Accessibility

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Accessibility at Royal Botanical Gardens

Nature is for everyone. Royal Botanical Gardens is committed to providing all our visitors with equal access to our gardens. The provision of services to persons with disabilities will be integrated whenever possible. We understand that you may have specific needs and we’ll do our best to meet them. Please guide us regarding the most helpful way to assist you as we strive to provide exceptional and accessible service in a manner that respects your dignity and independence. Support persons will be given entry free of charge.

Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, all public and private sector organizations must meet the requirements of accessibility standards established by the regulation. For more information about the Act, please see the ontario.ca webpage.

Resources

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking spaces are available at all garden area parking lots.

Accessible parking is located just past the main entrance of RBG Centre to the left. Visitors being dropped off to RBG Centre can be dropped off at the doors to the main entrance using the driveway in front of the building. Access to Hendrie Park is available via the tunnel under Plains Road, access through the atrium using the elevators provided.

Garden Access

All four cultivated gardens are partially accessible. The lower bowl of Rock Garden and the new rose garden in Hendrie Park feature wide, paved pathways. Other spaces in the gardens are accessible by fine-gravel paths, or grassy areas.

Trail Access

Trail widths are about 1m with natural material surfaces. Grades at Rock Chapel and Princess Point accesses areas are relatively flat at 1% grade, while the Arboretum and Hendrie Valley Trails have maximum grades of 25%. Most trails have elevation changes of 20m. Trail cross slope angles do not exceed 5%. The Desjardins Trail accessed from Princess Point is a flat multiuser paved trail, managed by the City of Hamilton on RBGs behalf and is part of the Trans Canada Trail network.

Service Animals

If a person with a disability is accompanied by a guide dog or other service animal, RBG will ensure that the person is permitted to enter any RBG facility with the animal and to keep the animal with him or her unless the animal is otherwise excluded by law. Where a service animal is excluded by law, RBG will ensure that other measures are available to enable the person with a disability to obtain, use and benefit from RBG’s goods and services. The service animal must be under the care and control of the individual at all times.

Support Persons

Persons with disabilities are required to pay for their admission or event ticket and one attendant/caregiver will receive complimentary admission. RBG Members with disabilities are permitted to bring one attendant/caregiver free of charge.

If a person with a disability is accompanied by a support person, RBG will ensure that both persons are permitted to enter any RBG facility, and that the person with a disability is not prevented from having access to the support person. RBG may require a person with a disability to be accompanied by a support person when in a RBG facility, but only if a support person is necessary to protect the health or safety of the person with a disability or the health or safety of others in the facility.

Access 2 Entertainment Program

The Access 2 Entertainment (A2E) Program administered by Easter Seals Canada, provides a dignified and positive entertainment experience for people with disabilities who require the support of an attendant. Program participants receive A2E wallet cards which allow simple identification, removing onus to explain their need for an attendant. Participants pay regular admission while their attendant/support person receives complimentary tickets when visiting participating attractions.

Royal Botanical Gardens is a proud participating venue of the Access 2 Entertainment program and will gladly accept the Access 2 Entertainment card for general admission, exhibits and special events.

For more information about the Access 2 Entertainment program and a complete listing of participating attractions and theatres, please visit the Access 2 Entertainment website.

Wheelchairs

RBG welcomes the use of personal assistive devices that allow visitors to enjoy our facilities and services.

For convenience RBG has a limited number of wheelchairs available for loan at the RBG Centre and Rock Garden Visitor Centre kiosks. Wheelchairs are available on a first come basis and may not be reserved in advance. It is recommended that guests bring their own wheelchairs.

Notice of Temporary Service Disruptions

RBG shall provide notice of disruption of services to the public.

Any Notice of Disruption will contain the following:

  • Reason for the disruption
  • Anticipated duration
  • Alternative facilities or services

RBG staff will provide such notice in using the following methods:

  • Notice physically posted at the site of the disruption and at the main entrance to RBG Centre
  • Notice on RBG website
  • Notice in local newspaper (long-term disruptions only)
  • Notice included on RBG’s automated phone system

Notice of Availability of Documents

RBG will provide the public notice of the availability of the documents required by the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (O. Reg. 428/07) upon request. Notice of availability will be provided on the RBG website and through other printed methods.

Ask a Question

Get in touch with our team for any additional questions. Call 905-527-1158 (Toll Free: 1-800-694-4769) or use the form below.

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