Kevin Saunders, Owner, Muskoka Bear Wear: The company actually originated back in 2003 in Bracebridge, Ontario, in a little 700 square foot store. Since then we grew to a larger store in Bracebridge, and then into the Huntsville market and also Port Carling.

This store we actually built from scratch in October, and took over the space, it was a complete blank shell — this was all stairs across here. And the first thing we did when we came in was design the space around the accessibility of the ramp.

We’re a brand, we’re a company, so we feel that every space should be accessible. So it wasn’t even a question; it was the first thing on the list.

Customers really appreciate it, especially not only to be accessible to wheelchairs, but also to strollers and everything else — it’s always convenient to have that.

Well this year was the first year they had the actual Accessibility Award, and this is actually our first year here in Huntsville in this space. And luckily for us, they acknowledged the hard work and determination that we put in to putting in the ramp and we won the award. It was great, and we were really excited and honoured to be even recognized for the work we put in.

It comes back to everyone being able to experience Muskoka Bear Wear. You know, enjoy themselves, purchase some product or not purchase some product, but still be able to tour the store.