Accessibility at Mackin House Museum
We strive to make Mackin House Museum an accessible space for our visitors, regardless of age or ability levels. While we continue to work towards these goals, we also aim to be transparent with our limitations, especially given the limitations of operating within a 1909 Heritage House.
Please note: The information below pertains to regular hours of operations, rather than events. Events vary greatly in terms of noise levels, crowds, environment, and seating availability. During large, in-house, community events, Mackin House Museum becomes much louder, and often has music playing. Additionally, crowds make it difficult to navigate tighter spaces and result in limited seating options.
For guests with accessibility inquiries or requests, please feel free to get in touch at info@coquitlamheritage.ca or at (604) 516-6151. We’d be happy to work with you to find a solution that best meets your needs.
Stairs & Doorways
Mackin House Museum has two sets of stairs - one at the main entryway (main doorway is approx. 36 inches wide) and one leading to the upstairs floor with exhibits. The entryway flight is 11 stairs and the interior flight is 16 stairs. Both stairwells have hand-rails. Unfortunately, there is no elevator on site, and guests with certain accessibility needs may be unable to access that floor as a result.
There is an accessible entrance (approx. 36 inches wide) without entryway stairs located Brunette Avenue. The accessible entrance is usually locked. If you’d like to access Mackin House Museum through that door, please either knock or call us at (604) 516-6151 during business hours.
The narrowest points in Mackin House Museum are the upstairs doorways (approx. 29 inches wide) leading into each individual exhibit room.
Entryway stairs
interior stairs
Accessible Entrance
Light & Noise
During daylight hours, the Mackin House Museum receives lots of natural lighting through large windows. Once the sun has set, the Museum is much dimmer, being lit mostly by warm, ambient lighting. For guests in need of brighter light for visibility, we recommend visiting during the daytime. For guests looking for a lower sensory environment, the evening may be a more suitable option.
Certain displays have TVs playing videos on low volume. Otherwise, generally none of our exhibits emit flashing lights or loud noises. We also do not play music during regular open hours, and only do so during events. Given our proximity to Brunette Avenue and Marmont Street, traffic noises can often be heard inside the house. These are usually quite minimal, but can be worse during busier hours.
Bathrooms
Mackin House Museum has one bathroom located on the lower floor on the left hand side of the main entrance. The bathroom is gender neutral, with a grab bar located next to the toilet. There is a stool in the corner of the restroom that guests can use at their convenience. There are no loud hand dryers inside the restroom.
There are also menstrual products available for guests who need them. Unfortunately, the bathroom does not have a changing table inside of it. We are working towards rectifying this in the near future.
Bathroom Hallway
Bathroom interior
Train Station & Caboose
Both the Fraser Mills Train Station & Caboose are narrow spaces that are on an elevated surface. As a result, both can be difficult to access for those with mobility aids. We apologize for the inconvenience.
