Local amenities

At Congress, there is a dedicated Info Desk and a number of Information Kiosks to assist attendees during their Congress experience.

Info Desk, Registration, and Expo

The Info Desk, Registration, and Expo are located within the Congress Hub, in Vari Hall-Rotunda, the Ross Building, and Central Square.

Attendees can find information on:

• Accessibility services
• Local amenities and tourism
• Lost and found
• Luggage storage
• Transportation and parking

Hours of operation - Info Desk

• Friday May 26 – 10:00 to 17:00
• Saturday May 27 to Thursday May 31 – 07:30 to 17:00
• Thursday June 1 – 07:30 to 12:00

Hours of operation - Registration desk

• Friday, May 26: 10:00 - 17:00
• Saturday, May 27 to Thursday, June 1st - 7:30 - 17:00
• Friday, June 2nd: 7:30 - 12:00

Hours of operation - Expo

• Friday May 26 - 10:00 – 17:00  
• Saturday May 27 - 09:30 – 17:30 
• Sunday May 28 – Monday May 29 - *09:30 – 17:30 
• Tuesday May 30 - 09:30 – 17:30
• Wednesday May 31 – June 1 - *09:30 – 17:30

*President’s reception held from 17:00 to 19:00 in Scott Library (adjacent to Congress Hub).

Expo will not be open on the final day of Congress, June 2. The Registration Desk will, however, be open on that day from 09:00-12:00. 

Information Kiosks

Several outdoor information kiosks will be conveniently placed around campus.

 ATMs 

• CIBC – Curtis Lecture Halls, 125 Campus Walk 
• CIBC – Lobby, Centre for Fine Arts   
• BMO – Founders College 
• RBC – Stong College 
• Scotiabank – First Student Centre 
• TD Canada Trust - Central Square, 115 Campus Walk 
• TD Canada Trust – McLaughlin College 
• TD Canada Trust – Osgoode Hall Law School 
• TD Canada Trust – William Small Building  

 Bank and Credit Union Branches 

• Alterna Savings  - York Lanes, 80 York Boulevard 
• BMO -  York Lanes, 80 York Boulevard 
• RBC – The Quad, 95 The Pond Rd 

On-campus 

Gateway Convenience Store – First Student Centre 

Hours of Operation  

• Monday, May 29: 9:00 to 21:00  
• Tuesday, May 30: 9:00 to 21:00 
• Wednesday, May 31: 9:00 to 21:00 
• Thursday, June 1: 9:00 to 21:00 
• Friday, June 2: 9:00 to 21:00 

Gateway on the Go Convenience Store – The Quad, 105 Pond Road, Unit 60 

• Saturday, May 27: 9:00 - 19:00  
• Sunday, May 28: 10:00 - 19:00 
• Monday, May 29: 9:00 - 20:00  
• Tuesday, May 30: 9:00 - 20:00  
• Wednesday, May 31: 9:00 - 20:00   
• Thursday, June 1: 9:00 - 20:00 
• Friday, June 2: 9:00 - 20:00 

Grocery Checkout – York Lanes, 80 York Boulevard 

Hours of Operation 

• Monday, May 29: 11:00 – 17:00 
• Tuesday, May 30: 11:00 – 17:00 
• Wednesday, May 31: 11:00 – 17:00 
• Thursday, June 1: 11:00 – 17:00  
• Friday, June 2: 11:00 – 17:00   

Off-campus 

Your Community Grocers - 45 Four Winds Drive 

Hours of Operation 

• Monday to Sunday: 9:00 - 22:00  

Vito’s No Frills North York - 3685 Keele Street 

Hours of Operation 

• Monday to Sunday: 8:00 – 21:00 

Coppa’s Fresh Market - 4750 Dufferin Street 

Hours of Operation 

• Monday to Saturday: 7:00 – 22:00 
• Sunday: 8:00 - 20:00  

Time 2 Time Convenience - 4205 Keele Street 

Hours of Operation 

• Open 24 hours 

Appletree Medical Centre – Walk in Clinic - York Lanes, 80 York Boulevard 

Hours of Operation  

• Monday, May 29 9:00 -17:00  
• Tuesday, May 30 9:00 - 19:00  
• Wednesday, May 31 9:00 -17:00 
• Thursday, June 1 9:00 -17:00   
• Friday, June 2 9:00 -17:00 

Walk-ins are subject to availability.  

Shoppers Drug Mart - York Lanes, 80 York Boulevard 

Hours of Operation  

• Saturday, May 27 8:00 - 22:00  
• Sunday, May 28 8:00 - 22:00  
• Monday, May 29 8:00 - 22:00 
• Tuesday, May 30 8:00 - 22:00 
• Wednesday, May 31 8:00 - 22:00 
• Thursday, June 1 8:00 - 22:00 
• Friday, June 2 8:00 - 22:00 

York University is pleased to provide designated Quiet Spaces, Prayer Rooms, and Lactation Rooms for Congress attendees. Many of these spaces will be centrally located in Wellbeing Hubs which will be open for the duration of Congress 2023 and located in key areas throughout the Keele campus. In addition, Gathering Spaces will be available for attendees to discuss ideas, collaborate, and relax. All spaces are open from 8:00 – 17:00 daily. 

Room Features 

• Lactation Rooms – small, shared fridge, microwave, comfortable seating, low lighting available   
• Prayer Rooms – mats  
• Quiet Spaces – low lighting, comfortable seating 

Founders Wellbeing Hub 

• Gathering Space – Founders College, FC 024E 
• Quiet Zone – Founders College, FC 019B 
• Prayer Room – Founders College, FC 019A 
• Lactation Room – Founders College, FC 022 

Central Wellbeing Hub 

• Quiet Zone – Central Square, Scott Religious Centre, CSQ 144 (Meditation Room) 
• Prayer Room – Central Square, Scott Religious Centre, CSQ 144 (Chapel) 
• Lactation Room – Scott Library, SCL 133B

Bethune Wellbeing Hub 

• Gathering Space – Bethune College, BC 115 
• Quiet Zone – Bethune College, JACS, BC 112 
• Prayer Room – Bethune College, BC 105 
• Lactation Room – Bethune College, BC 105B 

Additional Gathering Spaces 

• Atkinson Lounge – Atkinson, ATK 002 
• Fireside Lounge – Centre for Film and Theatre, CFT 150 
• Second Student Centre – Lobby 

Additional Prayer Space 

• Second Student Centre – 4th Floor 

Gathering spaces for Indigenous scholars and graduate researchers

The Congress Scholarly Planning Committee, in partnership with the Centre for Indigenous Student Services, is pleased to provide two spaces where Indigenous scholars and graduate researchers can gather during Congress. These spaces allow Indigenous participants across their various scholarly associations and disciplines to connect with each other, share ideas, and build community. It also includes a quiet space where Indigenous colleagues can work or think quietly during the hectic week of Congress.

The gathering spaces are located in the Centre for Indigenous Student Services, York Lanes (YL), room 246 and Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages (CIKL), York Lanes (YL), room 353A.

Open from 9am-4pm daily.

Gathering space for Black scholars and graduate researchers

The Congress Scholarly Planning Committee, in partnership with the Harriet Tubman Institute, is pleased to provide a space where Black scholars and graduate researchers can gather during Congress. This space allows participants who self-identify as Black to connect with each other, share ideas, and build community across their various scholarly associations and disciplines. It also includes a quiet space where Black colleagues can work or think quietly during the hectic week of Congress.

The gathering space is located in the Harriet Tubman Institute, York Lanes (YL), room 321.

Open from 9am-4pm daily.

Gathering space for Black, Indigenous, People of Colour scholars and graduate researchers

The Congress Scholarly Planning Committee, in partnership with the Centre for Research on Latin America and the Caribbean (CERLAC), is pleased to provide a space where Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour scholars and graduate researchers can gather during Congress. This space allows racialized participants across their various scholarly associations and disciplines to connect with each other, share ideas, and build community. It also includes a quiet space where racialized colleagues can work or think quietly during the hectic week of Congress.

The gathering space is located in the Centre for Research on Latin America and the Caribbean, Kaneff Tower (KT), room 816 (8th floor).

Open from 9am-4pm daily.

St. Wilfred’s Catholic Church (Roman Catholic) - 1675 Finch Ave. West 

416-638-0313 

Services 

• Monday to Friday 7:00 
• Saturday 17:00 
• Sunday 8:00, 12:00, and 17:00 

Church of St. Stephen Downsview (Anglican) - 2259 Jane St. 

416-241-4639 

Services 

• Sunday 9:00 and 11:00 

United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism - 1000 Finch Avenue West 

416-667-1717 x106 

Beth Jacob Toronto - 147 Overbrook Place 

416-638-5955 

Suleymaniye Mosque - 1177 Finch Avenue West 

416-462-1401 

North York Islamic Community Centre - 2879 Jane Street 

647-994-8616 

York University is pleased to provide access to a lounge where alumni of YorkU can gather during Congress. In addition to being a place for alumni to connect with each other, share ideas, and build community, a special gift will be provided to all alumni who check in at the lounge.  

The Alumni Lounge is located in York Lanes, 80 York Blvd directly across from the Bookstore on Keele campus. 

York University Bookstore

General inquiries: bookstore.congress@york.ca

Location: York Lanes, 80 York Blvd - Keele Campus Bookstore

Congress Bookstore hours

• Saturday, May 27 - Open 11:00 to 17:00
• Sunday, May 28 - Open 11:00 to 17:00
• Monday, May 29 – Open 9:00 to 19:00
• Tuesday, May 30 – Open 9:00 to 19:00
• Wednesday, May 31 – Open 9:00 to 19:00
• Thursday, June 1 – Open 9:00 to 19:00
• Friday, June 2 – Open 9:00 to 17:00

The York University Bookstore offers a curated selection of General Interest books with a focus on major issues the world and Canada are confronted with such as Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Sustainability; and Climate Change to name a few. In addition, the Bookstore carries a large selection of York branded and non-branded apparel, gifts, souvenirs and general supplies including eco-friendly and Fair Trade options.

The Bookstore will provide a 20% discount to all delegates for regular priced General Interest books, apparel, gifts, souvenirs and general supplies. Delegates will receive the discount at check out by showing their Congress 2023 badge.

The York University libraries will be open for visitor use for browsing, using guest computers, printing and photocopying and many other services. The following libraries will be open during Congress 2023:

Scott Library – 115 Campus Walk

Scott Library hours

• Friday May 26 - 8:00 - 23:00
• Saturday May 27 - 8:00 - 17:00
• Sunday May 28 - 8:00 - 23:00
• Monday May 29 - Wednesday May 31 - 8:00 - 23:00
• Thursday June 1 - 8:00 - 22:00
• Friday June 2 - 8:00 - 23:00

Additional libraries:

• Steacie Science and Engineering Library - 136 Campus Walk
• Bronfman Business Library – Schulich School of Business (2nd floor)
• Osgoode Law Library – 92 Scholar’s Walk

For more information on library spaces and for opening hours, visit: https://www.library.yorku.ca/web/locations-and-spaces/library-spaces/

Labs and print services for attendees

Attendees will have the ability to access computer services during Congress 2023, all with the ability to perform printing services as well. Computers for attendee use will have Windows 10 and Microsoft Office 2016.

Computing and printing services are available in the centrally located Scott Library where attendees can obtain a guest account to log onto library computers. Attendee guest accounts can be obtained at the Ask Us desk just inside the Scott Library. Signage will be posted to guide attendees on printing. Small, personal print jobs will be available at no cost.

Pick up your posters & banners at York

Will you need to print conference posters or other items for Congress? York University Printing Services is the dedicated print facility right on the Keele campus, specializing in quality printing of wide-format academic posters, stand-up banners, related conference materials, and graphic design services. A special rate for Congress for wide-format poster printing can be arranged up to a week prior to the start of Congress. You may order your posters or stand up banners in advance by emailing Printing Services and pick them up at our front in Central Square when you arrive on campus. 

Keele Printing Services hours

• Saturday, May 27 - Open 8:00 to 16:00
• Sunday, May 28 - Open 8:00 to 16:00 
• Monday, May 29 – Open 8:00 to 19:00 
• Tuesday, May 30 – Open 8:00 to 19:00 
• Wednesday, May 31 – Open 8:00 to 19:00 
• Thursday, June 1 – Open 8:00 to 19:00 
• Friday, June 2 – Open 8:00 to 17:00

To enhance your experience at York University, you are invited to participate in York Recreational programs and facilities. During your free time you can enjoy complimentary recreational opportunities at the Tait McKenzie Athletics Center.  

Locations 

Tait McKenzie Athletics and Recreation Centre - 1 Thompson Rd., Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3 

Activities

• Tait McKenzie Recreation provides a wide range of drop-in and programmed activities to help you recharge and re-energize after a busy day.  Check the Athletics & Recreation website for the most up-to-date schedules.  

To sign up for the Congress complimentary recreation pass:

1. Go to https://reconline.yorkulions.ca/
2. Sign up for a new account
3. Complete the form and select ‘Congress Conference pass’ under Memberships
4. When checking out, use the promo code: ARCONGRESS23

Accessing Tait McKenzie

Access to Tait McKenzie requires using a QR code in the York Recreation app which can be downloaded from the iOS app store or the Google Play app store. When prompted to login, use the email and password you used to register for your complimentary recreation pass.

Visit the travel & transportation page for more information.

Info Desk

Complimentary same-day only luggage storage is available to all attendees at the Info Desk, within the Congress Hub at Vari-Hall-Rotunda, during operational hours.

On-campus accommodations ONLY

For all attendees staying in on-campus accommodations, limited same-day luggage storage will be provided. Please inquire at the office of the residence in which you are staying.
 

Department of Community Safety 

The Department of Community Safety at York University provides 24/7 Security Services to the York University community. The security team develop relationships to better serve the community each day by interacting with students, staff, faculty, and visitors, out in the community. Security personnel can be seen walking around campus, in marked patrol vehicles and, when the weather allows members of the certified proactive cycling team can be seen on mountain bikes; this allows for faster response to calls for service, high visibility and better community engagement.  

Security Services, Security Watch Officials are stationed overnight in undergraduate residences. They support residence life by providing proactive security patrols, access control, alarm monitoring and other safety and security services including first aid within the undergraduate residences. 

Security Officials provide 24-hour first aid response to individuals experiencing illness or injury. 

First Aid Equipment

• First Aid kits 
• Automated External Defibrillators 
• Oxygen 
• Naloxone 

The Department Of Community Safety’s Security Control Centre (Scc)

The Security Control Centre is the central security dispatch, alarm, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring hub for the York University campuses. Operating 24/7, the Security Control Centre receives, and dispatches all calls for service.  

The Security Control Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, including a video wall that can display live video feeds from over 2000 CCTV cameras located in and around all York campus. To contact the security control centre 24/7: 

• Non-emergency: 416-650-8000  
• Emergency: 416-736-5333  
• Police, ambulance, and fire: 911     

When calling, state it is an emergency, your location and stay on the line. As the campus is made up of several buildings with distinct addresses, please become familiar with the name of the building you are in to help with location. Security Officials will locate and assist you.  

Interior safety phones

These Safety Phones allow you to contact Security Services directly, in the event of an emergency, and goSAFE to request an escort. They are in all buildings across campus and can be identified by the red Safety Phone markers. 

Emergency and safety phones

Blue Light Emergency Phones connect directly with Security or goSAFE using one of the Blue Light Emergency Phones located across campus. They are equipped with a blue light that flashes to make them highly noticeable when activated. Interactive maps of the Glendon and Keele campuses are available that include emergency phone locations. 

Classroom phones 

Located at the front of larger classrooms and auditoriums throughout campus, these phones can also be used to contact Security Services directly in an emergency. 

goSAFE services 

goSAFE is one of the largest student employers on campus and gives students the opportunity to give back to the York community while also earning money for their education. goSAFE is staffed entirely by York University students who are easily identifiable in their red goSAFE polos and jackets.  

Available 20:00-2:00 daily.

goSafe’s role 

goSAFE team members accompany York community members to and from any on-campus location, such as the Village Shuttle pick-up hub, parking lots, bus stops or residences. goSAFE members will strive to meet you at your pick-up location within 10 minutes of your call and will gladly wait with you until your bus or transportation arrives or your car starts. Please note that children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. To reach the goSAFE team: 

• Call 416-736-5454, or from your office phone at extension 55454.  
• Use any on-campus payphone (it is a free call!) 
• Use any Blue Light Emergency Phone and ask for goSAFE. 
• Use any on-campus Safety Phone and push the black goSAFE button. 

In addition to escorting students, staff, and faculty around campus, goSAFE staff conduct weekly audits of all the on-campus exterior lighting, on-campus automatic doors, and on-campus emergency and elevator phones, reporting any malfunctions for repair. 

York U Safety app 

One of the most convenient ways to access safety resources is to download the York U Safety App. The app’s features include campus maps, a safety toolbox and emergency numbers. The app can be used to place a direct call to security or goSAFE services, to find information about the campus shuttle and other safety-related services, or to view York’s security bulletins. Users can also enable the app to send push notifications to their phones to receive safety updates, and updates on weather or other emergencies, including closure of the University.  

Emergency Communications

The Community Safety Department features three effective systems for emergency notifications for all faculty, staff, student, and visitor. Mass notification systems via multiple platform messaging system, Public Address system and digital signage screens.  

The Community Safety Department if fully equipped with an Emergency Notification System (ENS). The ENS system allows security to provide:  

• Push notifications 
• Mass SMS messages, 
• Emails 
• Automated outbound calls 
• Social Media Broadcasting,  
• Desktop Notifications.  

Not only can community members be notified in minutes, visitors and family of community members can subscribe to the service. This is a fast and effective life safety tool provided to all community members.  

Emergency messaging and digital

Signage screens are installed in many high traffic areas in academic, administrative buildings and residences.  

During non-emergency times, the screens will display a variety of information, including news and weather. If an emergency occurs, then information will be displayed on the screens.  

Public address system

Comprised of indoor and outdoor speakers, as well as strobe lights, the Public Address System allows emergency situations to be communicated directly and immediately to building occupants. 

Training and standards 

York University Community Safety Department is committed to providing the most current and up to date training for their officials.  A highlight of some of these valuable topics include: Health Care Provider Level First Aid, Use of Force, Arrest and Search, Professionalism, Crisis De-Escalation, Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion, Intervention Model, Sexual Violence Response and Awareness, Report Writing, Active Attacker and Crowd Management.  Although this is only some of the training that is provided, these important tools assist in the safety of the students, staff, faculty, and visitors on the campus. 

At York, sustainability is more than a promise to control waste and energy. It is the lens through which York sees everything they do. It is in the character York has, in the space York occupies, and in the culture York creates for everyone—on campus and in York’s communities. Most importantly, it is the challenge that we must all agree to tackle together. 

York University has long been recognized as an international leader in sustainability-relevant research, teaching, partnerships, and campus practices. By challenging the York community to deepen this work, and to track and report on York's contributions, they reaffirm longstanding York values of social justice, equity, sustainability, and excellence in all that they do. To learn more about York’s sustainability initiatives, please visit their website.  

Waste  

York seperates public generated waste into 3 streams: paper, garbage, bottles/cans, and one additional stream for food waste in staff and faculty kitchenettes. York encourages the use of waste recycling stations which are conveniently located across campus and maintains a 65% diversion rate.  

You can help by exercising proper sorting practices when disposing of all waste. 

In September 2015, York University phased out the sale of single use plastic water bottles from its campuses.  This action was in response to the student led "Take Back the Tap" campaign, in which many schools across North America advocated for a more socially conscious approach to drinking water.

The bottled water phase out was integral to York University's overarching commitment as a leading post-secondary institution for sustainability, environmental conscientiousness and social responsibility towards creating positive change for our community and the world around us.

Since eliminating the sale of single use plastic water bottles, York has installed 70 water refill stations across both the Keele and Glendon campuses and retrofitted over 200 existing public water fountains.

You can also purchase a reusable bottle at the York Bookstore.