Childcare

• Free childcare is available to registered participants, provided by a licensed childcare provider.

• Care is normally offered in the Kinnear Centre (same building as panels and keynote) - KC 206. 

• Hours for 2025:

  • Friday, Sept 19: 4:00-8:00 pm

  • Saturday, Sept 20: 8:00 am-6:00 pm

  • Sunday, Sept 21: 8:00 am-12:00 pm

• Nutribreak snacks are included; meals are not. Children can join adults at the Friday buffet dinner or eat at Vistas Dining Room:

  • Ages 0–5: free

  • Ages 6–12: 50% discount

  • Ages 12+: full price

• The Kihokewin Research Space is child-friendly, however children need to be accompanied by an adult.

Please indicate childcare needs when registering through PPSA.

Mobility & Wheelchair Access

• The Banff Centre has wheelchair accessible rooms, studios, dining facilities, and meeting spaces.

• Because the campus is built on a mountain slope, some routes may be steep or challenging.

• A wheelchair accessibility map is available through the Banff Centre.

• We encourage participants with mobility concerns to reach out in advance so we can help coordinate routes and support.

Sensory & Neurodivergent Supports

This site was created in response to feedback from the 2024 workshop requesting more accessible and sensory-friendly information. You’ll find detailed schedules, meal info, and building layouts to help reduce uncertainty and planning stress.

• Kihokewin Research Space: A restorative alternative to panels and busy networking breaks. A place for visiting, storytelling, art, and rest.

• Meals & Buffets: Buffets can be crowded or noisy. Consider arriving early/late to avoid peak times, or bring a peer to help navigate. Safe snacks and comfort foods are welcome.

• Quiet Time: Feel free to step out of panels, take breaks, or use quiet campus areas.

Presentation Technology

To support presenters and participants, each conference room at the Banff Centre is equipped with basic presentation technology. For additional details and troubleshooting, please see the PPSA website.

Equipment Provided:

• Video screen with built-in audio

• HDMI cable to connect your laptop

• Free WiFi access throughout the Banff Centre
  
  

Equipment You Must Bring:

• Your own laptop

• Any necessary HDMI adapters (e.g., MacBooks and some PCs require adapters)
  
  

Equipment Unavailable:

• Videoconferencing is not available in conference rooms (e.g., Zoom/Teams is not built-in).

Recreation, Restorative & Care Spaces

• Kihokewin Research Space: Designed specifically as a site of care, kinship, and experiential knowledge-sharing.

• Campus Facilities: Lounges and outdoor spaces may also provide quiet rest spots.

• Recreation: Pool, fitness centre, and climbing gym are located in the Sally Borden Building.

Wildlife Awareness

Banff is located in a national park. Wildlife is often present on campus: birds, squirrels, and sometimes elk. More rarely, bears or cougars may be observed.

• Do not feed or approach animals.

• Stay at least three bus lengths away from elk.

• Travel in pairs or groups if walking across campus at night.

• Report sightings to Banff Centre Security (403-760-0098).

Mountain Environment

The mountain setting can present hazards such as fast-changing weather. If planning excursions, please contact the Parks Canada Information Centre (403-762-1550) for up-to-date trail, avalanche, and wildlife reports. More info: pc.gc.ca/banff.

Facilities & Practical Notes

• All-Gender Washrooms: Available across campus (see map).

• Smoking & Smudging: Banff Centre is smoke-free indoors. Outdoor smoking areas are designated. Smudging is welcomed and exempt.

• Hotel Check-Out: Standard check-out is 11:00 am (before final panels end at 12:00 pm). You may request late check-out or store bags at the front desk.

Feedback & Requests

We know care and access needs are diverse and change over time.

• To provide anonymous feedback or accessibility recommendations, please fill out this form.

For Frequently Asked Questions related to the Banff Centre's buildings and policies, please visit their website.