All aquatic and client services staff are trained to provincial government standards to provide support for all persons who may require assistance.

This training includes a review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005, and training on the requirements of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (Ontario Regulation 429/07), the AODA Integrated Accessibility Standards (Ontario Regulation 191/11) and on the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities.

The Aquatic Centre (Montpetit Hall 020) is equipped with:

A motorized accessibility lift

  • Assists clients with reduced mobility gain access to the pool
  • Can be installed in both shallow and deep end of the pool

Automatic, self-opening, power doors

  • Montpetit Hall Main Entrance
  • Client Services Area
  • Access to pool change rooms
  • Access to pool deck

Elevators connecting main floor to sports services/pool area

Accessible washrooms/change rooms

  • Accessible stalls with grab bars
  • Barrier free shower area
  • Shower stall with roll in access, seat and grab bars
  • Hand-held shower head
  • Child change tables
  • Alternate needs / gender neutral change room available upon request (subject to availability)
  • Water wheelchair available
  • Colour contrast edging around the pool
  • High contrast, directional and way finding signage

Assistive devices

The aquatic centre has a pool deck wheelchair which may be used to assist clients with reduced mobility to access the pool and pool area. All facility users who require personal assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, canes, and scooters may be admitted into the aquatic facility with their devices, as long as such devices do not pose a hazard to other facility users.

Support persons

All facility users may be accompanied by up to two support persons to ensure their wellbeing and safety in using the aquatic facility. Support persons shall not be charged admission to the aquatic centre should their role be entirely to provide support to the paying client or member requiring assistance.

Service animals

Facility users may be admitted into the facility with their service animal. The service animal may remain adjacent to the pool area to assist the client to and from the water. The animal is not permitted in the pool, in accordance with provincial health regulations (Health Protection and Promotion Act, Regulation 565).

Accessible programming

The aquatic centre offers private swim lessons catered to individual needs. Please inquire at the pool manager’s office at 613-562-5800x4333 to schedule swim or therapeutic lessons for persons with disabilities.

How to get assistance

Please contact the Sports Services Client Services Desk at 613-562-5800 x4327 prior to your visit so we may better assist you with our accessible services. Staff may meet clients in the lobby area and assist them to the pool if requested.

Parking

Facility users with an accessible parking permit issued by the Ministry of Transportation (Ontario) may contact Protection Services to access accessible parking spaces. All parking on University of Ottawa property is paid parking or reserved for permit holders.

Questions?

Questions about Aquatics? [email protected]

Questions about Accessibility? Visit the Accessibility Hub