Third spaces are places outside of home (first space) and work or school (second space) where people gather, connect, and build community. Think parks, libraries, community centres, coffee shops, or anywhere folks come together informally.

For our resource, a third space is anywhere community members can gather for free, including events and physical spaces.

Third spaces are essential because they create opportunities for belonging, rest, creativity, and connection. They support mental well-being, strengthen community ties, and offer low-barrier ways to engage with others; especially for those who may feel excluded from traditional institutions.

You can fill out our submission form here to share a free, community-focused event or space. We welcome listings that are inclusive, accessible, and non-partisan. Your submission helps others discover places to connect and feel at home.

Access notes are a description of the location, its accessibility features and its barriers. Think things like accessible parking options, accessible transportation, existing barriers indoors and outdoors that may cause problems for both disabled and non-disabled community members (someone using a mobility aid like a wheelchair, crutches, canes etc., or someone with a stroller). Access notes help everyone navigate the space easier.

Here are some good examples of what access notes can look like: 

1. https://venusenvy.ca/pages/accessibility

2. Mask4Mask Queers HFX Accessibility Info and FAQ

Here are some questions to ask yourself when writing access notes:

Are the walking surfaces hard, flat, level and stable? Are there any sharp or narrow corners, or corridors along the route? Are the floor spaces clear? Making sure that obstacles can be moved to accommodate at least a one-metre-wide path of travel for people using wheelchairs or walkers.

Are the doors automatic? Do they have buttons to open them? Can they be propped open?

Are the washrooms accessible? Is there room in the washroom beyond the opening swing of the door for an electric wheelchair or walker to navigate comfortably in the washroom? Would someone using a wheelchair be able to reach the soap and sink and towel or air dryer to wash their hands?

Is there adequate lighting in the space? Are the lights adjustable? Are the acoustics clear, with minimal echo? (This may create barriers for people who are hard of hearing). Will there be captioning at the event? Will there be an ASL interpreter? Is the event scent-free? 

Is there accessible parking? Is there parking at all? Is there paid parking or is it free? Will there be an online option available for the space?

These are some of the things you may want to consider in writing your access notes. We also wanted to include some resources on how to write better access notes here:

https://accessibilitycanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Planning-Accessible-Events-May-2016.pdf

https://hr.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/2023-02/accessible_meeting_checklist.pdf

You can email us at halifaxdartmouth3rd@gmail.com