River Rock Casino Resort Achieves RHF Accessibility Certification
Overlooking the Fraser River in Richmond, B.C., the River Rock Casino Resort has become the first casino in Canada to achieve Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility CertificationTM (RHFAC). This effort will allow for many more British Columbians and visitors from all over the world to fully enjoy everything the space has to offer, regardless of age or ability.
Owned by Great Canadian Entertainment, River Rick Casino Resort is a full-service resort with a variety of food and beverage outlets, an indoor pool, spa and a 24/7 casino with table games and slots. Improving access in the space will allow for more people to enjoy the offerings.
Inclusion and Accessibility for Guests
Joyce Murdock, a wheelchair user and VIP guest of River Rock Casino Resort, is grateful for the efforts River Rock has made to make the site accessible.
“I enjoy going to the River Rock Casino Resort for entertainment on the casino floor, watching the shows in the theatre and dining at the restaurants,” Murdock said. “I consider it an outing, and if they did not have accessibility to all the spaces I would be unable to go there.”
Rishi Khaira, General Manager at River Rock Casino Resort, believes it is important for all guests to be able to access the space.
“Great Canadian Entertainment is committed to working towards inclusivity and accessibility for our team members and guests,” said Khaira. “As the leading gaming, entertainment and hospitality company in Canada, we are thrilled to lead the change in the industry by becoming the Rick Hansen Foundation’s first certified casino in Canada.”
River Rock Casino Resort's RHFAC Journey
RHFAC measures the level of meaningful access for people with hearing, vision, and mobility disabilities, and helps site owners and managers identify barriers to access of their sites while also showcasing their commitment to accessibility. By understanding the barriers that exist, organizations are better equipped to remove them, and create a space that is truly accessible for everyone.
Helping River Rock achieve certification, the venue includes ramps, allowing those with mobility devices to enter the building; accessible parking in both the self-parking lot and access to a valet parking service; and accessible guest rooms in the hotel. Some of the features in the rooms include roll-in showers, accommodating mobility devices; widened doorways; and visual fire alarms so guests with a hearing disability can respond accordingly.
“It’s a great way to showcase our commitment to working towards inclusivity and accessibility for our team members and guests,” Khaira explained. “We can attract more customers, employees and be acknowledged for our commitment.”
#APN2023 Building Together Presented by Royal Bank of Canada
River Rock Casino Resort hosts a variety of events for all to enjoy, regardless of age or ability, including the Rick Hansen Foundation’s Accessibility Professional Network (APN) conference taking place March 1st and 2nd, 2023.
“RHFAC is helping us to raise awareness and allows us to make an effort, to the best of our ability, to raise awareness and create spaces inclusive for people with disabilities,” Khaira said. "We’re proud to be recognized. We will continue working towards breaking down barriers that people with disabilities still face.”
