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Learn about the County of Simcoe’s Workplace Inclusion Charter Champions
The Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership Workplace Inclusion Charter is a voluntary initiative offering a no-cost toolkit and recognition program for employers in Simcoe County to foster inclusive work environments.
Workplace inclusion is essential for creating a diverse and welcoming environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and able to contribute their best work. A workplace inclusion charter outlines a set of principles and commitments that an organization voluntarily agrees to uphold in order to promote an inclusive workplace.
The Charter is adaptable for businesses of any size and employers can select specific commitments to implement in the workplace, accessing free resources, training, and support. The County recognizes businesses for their efforts through three certification levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Learn more about the Workplace Inclusion Charter and sign the Statement of Commitment here!
At the 2026 County of Simcoe Workforce Connect Conference held on June 18, three local businesses were recognized for their commitment to fostering inclusive work environments.
Meet the Gold Certified Workplace Inclusion Charter Champions:
Empower Simcoe
Empower Simcoe is a not-for-profit organization that has been serving Simcoe County since 1953. They support children, youth, adults, and families through a wide range of programs designed to help people achieve their own goals, build independence, and fully participate in their communities. This includes early childhood and infant development services, community living and residential supports, employment and life skills programs, housing supports, caregiver respite, and community participation opportunities. At Empower Simcoe, they believe that inclusion isn’t just about providing services it’s about creating opportunities, removing barriers, and ensuring every person is valued, respected, and has the chance to contribute.
Empower Simcoe became an accredited agency in 2007, demonstrating high standards of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement in the services it provides. The organization is seen as an employer of choice within the developmental services sector. By investing in employee development, fostering a supportive workplace culture, and encouraging collaboration and innovation, it has built a reputation for attracting and retaining dedicated professionals who are passionate about supporting others. Empower Simcoe actively works to create an environment where every individual – whether they are supported by the agency, employed by it, or engaged as a community partner – is treated with dignity, respect, and a sense of belonging. This commitment is reflected in its inclusive hiring practices, accessible services, and ongoing efforts to remove barriers and celebrate diversity.
There are many different career opportunities that exist in the developmental services sector. As one of Simcoe County’s largest employers with 600 employees, Empower Simcoe employs direct support professionals, social workers, behaviour analysts, EarlyON Child program facilitators, infant development professionals, employment specialists, recreation professionals, case coordinators, and housing support workers. Behind the scenes, they also rely on experts in finance, human resources, communications, information technology, facilities management, administration, and leadership. The sector offers tremendous opportunities for professional growth with many people starting in direct support roles and moving up to supervisors, managers, specialists, or senior leaders. One of Empower Simcoe’s employees who was originally hired in a part-time role after immigrating to Canada from Nigeria, worked evening shifts while continuing his education. As his experience and leadership skills continued to develop, he transitioned into a full-time position and was later promoted to Senior Support Worker and then Supports and Services Supervisor, where he now supports a team of 31 Direct Support Professionals across four Empower Simcoe group living homes.
The Workplace Inclusion Charter gave Empower Simcoe a practical framework to turn equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) commitments into action, strengthening recruitment, retention, engagement and workplace culture. While their commitment to belonging is embedded in our strategic plan and underpinned by foundational policies, targeted training, measurable goals, and accountability mechanisms, the Charter continues to make them an attractive employer, support employee wellbeing, and strengthen community partnerships.
Empower Simcoe partners with local schools, businesses, libraries, recreation centres, seniors’ residences, local food banks and other community organizations to create inclusive volunteer opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. These partnerships help individuals build skills, develop relationships, and participate fully in community life. They are proud annual sponsors of the Newcomer Recognition Awards with the County of Simcoe’s Local Immigration Partnership, as well as a Gold Sponsor of the 2026 Taste the Culture Festival in Innisfil. Through the Empower Simcoe Foundation, they host annual fundraising events that help to provide accessibility equipment, specialized housing, family respite, youth programs, and recreational opportunities beyond what government funding covers. For Empower Simcoe, being part of Simcoe County means being part of a community that values inclusion, connection, and supporting one another.
Hörmann
Hörmann is a globally recognized, family-owned manufacturer renowned for premium residential, commercial, and high-performance industrial doors as well as loading technology and more. Their entire “Americas” division covers Canada, USA, Mexico, and Latin America with six manufacturing facilities and 23 sales and distribution centers. Hörmann has a long-standing presence in Simcoe County through the legacy of TNR Industrial Doors, which has been manufacturing high-performance rubber doors in the region for over two decades. While their state-of-the-art facility in Oro-Medonte is new, it builds on more than 40 years of innovation and expertise in rubber door manufacturing. They’re proud to continue investing in the region, creating local jobs, and contributing to the growth of advanced manufacturing in Simcoe County.
As the business has expanded, they’ve continued to strengthen their “people” practices by investing in recruitment, employee development, training, and creating a workplace where employees can grow and build long-term careers. Being recognized as a Gold Achiever through the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership Workplace Inclusion Charter is an important milestone because it reflects the work their organization has done to strengthen inclusion and belonging in the workplace. They believe that success is driven not simply by the products they manufacture but also by the people who make them.
Hörmann offers a variety of career opportunities across manufacturing, production, skilled trades, engineering, quality, supply chain, sales, customer service, and corporate support functions such as human resources and administration. One of the things they’re most proud of is seeing employees build long-term careers with the company. They have team members who have been with the company for over 20 years, starting in production and progressing into leadership roles such as Lead Hand, Supervisor, and even Production Manager. They’ve also seen employees move from production into departments like Engineering and Sales as they developed new skills and interests. Whether you’re interested in production, engineering, sales, quality, or leadership, there are many different career paths available. If you’re dependable, curious, and committed to learning, there are real opportunities to grow and build a long-term career
Participating in the Workplace Inclusion Charter as a company has shown the importance of taking a structured approach to workplace inclusion. The Charter provided Hörmann with valuable tools and resources to review practices, identify opportunities for improvement, and continue building a workplace where employees feel respected, supported, and included. A lot of these values were already part of the organization, but the Charter helped them strengthen their approach, create more awareness, and continue making inclusion an intentional part of workplace culture.
Being part of Simcoe County means being part of a community that values collaboration, opportunity, and growth. Hörmann is proud to have talented employees from diverse backgrounds who bring different experiences and perspectives that strengthen the organization. As a local manufacturer, they contribute to the region by creating employment opportunities, supporting local economic growth, and investing in their workforce and community. Hörmann is proud to be part of Simcoe County and contribute to the success of the region.
Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care is a 321-bed academic and teaching hospital that provides specialized mental health, addictions and geriatric care. With a team of over 1300 employees and volunteers, Waypoint provides both inpatient and a range of community-based programs and collaborations driven by their new 10-year strategy. The team at Waypoint is inspired by a shared vision to improve the health of those who need their services, to help shape the future of health care, and to push back the frontiers of discovery.
Waypoint has been serving the region for more than 120 years. Opening in 1904 as a psychiatric hospital, they have grown into a specialized mental health, addictions and geriatric care organization with hospital-based and community programs, research and education initiatives that support individuals, families, and healthcare providers. Waypoint became a fully independent hospital separating from the Ontario government in 2008. In 2014 they opened the Atrium building to provide specialized mental health care in a welcoming environment, and they’ve recently launched Mhaven, the first digital hub designed to address intimate partner violence – an issue identified as an epidemic by the County.
Waypoint offers a wide variety of careers in mental health/healthcare, administration, research, and support services. Some of the opportunities include, clinical positions, allied health professionals, medical, business services, support services, and research and education. It’s common for employees to begin their careers at Waypoint and later pursue additional college or university education to expand their qualifications and advance within the organization. To support this career growth, they offer a Tuition Support Program that helps employees invest in their ongoing education and professional development. One of Waypoint’s team members started as a personal care assistant while completing their registration requirements to become a Registered Nurse. The employee has worked in a variety of both clinical and corporate roles throughout his employment at Waypoint and most recently has been promoted to a Clinical Manager role. There are many different career paths in mental health care, from direct patient care and clinical roles to support services, administration, research, and skilled trades, so it’s important to be open to continuous learning and embrace opportunities to grow—both personally and professionally.
The County of Simcoe’s Workplace Inclusion Charter has reinforced Waypoint’s commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. It has provided a meaningful framework to strengthen inclusion efforts, encouraging ongoing learning, open dialogue, and continuous improvement across the organization. The Charter has helped foster a culture of belonging by promoting inclusive practices and increasing awareness of the importance of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. It has also created opportunities to collaborate with partners, share best practices, and learn from one another. Ultimately, the Charter supports Waypoint’s goal of attracting, retaining, and empowering a diverse workforce that reflects the communities they serve and helps them provide the highest quality of care to patients, clients, and families.
To Waypoint, being part of Simcoe County means being part of a community that values connection, resilience, and caring for one another. At Waypoint, they see themselves as more than a healthcare provider—they’re a community partner, working alongside local organizations, municipalities, first responders, and healthcare providers to improve the health and well-being of the people who call Simcoe County home.
