Toronto 
What began eight years ago on a quiet Toronto street has grown into a nationwide movement reshaping how Halloween is celebrated. This October, nine Treat Accessibly Halloween Villages will open across Canada, creating spaces where children with disabilities can take part in trick-or-treating without barriers.
The idea started in 2017 when six-year-old Siena Padulo asked how a child using a wheelchair could reach her family’s front door as they had stairs. Her parents responded by creating a trick or treating station on their driveway with a lawn sign announcing that they supported an accessible Halloween. From that one sign of welcome, the initiative has spread to more than 250,000 homes across the country and inspired homeowners to set out the recognizable “Treat Accessibly” lawn signs each Halloween.
The scale of the organized Villages has grown rapidly. Since 2021, Canadian Tire has been a supportive partner, allowing 9 accessible Halloween Villages across Canada, drawing thousands of families. In 2024 alone, the program reached 230,000 households, with curbside trick-or-treating available for children who might otherwise be excluded.
This year’s series begins September 27 in Halifax, followed by events in Toronto and Lorraine (Montréal) on October 4. Hamilton and Ottawa host on October 5, Calgary on October 18, and both St. Albert and Edmonton on October 19. The final Village takes place on October 25 in Surrey, B.C. Each event runs from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and features accessible treat stations, magicians, DJs, and costumed entertainers. Admission is free, though advance tickets are required.
For those not living near an official site, a DIY Halloween Village kit is available online, encouraging communities to organize their own inclusive trick-or-treating. One such event will be held in Barrie on October 26 at 151 Ferris Lane.
Credit: Treat Accessibly Halloween Village
The villages are not just for children with disabilities but for their siblings, parents, and neighbourhood friends, reinforcing that accessibility benefits everyone. Families are encouraged to come in costume, share the experience on social media, and help normalize inclusive celebrations.
Backed by partners including Canadian Tire, REMAX, Kinder, and Pet Valu, Treat Accessibly is now considered the world’s first accessible holiday tradition. For founder Rich Padulo and his family, the mission remains rooted in that simple question posed by Siena: how can Halloween be open to every child?
2025 Halloween Villages
- Halifax – Sep 27, 2025, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. @ Edward Arab Ave, Halifax
- Toronto – Oct 04, 2025, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. @ Queens Dr, York
- Lorraine (Montréal) – Oct 04, 2025, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. @ Pl. de Toul, Lorraine
- Hamilton Treat – Oct 05, 2025, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. @ Cartier Cres, Hamilton
- Ottawa (Stittsville) – Oct 05, 2025, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. @ Baywood Drive, Ottawa
- Calgary – Oct 18, 2025, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. @ 10A St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1W6, Canada
- St Albert – Oct 19, 2025, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. @ Ellington Crescent, St. Albert
- Edmonton – Oct 19, 2025, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. @ Summerside Grande Blvd SW, Edmonton
- Surrey – Oct 25, 2025, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. @ 69a Ave, Surrey
- 2025 DIY Halloween Villages – Barrie – Oct 26, 2025, 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm @ Parking Lot at 151 Ferris Lane, Barrie
