Celebrating impact – Peel Employee Awards
The Peel Celebrates Employee Awards is one of Peel’s annual employee recognition programs.
The awards program celebrates the outstanding contributions of our employees, whose dedication strengthens our organization and ensures that our communities have access to all necessary services and supports.
This year, we recognized our award recipients at a breakfast reception and presentation held at Regional Council on June 11, 2026.
Here is the complete list of our award recipients for 2026:
Coordinated Homeless Encampments Response Team
This dedicated group took a balanced and coordinated approach to helping people living in homeless encampments across Peel Region. They respected the needs and dignity of people living in encampments, while also caring about others who share the same community spaces.
The response team worked closely with people with firsthand experience, local municipalities, police services, and community partners.
Together, they connected people in encampments to housing and emergency shelters, supporting them on their path to stable, long-term housing.
Long Term Care Program Management Team
This team improved energy use in Peel Region’s Long Term Care homes to reduce environmental impact, better support residents, and prepare Peel for the future.
By 2035, these improvements are expected to:
- Reduce Peel Region’s carbon footprint by more than 2,000 tonnes.
- Cut energy use by almost half.
- Save about $250,000 each year on utility costs.
Scott Hodgson
Scott played a key role in building investor confidence and advancing Peel Region’s financial goals.
He led our organization’s return to raising money by borrowing from investors (capital markets) in 2025 and managed the largest borrowing program in Peel Region’s history.
Scott also embodies Peel Region’s values by creating a respectful and supportive workplace.
Liz Estey Noad
Liz is a strong leader who brings people, systems, and ideas together to get things done.
She led the review of the Community Safety and Well‑Being Plan, making it easier for over 75 partner organizations to respond to emerging issues more efficiently, helping create a community where all residents can thrive.
Peel Housing Corporation and Seniors Services Development Collaboration Working Group
This group demonstrated operational excellence and innovation and collaboration across teams to improve service coordination and outcomes for seniors living in Peel Housing Corporation-managed buildings.
Their work has:
- Helped improve teamwork to support seniors as they age at home.
- Helped connect seniors to health and community services.
- Supported seniors in safely accessing online resources.
Miel McGerrigle Wynne
Miel manages risk and provides expert legal advice to ensure Peel Region’s procurement strategies are compliant and fair and follow Canadian and Ontario First objectives.
Her integrity, collaboration, and commitment to excellence have left a lasting impact across Peel.
2025 Peel Children's Water Festival Team
In 2025, more than 6,000 people took part in the Peel Children’s Water Festival.
This team’s strong partnerships and collaborative efforts have delivered inclusive, accessible environmental education and meaningful learning experiences for over 27 years.
Their work has not only helped build awareness about the environment but also supports a stronger Community for Life.
Building Community for Life through Social Prescribing Team
Through innovative partnerships, this team introduced new programs, including a caregiver training course and a caregiver choir, to support people who care for others.
Their work has helped:
- Improve the experience of caregivers.
- Ensure caregivers’ voices are heard.
- Create a model that strengthens community health across Peel.
Precedent-Setting Canada Energy Regulator Proceedings Team
This team led 2 of Peel Region’s most complex and highest-priority transportation infrastructure projects: Mississauga Road and Highway 50.
By working strategically, making risk-informed decisions, and focusing on continuous improvement, they developed a nationally recognized approach that’s now being used by other Canadian municipalities.
Sharon Williams
Sharon is an inspiring, authentic leader who has created a respectful and inclusive workplace where employees feel valued and heard.
She has built a positive team culture by encouraging open conversations, respecting diverse perspectives, and consistently acting on her team’s feedback.
Denise Plinton
Denise is an exceptional people leader whose leadership, mentorship, and strategic impact exemplify what it means to lead Peel Region into the future.
She’s made a difference on her team and in the community by using data to strengthen the EarlyON system, improving equitable access to services, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Autism Awareness and Acceptance Team
Through their multi-year Autism Acceptance initiative, this team has raised awareness of autism acceptance, educating and empowering leaders and employees on autism, neurodiversity, and inclusive practices.
Their work reflects Peel Region’s Inclusion value by fostering a workplace and community where everyone feels respected, valued, and heard while creating lasting positive change.
Development Services Employee Engagement Committee
This committee serves as a role model for workplace wellness.
Through engaging activities and educational presentations and tours, they’ve created opportunities for employees to connect, learn, and support one another during stressful times, which helped improve employees’ physical, mental, and overall well-being.
Recipients of the CAO's Award for Excellence: Coordinated Homeless Encampments Response Team