2008 Joint Annual Meetings in Montréal

Law and Society Association and

Canadian Law and Society Association / Association Canadienne Droit et Société

Disabled Access Information for Meeting Attendees

 

            For the 2008 meeting in Montréal, LSA has gathered specific information about access and barriers to persons with disabilities at the meeting hotels – Hilton Montréal Bonaventure Hotel, Marriott Chateau Champlain Hotel, Delta Centre-Ville Hotel, and the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel – the airport and transportation systems, and nearby sites in the city. This information will be updated as more details become available. Information will also be included in the Local Guide distributed with program materials at the meeting.

 

GENERAL TOURISM RESOURCES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

            The Canadian government Access to Travel website includes information about accessibility and travel in Canada.

            Kéroul is an organization that provides information about accessible travel within Quebec, including specific information about Montréal. Their website includes information about accessibility of hotels, museums, restaurants and other destinations. The website has a searchable guide that includes sections on lodging, restaurants, and attraction. The guide lists specific information about the accessibility of these locations.

            Kéroul’s downloadable brochure, AccessiB, The Open Road, includes a great deal of specific, useful information about Montréal, including information about a number of museums, historic sites, and botanical gardens. 

           

 

MEETING HOTELS:

 

LSA Disabled Access Questionnaire for Hotels

 

            As part of its efforts to provide it disabled members with helpful and accurate information about the sites of its events, the Law and Society Association asks each of its host sites to provide information about its access (and barriers) to persons with disabilities.  LSA makes this information available to its members before they make travel arrangements.

 

HILTON MONTRÉAL BONAVENTURE HOTEL

HOTEL=S REPLIES IN CAPS/ITALICS

 

            Please provide detailed and descriptive information on the following:

Sidewalks & Surroundings (describe the surfaces and slopes of the sidewalks around or near your facility; the locations of curb ramps; and whether the nearby corners and cross-walks include audio cues for the visually impaired).

The sidewalks around the building are smooth, however there are slopes, the hotel has a ramp to get in the main entrance. There are no audio cues for the visually impaired.

 

Entrances (including number and location of wheelchair accessible entrances and whether or not the doors include electronic eyes or push-pads).

The hotel has wheelchair accessible entrance and the building(Place Bonaventure) has 2. The doors have electronic eyes and some have the push pads.

 

Lobby and common areas (please describe the type of flooring or floor covering and any obstacles or barriers persons with disabilities might encounter; describe Front Desk arrangements for persons with visual/hearing/mobility impairments).

We have granite and carpet. Access by elevator to handicap rooms. Banquet floor accessible via service elevator, we have wheelchairs available, as well bellmen will escort guests if needed.

 

Parking (include the cost, location, and number of accessible parking spaces available, including van-accessible parking spaces).

$24.00/24 hours with valet, $17.00/24hrs self park and no privilege in/out. Parking indoors are marked as handicapped, outside hotel plaza has area for high vans, accessible.

 

Elevators (include information on number and locations; whether control panels and floor signs are in Braille; and whether keys or assistance are required to access the elevators or certain floors).

2 of 3 elevators to get to hotel lobby from ground (street)level have Braille, as well elevator to access handicapped rooms has Braille.

 

Restrooms (include the number and location of public restrooms that are accessible, meaning fully ADA compliant in the US). We are Quebec compliant, there are 3 public washrooms, 1 on the main lobby level and 2 on the banquet/conference floor level.

Meeting Rooms (include information on which meeting rooms are wheelchair accessible; the number of wheelchairs a room can accommodate; which rooms do or do not accommodate speakers who have mobility impairments (e.g. accessible head table risers); which rooms offer assistive listening devices).

All meeting rooms are wheelchair accessible, no rooms offer listening devices. Wheelchair access to the meetings room area (conference/banquet floor) is by service elevator. From the guestroom level there is a service elevator, as well through our kitchen area there is a service elevator, both bring you down to the banquet/conference floor. Our Concierge or front desk staff or security will escort, or at least for the first time to show the way.

 

Phones (include the number and locations of wheelchair accessible public phones, phones with adjustable volume, and phones with TDD devices).

Guestrooms for handicapped and 2 phones on the banquet level have adjustable volume, no TDD devices.

 

Signage (include the extent to which your facility provides signage indicating wheelchair accessible routes and facilities and braille signage).

Main entrance to main level.

 

Guest Rooms (include the number and types of accessible rooms, detailed information about the accommodations available, and the accommodations that must be requested in advance)

There are 5 handicapped rooms fully equipped, 2 have been completely redone all are ADA compliant.

 

In-House Restaurants (include the number and locations of those that are wheelchair accessible

and those that provide menus in alternative formats).

1 restaurant and 1 bar/bistro. There are no alternative menus, waiters usually assist if needed.

 

Fitness, Recreation (include detailed information on the accessibility of the facilities available to guests, including pools, saunas, hot tubs, sports equipment, spas).

The pool room is accessible (but there is not a wheelchair lift for the pool), fitness room is accessible with assistance from banquet floor level.

 

Business Facilities (business and computing facilities). Accessible

 

Child Care Facilities (if the hotel has an in-house facility specifically for child care). No but we can use a suite and client can hire an agency.

 

Is there an office or an individual at your hotel who oversees accessibility matters? OUR SECURITY DIRECTOR.

 

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MARRIOTT CHATEAU CHAMPLAIN HOTEL

HOTEL’S REPLIES ARE IN CAPS/ITALICS

 

            Please provide detailed information on the following:

Sidewalks & Surroundings (describe the surfaces and slopes of the sidewalks around or near your facility; the locations of curb ramps; and whether the nearby corners and cross-walks include audio cues for the visually impaired). 

Sidewalks and streets are either asphalt or cement.   There are slopes at every corner of streets. No audio cues at cross-walks

 

Entrances (including number and location of wheelchair accessible entrances and whether or not the doors include electronic eyes or push-pads).

The East entrance of the hotel is wheelchair accessible via a ramp and doors with push-pads

 

Lobby and common areas (please describe the type of flooring or floor covering and any obstacles or barriers persons with disabilities might encounter; describe Front Desk arrangements for persons using a wheelchair and/or with visual/hearing/mobility impairments).

Public areas and lobby flooring are either marble or carpets.   Front desk counters are high but open style so a person in wheelchair can easily be accommodated

 

Parking (include the cost, location, and number of accessible parking spaces available, including van-accessible parking spaces).  

Parking is underground.   All regular size vans can be accommodated.   Each of the 5 floors have 2 reserved accessible spaces.

 

Elevators (include information on number and locations; whether control panels and floor signs are in Braille; and whether keys or assistance are required to access the elevators or certain floors).  

There are 5 public elevators which cover all hotel floors – no keys necessary.   Control panels are in Braille.  

 

Restrooms (include the number and location of public restrooms that are accessible, meaning fully ADA compliant in the USA).

There are 2 accessible public restrooms – 1 lobby level and 1 on the 36^th floor –

ADA does not apply in Quebec but facilities are adapted for customers in wheelchairs, high toilet, easy to handle faucet knobs, lower light switch, etc….

 

Meeting Rooms (include information on which meeting rooms are wheelchair accessible; the number of wheelchairs a room can accommodate; which rooms do or do not accommodate speakers who have mobility impairments (e.g. accessible head table risers); which rooms offer assistive listening devices).

all of our meeting rooms are wheelchair accessible, 2 of our meeting rooms are different tiers (Salle de Bal and Caf’Conc’) so access to the front of the room is limited. A ramp is available for the risers in Cartier rooms.

 

Phones (include the number and locations of wheelchair accessible public phones, phones with adjustable volume, and phones with TDD devices).  

Wheelchair accessible public phones are available in all public areas.   Phones have adjustable volume controls but no TDD devices.

 

Signage (include the extent to which your facility provides signage indicating wheelchair accessible routes and facilities and braille signage).

Signage is limited. Braille is only available in elevators and on room number plates.

 

Guest Rooms (include the number and types of accessible rooms, detailed information about the accommodations available, and the accommodations that must be requested in advance)

There are 5 accessible guest rooms with king bed.    Lower light switches, support bars in bathroom, sink with easy to handle faucet knobs, special seats for bath, but no roll-in showers. The hotel also has 2 special alarm clocks and door knockers with stroboscopic lights for hearing-impaired people.

In-House Restaurants (include the number and locations of those that are wheelchair accessible and those that provide menus in alternative formats).

The hotel has one restaurant which is fully accessible.   No alternative menus

Note:  the accessible restroom located on the lobby level is located across the hallway from the restaurant.

 

Fitness, Recreation (include detailed information on the accessibility of the facilities available to guests, including pools, saunas, hot tubs, sports equipment, spas).

Although the spa is accessible for wheelchair, the pool and whirlpool are not.

Steambaths, showers, and some workout equipment are accessible.

 

Business Facilities (business and computing facilities).

The business center is located on the ground floor (lobby level) where 2 computer stations are accessible.

 

Child Care Facilities (if the hotel has an in-house facility specifically for child care).

Child care facilities available on call

 

Is there an office/individual at your hotel who oversees accessibility matters?

Each Department Head is responsible for his/her own department.  

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT ADA DOES NOT APPLY IN QUEBEC.

 

 

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DELTA CENTRE-VILLE HOTEL

 

** Their statement is in table format at the end of this document.

TRANSPORTATION & TRAVEL

(see last page for information for all visitors to Canada)

 

ARRIVING BY AIR: (see final pages for arrivals by bus, train, car)

 

            The closest airport to downtown Montréal is Montréal Trudeau International Airport (YUL), in Dorval, approximately 18 km west of the city; 514-394-7377 / 1-800-465-1213; yulclientele@admtl.com ; www.admtl.com.  

 

Montréal–Trudeau terminal facilities are accessible for people with reduced mobility and meet the following standards: · Québec Construction Code · CAN/CSA B651-04 Accessible Design for the Built Environment · Canadian Transportation Agency Passenger Terminal Accessibility Code · Canadian Transportation Agency Code of Practice for Removing Communication Barriers.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION:

 

Getting to Downtown from Montréal Trudeau International Airport:

 

L’Aérobus Shuttle Bus to Downtown Montréal:

            L’Aérobus provides a direct shuttle service by motor bus between the arrivals level at Montréal–Trudeau airport and downtown Montréal. L’Aérobus stops at the Montréal Central Bus Station (Métro Berri-UQAM) located at 505 de Maisonneuve Blvd. E. and at several downtown hotels, including the Marriott Chateau Champlain. For other major hotels including the Hilton Bonaventure and Delta Centre-Ville where the bus does not make a direct stop, passengers disembark at the Central Station and board a minibus (no additional charge). Please confirm with your driver if your hotel is on his route, as different buses follow different stop-off schedules.  You should also ask him exactly where to board the shuttle from the Montréal Central Bus Station.

We have not been able to confirm whether L’Aérobus is wheelchair accessible, despite indications on the website that they are.

 

Schedule:  Departures every 25 minutes from the airport to downtown. For a detailed schedule and reservations, see http://205.237.20.56/eng/horaire.htm or call 514-631-1856.

Reservations: Reservations are not required for travel from the airport to downtown. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance for travel from downtown hotels to the airport.

Travel time: Plan approximately 45 – 60 minutes.

Ticket office: Tickets on sale at the Montréal Central Bus Station (Métro Berri-UQAM) and at a kiosk on the curb of the arrivals level of the Montréal–Trudeau Airport.

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Taxis and Limousines:

            Exit the terminal at the arrivals level.  A dispatcher will help you obtain a taxi or limousine. No reservation is required. All taxi and limousine operators working out of Montréal–Trudeau are required to have a permit and to comply with its terms and conditions. Occasionally, during periods of excessive demand, Aéroports de Montréal may call on outside operators.

Reduced mobility: A certain number of adapted taxis are available at Montréal–Trudeau. Ask the dispatcher.

Taxi fares: There are fixed fares from Montréal-Trudeau to Downtown: Taxis are $35, Limousines are $50.   Fares are by meter for all other destinations except downtown (minimum rate of $15).

Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are usually accepted.  Please confirm with your driver before commencing your trip.  Some drivers accept U.S. currency but provincial regulations require customers to pay in Canadian currency.  Please confirm this with your driver before commencing your trip.  For additional taxi and limousine information, phone 514-394-7377.

 

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Airport parking:

            Some parking spaces have been reserved for people with reduced mobility.

See http://www.admtl.com/passager/acces_et_stationnement/limitedMobility.aspx for more information.

 

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Public Transportation:

            Almost all the surface routes of Montréal's public transit service, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), have low-floor, wheelchair-accessible buses.  The bus station nearest the meeting hotels is Bonaventure.  For information about schedules and fares, see http://www.stm.info/English/a-somm.htm.

 

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Rental Cars
            Automobiles with special equipment to assist persons with disabilities are available for rental. It is recommended that reservations be made 24 hours in advance. The following car rental companies offer services from Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport and throughout the city. For reservation information, please contact:
Alamo: 1-800-462-5266 (1-800-GOALAMO); http://www.alamo.com
Avis: 1-800-879-2847 (1-800-TRY-AVIS); http://www.avis.com
Budget: 1-800-363-8111 (Montréal and Area); 1-800-268-8900 (Canada); http://www.budget.com
Dollar: 1-800-800-4000; http://www.dollarcanada.ca
Enterprise: 1-800-736-8222 (1-800-RENT-A-CAR); http://www.enterprise.com
Hertz: 1-800-263-0600; https://www.hertz.com
National: 1-800-227-7368 (1-800-CAR-RENT); http://www.nationalcar.com
Thrifty: 1-800-847-4389 (1-800-THRIFTY); http://www.thrifty.com
            Adapted minivans can be rented from Location Jean Légaré. Please note that this rental service is not available directly from Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport. Location Jean Légaré can arrange to pick passengers up at the airport and transport them to their rented vehicle. For reservation information, please contact: 1-888-534-6466; http://www.locationlegare.com

 

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Driving Directions from Airport to Marriott Chateau Champlain:

In exiting the Airport take the left lane under the sign that indicates Autoroute 20, and which states “Montréal – Centre Ville”.   Follow Autoroute 20 East to Autoroute 720 East (Autoroute Ville-Marie).  Autoroute 20 turns into Autoroute 720 so it is not necessary to turn off.  Merely position yourself in the centre lane and continue straight ahead (always look for overhead signs saying “Montréal – Centre ville”).  Take Exit #4, De La Montagne and St. Jacques Street.  Once in the tunnel, follow the St. Jacques Street exit.  At the stop light, turn left on St. Jacques Street. At the next light, turn left onto Peel Street. The hotel is two blocks up on your right.

 

Driving Directions from Airport to Hilton Bonaventure Hotel:

In exiting the Airport take the left lane under the sign that indicates Autoroute 20, and which states “Montréal – Centre Ville”.   Follow Autoroute 20 East to Autoroute 720 East (Autoroute Ville-Marie).  Autoroute 20 turns into Autoroute 720 so it is not necessary to turn off.  Merely position yourself in the centre lane and continue straight ahead (always look for overhead signs saying “Montréal – Centre ville”).  Take Exit #4, De La Montagne and St. Jacques Street.  Once in the tunnel, take the ramp toward Rue University / Rue de La Montagne. Turn left onto Rue Jean-D'Estrées. Turn right onto Rue St-Antoine Ouest (west). Turn left onto Rue Mansfield. Turn right onto Rue de La Gauchetière Ouest. The hotel is at #900.

 

Driving Directions from Airport to Delta Centre-Ville Hotel:

In exiting the Airport take the left lane under the sign that indicates Autoroute 20, and which states “Montréal – Centre Ville”.   Follow Autoroute 20 East to Autoroute 720 East (Autoroute Ville-Marie).  Autoroute 20 turns into Autoroute 720 so it is not necessary to turn off.  Merely position yourself in the centre lane and continue straight ahead (always look for overhead signs saying “Montréal – Centre ville”).  Take Exit #4, De La Montagne and St. Jacques Street. Take the ramp toward Rue St-Jacques. Turn right onto Rue Jean-D’Estrées. Turn left onto Rue St-Jacques. The hotel is at 777 Rue University.

 

 

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MOVING AROUND MONTRÉAL
Using Public Transportation
            Almost all the surface routes of Montréal's public transit service, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), have low-floor, wheelchair-accessible buses. The subway system is not yet wheelchair-accessible. For information about bus and metro routes and schedules, please consult: http://www.stm.info/English/a-somm.htm. STM tickets cost CAD$2.75 each (single ticket purchase) or $12.00 ($2.00 each)  for a strip of 6 tickets.
            For more information, please consult: http://www.stm.info/English/a-somm.htm
            The STM provides door-to-door specialized transportation service (paratransit) for persons with reduced mobility within its service area. The STM also provides this service to visitors to Montréal; reservations are required beforehand. For more information on the STM's paratransit services, please consult:
http://www.stm.info/English/t-adapte/a-index.htm and http://www.stm.info/English/t-adapte/a-ta03-module1h.htm
           

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Using Taxis
            There are 150 wheelchair-accessible taxis in the Montréal area (maximum of 3 wheelchairs per taxi). Wheelchair-accessible taxis can be reserved 1 hour in advance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To reserve a taxi while in Montréal, please call the following numbers:
514-273-6331 Diamond Taxi

514-374-7171 Expert Taxi

514-739-9933 Van Médic Taxi

514-255-2815 Rosemont Taxi

514-322-0909 Taxi Excellence (http://www.taxiexcellence.com)

 

Taxi Boisjoly

Accessible taxi

Telephone Number: 514-255-2815

Service Hours: Service is available 7 days a week, from 6:00 A.M. to midnight.

Office Hours (for reservations): Monday to Sunday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Geographic Area Serviced: The service is offered over the entire island of Montréal.

Description of Services Provided: 24 accessible vans provide service 52 weeks a year.

Restrictions and/or Requirements for Use: Rides should preferably be booked 24 hours in advance.

 

Taxi Para-Adapté

Accessible taxi

Telephone Number: 514-821-3355
E-mail: yungcuong@sympatico.ca

Hours of Operation: The service is offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Geographic Area Serviced: Service is available in the region of the island of Montréal.

Description of Services Provided: Twenty vans provide accessible transportation.

Restrictions and/or Requirements for Use: 24 hours advance booking is recommended.

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ARRIVING BY RAIL, BUS or CAR:

 

VIA Rail Canada

Web site with information re: accessibility: http://www.viarail.ca/planner/en_plan_beso.html
Telephone Number: 1-888-VIA-RAIL (1-888-842-7245)
TTY Number: 1-800-268-9503

The range of special services offered by VIA Rail may vary depending on the type of equipment in service. To ensure that we meet your expectations please contact us at http://www.viarail.ca or at 1-888-VIA-RAIL for specific details.

 

The Central Station serving VIA Rail and Amtrak is located under the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, near the meeting hotels and near Bonaventure Metro or McGill Metro.  At the main concourse in the station, simply take the exit to de la Gauchetière Street.  The Hilton Bonaventure is across the street, and about 200 yards to your right (west) to the Marriott Chateau Champlain.

 

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Greyhound Canada

Web site with information re: accessibility: http://www.greyhound.ca/en/travel_information/special_needs.shtml
Telephone Number: 1-800-661-TRIP (8747)
E-mail: canada.info@greyhound.ca

Consult the Greyhound Canada website (www.greyhound.ca) for schedule and route information or call 1-800-661-TRIP (8747). The main bus station in Montréal is located at 505 Boul De Maisonneuve est (east) (which is located directly above a key Montréal subway station (Berri-UQAM).

 

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Orléans Express Coaches

Web site with information re: accessibility: http://www.orleansexpress.com/mobilite.htm
Telephone Number: (514) 395-4000
Fax Number: (514) 395-4026
E-mail: accessible@orleansexpress.com

Orléans Express serves Montréal. Consult their website (www.orleansexpress.com/Search.aspx) for schedule and route information or call
514-395-4000.  The main bus station in Montréal is located at 505 Boul De Maisonneuve est (east) (which is located directly above a key Montréal subway station (Berri-UQAM).

 

 

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DRIVING TO MONTRÉAL:

Consult googlemaps, mapquest, etc.  The street addresses of the meeting hotels are: Hilton Bonaventure, 900 rue de La Gauchetière Ouest

Marriott Chateau Champlain, 1 Place du Canada

Delta Centre-Ville, 777 Rue University

 

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FOR ALL VISITORS ENTERING CANADA:

See the Canadian government site for general information for all visitors to Canada, http://www.visitcanada.com/PassportsAndCustoms.html.

 

If you are traveling with children under 18, note the identification and protective requirements for children.

 

Regulations for US citizens entering Canada/reentering the USA are also outlined at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html. 

 

To determine if you need a Canadian Visa for entry from your country see http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLIsh/visit/visas.asp.