Support Persons
"Support Person" means, in relation to a person with a disability, another person who accompanies him or her in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs or with access to goods or services.
We allow 1 free support person per person with a disability. Support person access to match ticket type access of the originally purchased ticket, except in Betty VIP Club Reserved Seating and on the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Platinum Table of 4 Platform, where everyone over 3 years of age will require a ticket.
Please identify your support person when you arrive at the festival gate and we will provide free access for your support person there. Support person passes cannot be purchased in advance. There is a separate accessibility line available at Gate 2 for entrance, on Vimy close to the Museum.
ENTRY AT GATES/ACCESSIBILITY WRISTBAND PROCEDURE ONSITE:
VISIBLE DISABILITIES (Mobility Assistive Devices, etc): No proof will be required for admittance of your support person.
NON-VISIBLE DISABILITIES/ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS: We accept the Access 2 Card or CNIB card for admittance of your support person. If you do not have an Access 2 Card, proof that you require a support person will be required. We do not need to know the reason - A note from a medical professional stating you require a support person would suffice.
Get Your Card: access2card.ca/get-your-card
Upon arrival, patrons with accessibility needs should visit the Accessibility Tent in the Main Bowl, (across from the Accessibility Platform) for information on the Accessible Viewing Platform and areas + to obtain a daily accessibility wristband. Ottawa Bluesfest will be tracking attendance numbers and will not collect any personal information to issue this wristband. We are committed to continuously improving accessibility onsite and patron tracking will allow us to better plan for the future.
Please note that accessibility wristbands are non-transferable. The accessibility wristband does not guarantee a spot on the Platform as access is first-come, first-served. Please be considerate to all patrons and limit what you bring with you on the Platform. Access is granted only to patrons with accessibility needs and a festival accessible wristband. Guests are allowed one (1) companion with them on the Platform.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Platinum area and Coors Light Party Central area are not wheelchair accessible due to the platform layout. The Betty VIP Club lounge area is partially accessible as one platform has an accessible ramp. The Betty VIP Club Reserved Seating section is not wheelchair accessible. Accessible amenities are available throughout the site.
Service Animals
Patrons with disabilities are welcome to bring trained service animals. No pets allowed. Note that the venue is a large-scale outdoor music event and large crowds, loud noises, and other stimulus elements are present.
Viewing
Collapsible lawn chairs are permitted in the lawn chair section and we encourage those who may have difficulty standing and or physical handicap issues to bring them. Lawn chairs are not permitted on the Accessibility Platform.
There is an elevated Accessibility Platform on the *South side of the main bowl designated for patrons using wheelchairs and mobility devices with a view of the RBC Stage. The patron and one attendant are welcome to access the platform at no additional cost. Please note that if the platform is at capacity there may be a wait.
Other alternate accessible viewing areas are available on Vimy Place and along Kichi Zībī Mīkan, (formerly the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway); these areas are closed to vehicular traffic and feature big-screen displays of the RBC Stage that are viewable from a seated position.
On the Festival Site:
- A-Team Volunteers and Whimble Services
- Lowered counters in certain bars and concessions as well as at the Info Booth and the Festival merch tent;
- Cable protectors and access ramps are in place to facilitate mobility;
- On-site signage and layout;
- Accessible areas and routes are indicated on the site map;
- Accessible toilets throughout the festival site (please refer to the site map for locations);
- Museum has adapted toilets open to the public.
Travel
LeBreton Flats is served by Para-Transpo. Para Transpo Drop Off: Southbound on Booth Street, next to the Museum between Vimy Place and the rear loading dock of the Museum, (Gate 2). Please be aware of road closures beginning at 5:00 PM and plan accordingly.
Public parking is not available in the Canadian War Museum. No prepaid passes will be issued for this lot.
Due to the ground’s natural terrain and size, we recommend using paved pathways to navigate the site. Cable protectors are in place to ensure mobility devices can move without impediment.
Environment
Please be aware that shows may feature strobe lights, loud noises, fireworks/pyrotechnics, and other visual and physical stimuli. We encourage patrons who may be adversely affected by these elements to look into the artists' live performances (including audio/video), consult with their doctor if necessary, and plan accordingly.
Inside the Canadian War Museum, there is an air-conditioned lounge for patrons to rest from the outdoor elements. The lounge may occasionally feature music and screens to view the Barney Danson stage when in session. Other quieter areas include the Big Chill outdoor zone, which is open to all. The Big Chill zone will host a daily DJ at the Spin Stage.
The Lebreton Stage in Bluesville is tented and protected from outdoor weather elements.
Service for the Hearing Impaired (Barney Danson Theatre performances)
For all performances in the Barney Danson Theatre, service is available on FM frequencies broadcasting a continuous signal. FM receivers are available for patrons to borrow. Please check in at the ticket desk upon arrival to sign out a device receiver. Kindly return the receiver at the end of the show to the ticket desk.
Feedback
The festival is continually exploring accessibility-related initiatives and additional ways to communicate resources. If you have any other questions, please let us know - we're happy to help!
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