The Rogers Centre Ottawa is an Accessible Event Venue
The Rogers Centre Ottawa is designed to provide an accessible, inclusive, and welcoming experience for all guests.
Our convention centre follows a universal design approach that goes beyond minimum building code requirements and incorporates accessibility features throughout the facility, from entrances and meeting spaces to wayfinding and event services.
Website Accessibility
The Rogers Centre Ottawa is committed to meeting Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements and designing inclusive experiences for every guest. Our website follows Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, and we continue to improve accessibility through ongoing testing and feedback.
Website Accessibility Standards
Our website has been developed to align with:
- AODA
- WCAG 2.0
- Four accessibility principles:
- Perceivable
- Operable
- Understandable
- Robust
Accessibility Feedback
We welcome feedback about the accessibility of our website or services. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers on the Rogers Centre Ottawa website:
- Phone: 613-563-1984
- Email: info@rogers-centre.ca
- Address: 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J2
We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within two business days.
Accessibility Testing
In collaboration with Cinnamon Toast New Media, the Rogers Centre Ottawa conducted website testing using the following tools:
- WAVE
- Lighthouse
- Axe DevTools
- Google Chrome Developer Tools
- BrowserStack
Building Accessibility
What Accessibility Standards Does the Rogers Centre Ottawa Follow?
The Rogers Centre Ottawa was designed using internationally recognized accessibility standards that support inclusive experiences for visitors, delegates, exhibitors, and event organizers.
Our facility was designed to meet or exceed:
- Ontario Building Code (2006)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) (2004)
- CAN/CSA-B651 (2004 and draft 2010), Accessible Design for the Built Environment
Although not required in Canada, our facility was also voluntarily designed to align with ADA compliance requirements to better serve international visitors.
Accessible communication formats and supports are available upon request.
Please contact us at info@rogers-centreottawa.ca or call 613-563-1984.
Accessible Building Features
The Rogers Centre Ottawa includes accessibility features throughout the building to help create an equal and fair experience for all guests.
Accessible Entrances and Parking
- Accessible entrances with automatic door openers
- Accessible parking on Levels P1 and P2
- Barrier-free access into the convention centre
Accessible Wayfinding Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI)
- Raised directional tiles and pavers
- Braille and tactile room signage
- Accessible building directory
Accessible Washrooms
- Accessible washroom facilities throughout the building
- Dual-height drinking fountains
- Moveable locker room benches
Accessible Stairs
- Contrasting handrails
- Non-slip stair edges
- Steps designed without nosings
- Handrails designed to CSA accessibility standards
Accessible Ramps
- Ramps designed with maximum slope of 1:13 for improved accessibility.
- Front-of-house ramps do not exceed 9 metres in length to support safe and comfortable access.
Accessible Meeting Spaces
- Assistive Listening Systems
- Projection services for captioning
- Portable environmental controls upon request
- Adjustable lighting and room controls
- Wide interior routes free of obstacles
- Sound-dampening materials in meeting rooms and Canada Hall
Accessible Showers
- Shower controls located within reach of accessible seating
Safety Features
- Guards beneath escalators, stairs, and ramps
- Accessible emergency communication planning
- Ground-level protection beneath bridge stairways
Who Are the Rogers Centre Ottawa's Accessibility Partners?
The Rogers Centre Ottawa works with specialized accessibility partners to help create more inclusive meetings, conferences, and events.
Whimble
Whimble connects individuals with disabilities to experienced personal care attendants and provides on-site attendant care services for events, helping guests access the support they need during their visit.
Asign
Asign provides sign language interpreting and translation services across Canada, including:
- In-person interpretation
- Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)
- American Sign Language (ASL)
- Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ)
- Translation services for websites, training, and digital content
Ottawa Therapy Dogs
Ottawa Therapy Dogs provides professionally trained therapy dog teams for events, offering comfort and emotional support to attendees who may be experiencing stress or navigating complex or sensitive topics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accessibility
Yes. The Rogers Centre Ottawa was designed using a universal design approach and includes accessible entrances, meeting spaces, washrooms, wayfinding features, assistive listening systems, and accessible parking throughout the facility.
Yes. The Rogers Centre Ottawa complies with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and develops its website in accordance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to help ensure accessible digital experiences.
The Rogers Centre Ottawa follows several recognized accessibility standards, including AODA, the Ontario Building Code, CAN/CSA-B651 Accessible Design for the Built Environment, and voluntarily aligns with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).
Yes. Accessible parking is available on Levels P1 and P2, with convenient access into the convention centre.
The building includes automatic entrances, tactile wayfinding, braille signage, assistive listening systems, accessible washrooms, wide barrier-free routes, dual-height drinking fountains, accessible meeting rooms, and captioning support for presentations.
Yes. Accessible communication supports and alternative formats can be arranged upon request. Our team works with event organizers to help accommodate guests’ accessibility needs.
The Rogers Centre Ottawa partners with Asign, which provides ASL, LSQ, and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services for meetings, conferences, and events.
The Rogers Centre Ottawa partners with Whimble to provide access to experienced personal care attendants and on-site support services for eligible events.
