Accessibility Policy
Venue accessibility
Vancouver Playhouse
There is an accessible driveway to the audience entrance at 600 Hamilton Street to drop off or pick up passengers, accessible via Dunsmuir Street. Doors open one hour before performances. A Single occupancy gender inclusive accessible washroom is in the main lobby across from the bar. The venue has dedicated wheelchair-accessible seating locations.
Read the full Accessibility Policy of the venue.
Meridian Hall
Meridian Hall lobbies and washrooms are barrier free for patrons using wheelchairs or similar assistive devices. The main lobby has an elevator to the mezzanine and lower lobby spaces for those who may need it. Meridian Hall has dedicated wheelchair-accessible seating locations on the orchestra and mezzanine levels, plus other seating suitable for patrons with limited mobility (people who have walkers, crutches, service animals, collapsible wheelchairs, etc.).
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts main floor lobbies and main floor washrooms are barrier free for patrons using wheelchairs or similar assistive devices. Both auditoriums, the Bluma Appel Theatre and Jane Mallett Theatre, have dedicated wheelchair-accessible seating locations, plus other seating in each theatre suitable for patrons with limited mobility (people with walkers, crutches, service animals, collapsible wheelchairs, etc.).
Read the Accessibility Policy of the venue.
Assistance
If you require specific support from the event organizer, such as an ASL-interpreter or access for a personal support worker, email zaria@rgd.ca.
Please note, some supports may only be accommodated at least 30 days prior to the event.
event & accessibility information
Vancouver Playhouse
- Venue: Vancouver Playhouse
- Address: 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC
- Main intersection: Hamilton Street & Dunsmuir Street
- Accessible entrance: Main entrance at 600 Hamilton Street (only accessible entry)
Getting There
Public Transit
- Stadium–Chinatown SkyTrain Station: 1 block east on Dunsmuir Street
- Vancouver City Centre (Canada Line): ~5 blocks west on West Georgia Street
Bike Share
- Multiple Mobi bike-share stations nearby
- More info: www.mobibikes.ca
Parking
Main Parking (Queen Elizabeth Theatre & Playhouse)
- Located beneath the theatre (EasyPark Queen Elizabeth Theatre parkade)
- Entrance: Cambie Street (between West Georgia & Dunsmuir)
- Height limit: 6’4”
- Limited availability — arrive early
Nearby Parking
- Vancouver Public Library (Hamilton Street, between Georgia & Robson)
- The Post (across Hamilton Street; closes at 10:30pm)
Accessible Parking
- Available in the EasyPark parkade with valid permit
- Reservation required: 7–10 days in advance
- Phone: 604-706-1257
- Elevator access from parkade to Hamilton Street entrance (opens 60 minutes before showtime)
Drop-Off / Pick-Up
- Accessible driveway at 600 Hamilton Street (via Dunsmuir Street)
- Doors open 1 hour before performances
- Wheelchair available for transport from entrance to seat (not for in-show use)
Seating
Wheelchair Seating
- Located on Orchestra level (Row 15, Seats 40–44)
- Total: 5 wheelchair spaces
Companion Seating
- Companion seats available in Row 14 (Seats 40–44)
Additional Notes
- Balcony and orchestra aisles have steps
- Limited accessible seating overall
- Best legroom: Row 16 and side balcony (Seats 120 & 140)
- Some non-standard seat sizes (see tech specs)
- Booster seats available at coat check (fee applies; personal boosters allowed)
Washrooms
- Single-occupancy, gender-inclusive accessible washroom
- Located in main lobby across from the bar
- Includes baby change station
Elevators
- Elevator in main lobby to balcony level
- Large enough for at least two wheelchairs
- Accessible seating and washroom are on ground level
Hearing Assistance
- Available at coat check (ID or credit card deposit required)
- Compatible with:
- Headphones (3.5mm jack)
- Neck loops (for T-coil hearing aids/cochlear implants)
- System: Listen Technologies Wi-Fi/RF (Wi-Fi component not yet active)
- Advance requests: VCTAudienceServices@vancouver.ca
Service Animals
- Certified guide and service dogs permitted (per BC regulations)
- Seating recommendations for larger dogs:
- Accessible seating area OR
- Balcony rows A–G
- Emotional support animals are not permitted
Medical & Accessibility Support
- Oxygen tanks permitted (accessible seating recommended)
- Ushers and front-of-house staff available to assist with mobility needs
- First Aid attendant present at all performances
- Wheelchair assistance available at entrance
Additional Accessibility Notes
- Elevator accommodates at least two wheelchairs
- Staff can assist patrons navigating stairs or using walkers
- No formal support person policy currently in place
- Only one accessible entrance (Hamilton Street)
- No additional photos available of accessibility features
- Limited accessible seating; additional needs handled case-by-case (pending FOH guidance)
Contact
- Audience Services: VCTAudienceServices@vancouver.ca
Read the full Accessibility Policy of the venue.
Vancouver Community College (VCC)
General Info
- Venue: Vancouver Community College
- Address: 250 W Pender Street, Vancouver, BC
- Main intersection: Hamilton Street & Dunsmuir Street
- Vancouver Community College is across the street from the Vancouver Playhouse
Campus Map
- Downtown campus floor map:
- https://www.vcc.ca/media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/contact-us/WEB-CampusMaps-DT-APR_2016.pdf
Washrooms
- Washroom access code (campus-wide): 1996#
Accessibility Plan
Interpreting Services
- Interpreting services may be available through VCC:
https://www.vcc.ca/services/services-for-students/interpreting-services/
Room Bookings (Downtown Campus)
Dates: May 26–27
- Room 512 – Capacity: 60
- Room 205A – Capacity: 48 (breakout sessions)
- Room 240 – Capacity: up to 120 (roundtables)
Accessibility questions for The Library Square Pub (delegate party venue)
- Are there any steps, stairs, or ramps that must be traversed in order to access the space? If so, are there alternative entrances in safe locations? Where are they? We have a separate entrance with a ramp that we will use specifically for your event to avoid steps.
- Are the entrance doors wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair passing through the threshold without anything being moved or complicated manoeuvres? Yes, the entrance doors are wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through easily without moving furniture.
- Is there enough room for someone with a wheelchair to navigate the party area without having to move chairs/tables out of the way?
Yes, there is enough room in the party area for wheelchairs to navigate without moving tables or chairs.
- Are there tables that are low enough that someone who uses a wheelchair can sit at the same level as others without feeling awkward or needing to struggle to get into a stool or booth?
We have a couple of low-level tables available, and we can set up more if you let us know your needs ahead of time.
- For the washrooms, are they on the same level as the space? Or are there steps and stairs or narrow hallways with lots of turns? If so, is there a more accessible place for someone to use the washroom?
Our accessible washrooms are on the same level as the event space, and no stairs or narrow turns are required to reach them.
- Are there accessible washrooms with enough space for someone with a wheelchair to use and navigate without having to leave it to use the toilet?
We provide access to our staff bathrooms on the same level for guests using wheelchairs, and these offer enough space to navigate comfortably.
- In the event of an emergency in an accessible washroom, is there a button to discreetly alert the staff?
No, our washrooms do not currently have emergency alert buttons.
- Do the washroom stall doors open outwards instead of into the stall?
All but one of our washroom stall doors open outwards.
- I looked at the online menu. Does it match the menu used in the restaurant? Or will there be a menu planned for the event?
Our menu changes slightly by season.
- Is there a copy of the menu available ahead of time?
We will provide a copy to share with your attendees in advance.
- Some of our attendees may need an alternative format or require a screen reader friendly version ahead of time. Is it possible to provide one?
Our current menu is available at www.librarysquarepub.com. If needed we can provide a text-based digital file, such as a Word document, that should be easier to read.
- What is the policy for substitutions (ex: allergies like seafood or gluten)
We take food restrictions seriously and will work to find solutions for all allergies, including seafood and gluten.
- What are the acoustics? Is there a major echo in the space? Does it interfere with comfortable conversation? Would someone with hearing loss struggle to order food and drink or talk to others?
It is generally comfortable for conversation.
- Are there alternative methods to ordering? Like a tablet?
Yes, we can provide alternative methods for ordering, such as using a tablet.
- Is the space lit well enough that someone can read the menu without having to use their cell phone for light?
The space is well-lit in most areas, though some spots are dimmer than others.
- Are there large print versions of the menu?
We do not have specific large-print booklets, but guests can check our website on their devices to utilize zoom or typeface scaling.
- Is there accessible parking? How far is it from an entrance?
Being in the downtown core, we do not have dedicated on-site parking.
- Are there push buttons to open doors automatically and stay open for 4 seconds or more?
Some of our doors are equipped with push buttons.
- Will the televisions have closed captioning on?
Unfortunately, our current system does not allow for closed captioning on the televisions.
- Have the staff received any training on how to assist someone with a disability?
Our team is currently undergoing training to better assist and support guests with disabilities.
- Are there any staff members who know ASL?
We do not currently have any staff members who are fluent in ASL.
