New cafe 'Christine's' opens at Whitby's Abilities Centre Oct. 21

A new cafe named 'Christine's, Championed by CAA' holds its grand opening Wednesday, Oct. 21, inside the Abilities Centre in Whitby.

The cafe is named for former Ontario health minister Christine Elliott, who will cut the ribbon at the opening. CAA helped develop and champion the project.

The cafe doubles as a supportive employment incubator for people with physical and developmental disabilities, offering skills training, customer service experience and employment and volunteer opportunities, launching during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Accessibility features include adjustable counter heights and custom refrigerator handles for wheelchair users. The cafe serves coffee from a local roaster plus baked goods, and CAA members get a free coffee when visiting.

Abilities Centre president and CEO Michael Cvitkovic, Durham Region partners and Durham MPP Todd McCarthy are expected at the opening. The Abilities Centre is a 125,000-square-foot barrier-free community hub that opened in 2012 and hosted judo and boccia during the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.