Accessibility

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery strives to provide a welcoming environment for all of our visitors. We recognize that achieving universal access takes time, and means listening to our visitors’ needs. Please let us know if you would like to meet with someone regarding this website page or the Cannery’s accessibility.

The Cannery has been given a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on the Access Richmond website (last assessment 2011).

Parking
The Cannery has three accessible parking spaces in the main parking lot (at Fourth Ave and Chatham Street), and one accessible parking space in front of the Administration building.

Access to the building
The Cannery sits at the top of an incline, which is accessible by pathways. The pathways from Bayview St. and Garry Point Park are not sloped. If you would like assistance getting up the slope from the parking lot, please call the front desk at 604-664-9009 and someone will come to assist you.

There is a slight downward slope to the main doors. There are four doors into the Cannery. The door furthest to the left is a power-assist door. Once you enter the Cannery, there is a slight ramp down to the main area.

The gift shop counter is lower than the main desk counter, and staff are often able to assist you at either desk.

Seating
Seating is available throughout the museum, except in the Herring Reduction Plant.

Washrooms
The Cannery has on accessible stall in both the men’s and women’s washrooms. There is also a separate accessible washroom.

Sensitivities to scent and sound
The Cannery is built over the Fraser River and sits on top of pilings which are coated in creosote. This is a necessary precaution to prevent infestations and rot. The levels are tested regularly and are safe for our staff and visitors, but there is a noticeable smell in the building. The scent is less noticeable during the winter months.

The Cannery uses one loud soundscape which may startle some visitors. There are also two sets of quieter soundscapes in the building. These may be turned off upon request.

The Cannery whistle, located on the north side of the building adjacent to the Boiler House Theatre, will blow at 10am, 12noon and 5pm daily.

Service animals and assistive devices
The Cannery welcomes all types of service dogs. The Cannery may request documentation for other types of service animals. This is for the comfort and safety of all of our visitors, and we appreciate your understanding.

Assistive devices such as canes, wheelchairs, and walkers are welcome in the Cannery. Please be aware that our floors are raw wooden boards, with slight spaces between the boards. This includes the boards at the entrance to the Cannery.

Support people and companions
Visitors with disabilities pay full admission, and one support person or companion will be admitted free of charge.

For Visitors who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Closed captioning is available on the Cannery’s film Ebb & Flow, which can be turned on by request. Captioning is available in English, French, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese. All listening posts throughout the Cannery have transcripts in both English and French (available upon request).

For Visitors who are blind or have vision loss
The Cannery’s tours can be adapted for visitors with vision loss. Please ask at the front desk for details, or call us at 604-664-9009. We also have Braille booklets available at the front desk.

Vitamin Oil Shed and Wheelhouse
Only two areas of the Cannery are not fully accessible. The Vitamin Oil Shed in the Herring Reduction plant has three stairs, but is available through an exterior door with staff assistance. the Wheelhouse in the Fishing the West Coast exhibit has a ledge at the entrance and exit, but most of the Wheelhouse can be viewed through the two doorways and a port hole.

Tours
Private tours may be possible based on staff availability. Please call 604-664-9009 for more information or to book a tour. Groups of ten or more are requested to book in advance, and will qualify for the group rate.

Special Requirements
Please call the Cannery at 604-664-9009 or email us if you wish to make special arrangements for your visit.

Volunteers
The Cannery welcomes volunteers of all abilities. We welcome applications from volunteers who are bilingual in ASL/English and LSQ/French to help at special events. Please contact our volunteer coordinator for more information.