Beginning January 10, the Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (RHSDC) upper level will be under construction for an HVAC retrofit. Construction is scheduled to last until April 2020.
During construction, the exhibition area on the lower level and the public washrooms will be open to the public. However, the upper level of the building (offices and boardrooms) will be completely closed.
Unfortunately the elevator in the building will be inaccessible, so visitors needing mobility assistance are advised to call ahead to plan their visit. We understand this is an inconvenience, but will be able to accommodate with sufficient notice, including meeting at off-site locations if needed.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our visitors, but we are hopeful that the construction will improve air circulation and reduce the building temperature during the summer months, which is essential for both staff and our Elders visiting the Centre.
Please contact irshdc.info@ubc.ca or call 604.822.6941 if you need mobility assistance and to plan a visit.
We will be posting regular updates on our website, please check back for more details as construction progresses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the building still open during construction?
Yes, the exhibition on the lower level, and the public washrooms on the upper level are open during construction. The upper level offices and board rooms are completely closed to the public. Unfortunately, our elevator is inaccessible.
I need mobility assistance, how do I access the building?
Due to construction our elevator will be inaccessible. We encourage anyone needing assistance to call ahead so we can help plan your visit and if needed, arrange a one-on-one visit with our staff in an alternate location.
Can I arrange a tour or visit for my class or organization?
We are able to accommodate a limited number of pre-booked guided tours during construction. Please call or email to arrange a time. The lower level exhibition space is open to the public for self-guided tours, and the public are welcome to visit during our regular open hours.
Will you still be offering events and programming?
We provide a number of events and programming throughout the term, and are working on securing alternate locations on campus for these events. Check our events calendar or website for the upcoming programming schedule.
When will the construction be over?
We are hoping to be back to regular operations in April, but will post notices on our website to keep the public informed.