The future Duffin Meadows Funeral Centre has been nominated for a 2026 Durham Region Accessibility Award. The nomination recognizes Mount Pleasant Group (MPG)'s commitment to creating a more accessible and inclusive experience for future visitors.
The nomination reflects MPG's organization-wide effort to raise standards in how its facilities are designed, built and operated. The new Duffin Meadows Funeral Centre will be the first full new-construction project developed under this mandate and is being designed to exceed the minimum requirements of the Ontario Building Code.
As part of the project, MPG is pursuing Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification, a nationally recognized program that measures accessibility for people with a wide range of disabilities, including mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive challenges. The building's design incorporates advanced universal design principles, enhanced wayfinding, optimized lighting and acoustics, assisted listening systems and seamless barrier-free access throughout the site.
The facility is also targeting the Canadian Green Building Council Zero Carbon standard for design and performance as part of MPG's broader commitment to creating facilities that are environmentally responsible, inclusive and built to serve future generations. Together, these accessibility and sustainability initiatives demonstrate MPG's commitment to setting a high standard for inclusive, environmentally responsible design.
“My team and I are honoured to receive this nomination,” said Jeff Dennis, MPG’s Director of Development. “The Duffin Meadows Funeral Centre reflects our commitment to thoughtful, future-focused design. From accessibility and inclusion to sustainability and environmental responsibility, we have approached this project with the goal of creating a space that will serve families and communities well for generations to come.”
Now in its 22nd year, the Durham Region Accessibility Awards are presented by the Durham Region Accessibility Advisory Committee to recognize individuals, groups and businesses that champion accessibility throughout the region. This year, 41 nominees have been recognized, with one award recipient to be selected from each municipality. Winners will be announced at the annual Accessibility Awards Celebration on September 17, 2026.
On July 28, 2026, MPG held a ceremony to mark the official groundbreaking. Read the press release.
