We’re Officially Rick Hansen Certified – Here’s Why That’s a Big Deal!
We’re excited to share some huge news with our community: the Halifax Convention Centre is officially Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certified™!
What does that mean? It means we’ve earned a national stamp of approval for creating a space that’s not just big and beautiful but truly accessible to all. And we’re just getting started.
What Is the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™?
The Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) is a national program that evaluates buildings on their level of accessibility from a people-first perspective. The RHFAC team measures everything from entrances and exits to wayfinding, washrooms, and emergency systems - ensuring that no one gets left behind.
And guess what? We passed with flying colors!
Here’s What We’ve Done So Far:
Over the past few years, we’ve made significant upgrades to improve accessibility at the Halifax Convention Centre. With support from our Accessibility Advisory Committee and leadership from Colin Kiley, our Senior Director of Property Services (who’s also a certified RHFAC Professional™), we’ve worked hard to make our venue more inclusive, welcoming, and functional for everyone.
“I’m proud of the relationships we’ve built through the Accessibility Advisory Committee. We are continuing to look for ways to improve – it’s a journey and we are on the right path.” – Colin Kiley, Senior Director of Property Services, Events East Group
Some of our recent upgrades include:
- Tactile flooring indicators: Helping visitors navigate with ease.
- Barrier-free entries and exits: Smooth access points for all.
- Accessible signage: Clear, easy-to-read signs for better navigation.
- Washroom improvements: Upgraded signage to assist guests.
- Enhanced security procedures: Ensuring everyone’s safety and comfort.
And it’s led us to a solid 70% rating for accessibility. But we’re not stopping here—we’re aiming for a Gold Rating (80%) in the coming years. With the guidance of our Accessibility Advisory Committee, we’ll continue to make the Halifax Convention Centre an even more accessible and inclusive space for everyone.
Why This Certification Matters:
Accessibility isn’t just about meeting standards - it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate and enjoy everything we offer. We’re incredibly proud to be one of just twelve Rick Hansen Certified™ facilities in Nova Scotia, and we’re committed to improving every step of the way.
“I am so proud of Colin and his work doing this project. I know his heart was fully in and to complete this certification was huge. Meaningful access means meeting the real accessibility needs of all users, no matter their physical abilities. It focuses on the entire user experience, not just physical features, recognizing that true accessibility is about how everything works together. To receive mandatory certification a site must have an accessible public entrance as well as access to all key functional spaces, and the Convention centre has all that which is great! I feel if we work towards our short- and long-term goals over the next few years, we could achieve a gold certification – I believe we can do it!!” - Michelle Mahoney, Events East Accessibility Committee Member
This certification is also part of our broader mission to help Halifax become Accessible by 2030—a goal that’s close to our hearts. It shows our guests, community, and employees that we’re serious about creating a space that’s welcoming and inclusive for all.
What’s Next?
We’ll continue to make improvements to reach our Gold Rating, and we’ll be celebrating this milestone with our community. We’re excited to share this news, not just with our visitors but with everyone who believes in building a more inclusive, accessible world.
“The Rick Hansen Certification reflects Events East's commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can participate fully. Accessibility is not just a standard; it's a core value that enriches our workplace and community to enhance the experience for all.” – Megan Delaney, Director of People & Culture, Events East Group