Venue
The primary venue for the British Columbia Jamat Mulaqats will be BC Place in Vancouver. The main entrance to BC Place is at 777 Pacific Boulevard.
Registration and Access Cards
In order to enter the General Mehmani hall, all murids must have a General Mehmani Access Card. Those Jamati members who have completed the registration process will be able to pick up their General Mehmani Access Cards at their local Jamatkhana once the registration and allocation process has been completed and the cards are ready for distribution. Jamati members will also be able to pick up any individual ceremony cards issued to them, at this time. The dates for pick-up of General Mehmani Access Cards will be announced through regular channels once confirmed.
When coming to the venue, please be sure to bring your General Mehmani Access Card and any individual ceremony card(s) issued to you, as well as valid government-issued photo identification. Although multi-faith family members and multi-faith caregivers will not be entering the ceremony halls, they will be required to register and obtain General Mehmani Access Cards prior to arriving at the venue. At the venue, they will also require and should bring valid government-issued photo identification.
Sanctity of Space
The venue for the Mulaqat is intended to be a space for peaceful congregation and contemplation. Therefore, we kindly request the Jamat’s assistance and cooperation with the volunteers so that we can maintain a peaceful, dignified and clean space appropriate for religious ceremonies of this nature. Thank you for your support.
Getting to Venue
By Transit
The venue is easily accessible from both Stadium-Chinatown Station and Yaletown-Roundhouse Station.
By Shuttle
Shuttle bus transportation to and from BC Place has been arranged from most Lower Mainland Jamatkhanas. This is the recommended method of transport for the Jamat. Shuttles are low-floor, kneeling buses and include an accessible ramp to board. Low mobility Jamat and families travelling with elderly members are encouraged to take shuttle bus services from Jamatkhana for their ease and comfort. Please purchase your parking and shuttle bus passes at the Ticket Centre at the information desk of your local Jamatkhana.
Wheelchair Taxis
Murids that require wheel chair transportation (with low mobility) are required to book Wheelchair Taxis in advance from their local taxi provider. We recommend that Murids book their Wheelchair Taxis well in advance as they are very limited.
HandyDart
HandyDart service can be booked directly by calling Translink at 604.953.3680 or online at translink.ca. All passengers must be registered with HandyDart before booking. We recommend booking your HandyDart early as availability is limited.
Accommodation
The Jubilee Hospitality Association of Canada has secured a limited number of rooms at nearby hotels. Jamati members will be able to directly book accommodation online at the negotiated rates at Western Canada Visit Accommodation site.
Snacks
Attending to one’s spiritual self requires physical nourishment too. Light snacks will be served on site and water bottles will be available. For Jamati members with dietary restrictions or requirements, we recommend bringing a light snack. In those cases, please ensure that all items are nut-free. We kindly request that Jamati members refrain from eating during the actual ceremony and that any garbage is discarded appropriately so as to maintain the decorum of the space.
Volunteers
Volunteers will be available to provide directions at the venue. Please visit the information desk at the venue for general inquiries.
Venue Facilities
The following facilities will be available at the venue for your comfort and convenience. Please see the information desk for directions.
- Coat Check
- First Aid stations
- Lost and Found
- Multi-faith room for family members and multi-faith caregivers
- Private spaces for nursing mothers and baby changing stations
- Quiet rooms (see Health and Wellness section)
- Registration desks
- Stroller storage (Please note that strollers will not be allowed into the ceremony hall)
- Volunteer sign-up or check-in (O.A.S.I.S.)
- Washrooms
- Wheelchair storage
Wheelchairs and Walkers
Members of the Jamat requiring the use of a wheelchair or walker throughout the ceremony must bring their own to the venue. Make sure to include your name and phone number on your equipment. Wheelchairs will be available to usher Jamati members to their seats if needed. There will be a designated area for wheelchair seating.
Chairs
Chairs will be provided to members of the Jamat with appropriately designated General Mehmani Access Cards. Volunteers will guide you to the appropriate area upon arrival.
Parents With Babies/Toddlers
There will be a room for nursing mothers on-site, as well as baby changing stations. Parents should bring any necessary provisions (e.g. diapers, bottles, nut-free snacks etc.) with them to the venue. Storage facilities will be available for strollers and car seats outside of the ceremony hall.
Parents are urged to provide their children with an identification wrist band and a picture of their family to bring on the day of the Mulaqat.
Family Reunification
For lost or missing children, please inquire at the Information Desks located at the Mulaqat venue.
Do you have a plan to find your family member in the event you get separated? Given that mobile devices are not permitted in the Mulaqat Hall, we strongly recommend that you review the venue maps that will be available in Jamatkhanas and develop a plan with your family members ahead of time (and) to ensure everyone knows where to meet if you get separated. In the event you get separated or are lost, please go to the reunification area that you and your family have agreed upon and wait for your family there. If you do not have an agreed upon Family Reunification Area or cannot find your family at the agreed upon area, please proceed to an information desk in the venue.
Lost and Found
For lost items, please see the information desks.
Ask-Me Hosts
For any additional information, refer to the Ask-Me Hosts stationed at multiple locations at the venue or the Information Desks.
