Visitor Code of Conduct

Purpose

Everyone is welcome at Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG). We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment. Our members will be treated courteously and respectfully by staff and are expected to treat staff and other members of the public in the same manner. KWAG has established this Code of Conduct for the comfort and safety of members and staff, as well as for the protection of property and equipment. The expectations of members using our facilities will be applied fairly and consistently by staff to ensure a welcoming, shared experience for everyone.

Policy

While visiting KWAG everyone is expected to:

Attend to and supervise children under 10 and vulnerable persons in their care.
Attend to personal belongings. KWAG is not responsible for theft or damage to personal items left unattended.
Leave large bags /backpacks in the lockers with provided locks.
Dress appropriately for a public space, including wearing tops, bottoms and footwear.
No food or beverages are allowed in the art galleries.
Use furniture, equipment, facilities and designated spaces properly and only for the usual and intended purposes.
Use washrooms only for their intended purposes.
Open bags for inspection if requested by staff or security. Such examination shall be for the sole purpose of searching for an item missing from the gallery.
Leave the building promptly at closing and as requested during emergency situations.
Report disruptive behaviour to staff immediately.
Follow all policies and procedures as posted in print and/or online.
Be respectful of KWAG staff and Volunteers.

Examples of behaviour that is NOT permitted include:

Interfering with another’s use and enjoyment of the facility or interfering with staff while performing their work, including by creating excessive noise, running, etc.
Threatening, abusive, discriminatory, harassing or offensive language, behaviour or actions.
Smoking or vaping on the property.
Vandalism, damage, misuse or theft of materials, equipment or property. This includes artworks. No artwork may be touched unless explicitly noted.
Being under the influence of, selling, using or possessing alcohol, cannabis, or illegal substances. Paraphernalia and containers implicit in the use of drugs and alcohol on the premises are also prohibited.
Using cell phones or other electronic devices in a manner which disturbs others use of the space.
Filming without prior approval by KWAG staff.
Flash photography, use of tripods, commercial photography and photography for education purposes without prior approval by KWAG staff.
Petitioning, posting of flyers, soliciting or engaging in commercial activity unless authorized by a manager.
Using skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles or other equipment in the building.
Bringing animals in the facility unless needed to assist a person with a disability or in authorized programs.
Soliciting and panhandling.
Attempting to enter ‘staff only’ areas of the building or opening closed doors.
Possession of weapons or implements which can be used as weapons.
Trespassing while under an active Trespass Notice.

Consequences of violating the Code of Conduct:

KWAG staff will endeavor to ensure that the Code of Conduct is followed and will make every effort to apply these policies in a fair, consistent and positive way for the benefit of all. Staff will advise members of appropriate conduct, as required, and state consequences for not following policies.

Anyone who fails to comply with this Code of Conduct may be asked to leave the premises immediately, have their gallery privileges suspended and be issued a Trespass Notice, be required to pay for losses or damages or face prosecution and/or sanctions as per the Criminal Code of Canada, The Human Rights Code, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Trespass to Property Act, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, the Child and Family Services Act and the Public Works Protection Act.

For questions, please contact mail@kwag.on.ca
Adopted: July 11, 2025