FAMFEST ACCESSIBLITY

Welcome to FamFest Atlantic!

FamFest Atlantic is committed to creating a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive experience for every child, caregiver, volunteer, performer, vendor, and guest.

We acknowledge that FamFest Atlantic takes place in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq People. This land is protected by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, which continue to guide our shared responsibilities today.

Everyone has the right to feel safe and included at FamFest Atlantic regardless of age, ancestry, colour, family status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, place of origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or source of income, as protected under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act.

Access, Safety & Family Information

Emergency Information

If you need help during the festival:

  • Emergency: 911

  • St. John Ambulance: On site 

  • FamFest Atlantic Volunteer / Staff support: Speak with any volunteer wearing an official FamFest Atlantic volunteer shirt who can prioritize and triage your concern(s).

If someone is in immediate danger, please notify the nearest volunteer or call 911.

IF YOU NEED SUPPORT

If at any point during the festival you or someone in your group requires assistance, our team can assist with:

  • Quiet space access

  • Lost children or family reunification

  • Accessibility questions

  • First aid referrals

  • Safety concerns

  • General festival information

Emergency & Community Resources

If you require additional support during or after the festival:

  • Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-429-8167

  • CARE: Call 211 to reach the 24-hour, consent-based mobile team for non-emergency, non-violent mental-health, substance-use and wellbeing crises. 

  • Hope for Wellness Help Line (First Nations & Inuit): 1-855-242-3310

  • Access-A-Bus: 902-490-6999 (Press 1)

YOUR GUIDE TO ACCESSIBLITY AT FAMFEST

FamFest Atlantic is being designed with accessibility in mind. Our team is working alongside Alderney Landing to help ensure guests can comfortably enjoy the festival.

Accessibility features include:

  • Accessible entrance right at the entrance to the Alderney Landing parking lot, concrete/asphalt mix

  • Accessible portapotty beside the merch area near the main gates

  • Accessible indoor washroom in Alderney Landing

  • Dedicated ground-level viewing area under the Main Stage tent

  • Clearly marked access route (chalk paint from gates to accessible viewing and accessible portapotty)

  • Seating and rest spaces throughout the site

  • Water refill stations

To access a seat and / or wheelchair space in the accessible viewing area, please contact us in advance to ensure we can accommodate your request: allegra@famfestatlantic.ca.

FamFest is pleased to provide a complimentary ticket for a support person for audience members who are Access 2 cardholders.

If you require accommodations that are not listed above, please contact us before the festival and we will do our best to assist: allegra@famfestatlantic.ca.

With support from our partners PPAS and Autism@Work, FamFest Atlantic will provide a Respite Area for anyone who needs a break from crowds, music, or stimulation. This is located in the community huts by the ferry and Evan’s Fish & Chips.

This space is available for:

  • Adults or children experiencing sensory overload needing a calm moment

  • Guests managing anxiety or other invisible disabilities

  • Anyone needing a place to regroup

Please help us keep this area calm by speaking quietly and respecting those using the space.

RESPITE AREA

GENERAL SITE INFORMATION

Because FamFest Atlantic is designed for families, we ask all guests to help create a positive environment for children.

Please:

  • Respect personal space and boundaries.

  • Keep language and behaviour family-friendly.

  • Supervise children at all times.

  • Report any safety concerns immediately to any FamFest volunteer, site staff, or St. John’s Ambulance staff.

Lost children should be brought directly to the main gates where our reunification procedures will be followed.

OUR CODE OF CONDUCT

FamFest Atlantic has zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, intimidation, or abusive behaviour.

This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Racism

  • Sexism

  • Homophobia

  • Transphobia

  • Ableism

  • Ageism

  • Bullying

  • Hate speech

  • Sexual harassment

  • Unwanted physical contact

  • Threatening or intimidating behaviour

Anyone engaging in behaviour that compromises the safety of others may be removed from the festival without refund and may be prohibited from attending future events.

All volunteers, vendors, exhibitors, performers, and contractors are expected to uphold these same standards of conduct.

If concerns arise, festival management reserves the right to investigate and take appropriate action, including removal from the festival site.

FAMILY INFORMATION

FamFest Atlantic celebrates that the word “family” means different things for different people. We support:

  • Single-parent families

  • Blended families

  • Grandparents and caregivers

  • Foster families

  • Adoptive families

  • 2SLGBTQIA+ families

  • Families with visible and invisible disabilities

  • Adults without children

  • Newcomers

  • Visitors from across Atlantic Canada and beyond

Everyone belongs here!

Breastfeeding & Infant Feeding

FamFest Atlantic is a breastfeeding-friendly event. Nursing caregivers are welcome to breastfeed or chestfeed anywhere on site where they and their child are comfortable.

If you prefer a more private space for feeding or infant care, you're welcome to use our Respite Area when it's available. Please note that the Respite Area is also intended as a calm, low-stimulation space for attendees who may need a quiet moment, so we encourage families to use whichever space best meets their needs.

Diaper Changing & Family Care

Change tables are available inside Alderney Landing. Families are welcome to care for their infants wherever they feel most comfortable and where it can be done safely and respectfully.

Handwashing and hand sanitizing stations are available near the portable washrooms. Please place all diapers, wipes, and other waste in designated garbage bins rather than leaving them on the festival grounds or in shared seating areas.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

To help everyone have the best experience:

  • Dress for the weather; FamFest is rain or shine.

  • Bring sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and hearing protection if desired.

  • Label children's belongings.

  • Establish a family meeting place before exploring the festival.

  • Let a volunteer know if someone in your group may require additional assistance.

We can't wait to welcome you to Alderney Landing for a fun, safe, and memorable weekend!

Thank you to Andrew Lansley for his care, knowledge, and support during the process of crafting this Accessibility Policy. Andrew is a global sustainability and accessibility innovation specialist based in the UK.