Today, the Town of Newmarket recognized Kevin Mills with the Honorary Citizen Award, the Town’s highest honour, during a ceremony at the site of the Honorary Citizen monument in Fairy Lake Park.

Kevin, who sadly passed away in April, was a former advanced care paramedic, an accessibility advocate, and member of the Town’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. He sustained a catastrophic spinal cord injury in 2009 at the age of 28 resulting in quadriplegia. Refusing to let his injury define him, Kevin and his wife Heather founded the Walk it Off spinal recovery centre and created the non-profit Peddling Possibilities to support and inspire people with disabilities to become more active.

In 2023, Kevin hand-cycled across Canada to raise awareness and support for people with disabilities. His campaign promoting activity-based therapy and demonstrated that accessible recreation is possible. In recognition of his advocacy and determination, Kevin was honoured with Newmarket’s Key to the City in 2023.

“I am proud to recognize Kevin Mills with the Honorary Citizen Award,” said Mayor John Taylor. “Kevin’s strength, determination and commitment to making our community more inclusive is an inspiration to us all. His courage in overcoming adversity and his passion for advocating on behalf of those with disabilities truly makes him a remarkable role model and hero.”

Celebrating Kevin’s outstanding service and commitment to the Town of Newmarket, community members and supporters gathered as Kevin’s family unveiled a permanent plaque and accepted the Honorary Citizen Award on his behalf. The recognition will forever honour his care and generosity towards the community.

About the Honorary Citizen Award

First presented in 2006, the Honorary Citizen Award represents the highest level of recognition by the Town of Newmarket for those who have made a significant impact in the community and inspire future generations. There are people who continually make us all think about how much more we can do for each other and are courageous enough to do what is not expected of them. Some of these people have rarely been heard of, though their impact can be felt throughout the community. This award shows the Town’s appreciation for their efforts and can inspire others in the community to follow in their footsteps. Award nominees are provided by Town of Newmarket Council Members. Selection is determined in closed session by Council and recipients are presented with the Award in the same year as selection at a ceremony.