently used products are conveniently within reach.
With plenty of cashiers on hand, checkout waits are minimal — a real help for anyone with young children or difficulty standing for long. Staff are clearly trained to offer extra support when needed.
Congratulations to Markdale Foodland on this well-earned nomination — we’re lucky to have such a clean, welcoming store in our town!
Pebbles Family Buffet, a family-owned restaurant in Varney on Highway 6 just south of Durham, is a well-deserved nominee for this year's Age Friendly Award. Known for its all-you-care-to-eat homestyle Mennonite buffet, Pebbles has made accessibility a genuine priority rather than an afterthought — from wide, easy-to-navigate aisles and step-free entry to a menu that thoughtfully balances kid-friendly favourites with options for older diners.
The team is known for its patient, attentive service, taking the time to help guests with mobility needs get comfortably seated, offering large-print menus on request, and never rushing a table. Whether it's a young family with a stroller or grandparents out for a Sunday meal, everyone is treated with the same warmth and respect.
Pebbles Family Buffet exemplifies what it means to be age-friendly: a business that puts comfort, dignity, and community connection first.
Justin's Oven in Kimberly is a standout nominee for the Age Friendly Award, thanks to its genuine, welcoming approach to every guest who walks through the door. The restaurant's commitment to local and organic ingredients whenever possible reflects a thoughtful, community-minded philosophy that shows in every dish. But what truly sets Justin's Oven apart is the warmth of its hospitality — the kind that makes families with young children feel just as valued as any other guest.
Dining out with little ones can often feel stressful, but at Justin's Oven, that worry disappears. The staff are consistently patient, accommodating, and genuinely kind, creating an atmosphere where parents can relax and actually enjoy their meal. Combined with fantastic food and a wonderful overall setting, Justin's Oven has built a reputation as a place where everyone — regardless of age — feels welcome and cared for.
Justin's Oven exemplifies what the Age Friendly Award is all about.
THanks to Our Municipal Partners
