Lincoln, ON – (May 7, 2026) – The Town of Lincoln is proud to announce that its Human Resources team has been recognized by Canadian HR Reporter as one of Canada’s Leading HR Teams for 2026, earning national recognition for innovation, employee experience, workplace culture, and forward-thinking people strategies.
Previously known as Innovative HR Teams, Canadian HR Reporter’s Leading HR Teams report recognizes organizations that are advancing the HR profession through progressive approaches to talent management, employee engagement, workplace wellness, technology, and organizational development.
Lincoln’s Human Resources function is led by a two-person team supporting a diverse municipal workforce while balancing the complexities of public accountability, legislative compliance, and community service. Despite its size, the team has continued to deliver both day-to-day operational excellence and long-term strategic initiatives designed to strengthen organizational culture and workforce resilience.
A standout achievement highlighted in the submission was the Town’s successful transition in January 2025 from fully manual HR and payroll processes to a modern, integrated Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and payroll platform. Since implementation, the system has expanded into a broader workforce management ecosystem, improving efficiency, reporting accuracy, data insights, and strategic decision-making.
Additional initiatives contributing to the recognition included:
- A refreshed values-based employee recognition program celebrating employees who consistently exceed expectations;
- A peer-to-peer recognition program encouraging appreciation, teamwork, and connection;
- A new Volunteer Days Policy providing employees with paid time to support local community organizations;
- A Mentoring Policy to encourage career development, knowledge sharing, and succession planning; and
- Monthly HR-led Fireside Chats designed to strengthen communication, transparency, and collaboration across departments.
“This recognition highlights the Town of Lincoln’s commitment to investing in our people and creating a workplace culture where employees feel supported, connected, and empowered to succeed,” said Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “Our employees are essential to delivering high-quality service to residents, and this award reflects the intentional work happening behind the scenes to ensure Lincoln remains an exceptional place to work.”
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it acknowledges the innovation and strategic leadership of a small but highly impactful HR team,” said Chief Administrative Officer Michael Kirkopoulos. “From modernizing our systems to strengthening employee engagement and development, our Human Resources team continues to play a critical role in shaping an agile, resilient, and future-focused organization.”
Councillor Dianne Rintjema, Chair of the Town’s General Business & Finance Committee, added: “Strong organizations are built on strong people practices. This recognition reinforces Lincoln’s leadership not only in municipal service delivery, but in how we attract, support, and invest in our workforce for long-term success.”
While this recognition celebrates significant progress, the Town views it as a milestone rather than a finish line. Lincoln’s HR team will continue leveraging data insights, leadership partnerships, employee engagement initiatives, and its evolving People Plan to meet changing workforce needs and further strengthen the employee experience.
Readers and organizations across Canada were invited to submit nominations showcasing agile, bold, and forward-thinking HR teams. Submissions were evaluated by the Canadian HR Reporter team based on innovation, measurable success, and benchmarking against peer organizations.
Please visit Canadian HR Reporter to see the Award Announcement.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
905-563-2799 ext. 230