Safer Spaces Policy
Introduction
Everyone has the right to feel safe, respected, and included at AREA 506 — regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ancestry, colour, race, religious beliefs, mental or physical disabilities, or source of income.
This policy applies to all events held within the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village and on festival grounds. Copies of this document are available behind the bar at The Docks Container Lounge and at the AREA 506 merch container.
This policy will be reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our community. If you have questions, feedback, or concerns, please contact us at email hidden; JavaScript is required.
What Is a Safer Space?
A safer space is a place where people can fully and comfortably participate without fear of harassment or discrimination based on sex, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, religious affiliation, age, or physical or mental ability.
We use the term “safer space” rather than “safe space” to acknowledge that no environment can be 100% safe for everyone, as each person’s needs and experiences are different. The term “safer” reflects our commitment to actively working toward increased safety, while recognizing that discrimination and harassment can still occur even when policies and procedures are in place. Creating safer spaces is an ongoing process and responsibility.
What Is Abusive Behaviour?
Abusive behaviour includes any action, pattern of actions, or language that causes harm, fear, intimidation, or distress to another person. This can be physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, or sexual in nature.
Abusive behaviour may include, but is not limited to:
• Harassment, threats, intimidation, or coercion
• Discriminatory language or actions, including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, albeism, or religious discrimination
• Sexual harassment, unwanted sexual attention, or violations of consent
• Stalking, following, or persistent unwanted contact
• Verbal abuse, slurs, or demeaning comments
• Abuse of power, including behaviour that targets someone based on perceived vulnerability
Attendee/Patron Conduct
AREA 506 does not tolerate abusive, disrespectful, or discriminatory language or behaviour. Such conduct may result in immediate removal from the venue and, in some cases, a permanent ban.
Discrimination or harassment based on gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation — including transphobia and homophobia — will not be tolerated. All attendees are expected to respect people’s names and pronouns. Intentional misgendering or deadnaming is not acceptable.
If you witness abusive or discriminatory behaviour at AREA 506, please speak with any on-duty staff or security member. All reports are taken seriously and handled with care and confidentiality.
AREA 506 staff have the authority to remove offenders from the venue without refund or compensation.
Vendor Conduct
AREA 506 is committed to keeping the Waterfront Container Village welcoming, inclusive, and safe for everyone. Vendors are expected to uphold these standards at all times. This includes refraining from hateful speech, discriminatory behaviour, or selling items that are offensive, harmful, or disrespectful to any individual group.
When approving seasonal and pop-up vendors, these standards are considered, though as a small team, we may not always have full information in advance. AREA 506 will work with seasonal vendors to address issues when appropriate.
Vendors may be removed from the premises — without payment or other compensation — if harmful or offensive behaviour persists. Please note that when outside organizers bring their own vendors, AREA 506 may not have full visibility or control over who sets up. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Offensive Attire
Offensive attire, including (but not limited to) hate symbols or culturally appropriative clothing, is not welcome at AREA 506. Wearing such attire may result in removal from the venue.
If you have concerns about offensive attire, please speak with any on-duty staff or security member. All reports will be handled on a case-by-case basis, without fear of retaliation, and staff have the authority to remove individuals when necessary.
Staff
On-duty staff can be identified by AREA 506 lanyards and badges.
While AREA 506 staff are not trained crisis counsellors or mediators, we will always prioritize safety, provide immediate support, and connect individuals with appropriate resources.
AREA 506 is committed to ongoing learning and accountability in our efforts to create safer spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ and other marginalized communities.
Washrooms
In addition to gendered washrooms in the event space, the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village has two gender-neutral single-person washrooms. Please use the one you feel most comfortable with.
If you see or experience any harassment in the washrooms, let a staff member or security know right away. All reports are taken seriously.
Bag Checks
For the safety of all attendees, security may conduct bag checks at the entrance during paid events. If an individual chooses not to participate in a bag check, entry may be denied, and no refunds will be issued.
Health and COVID-19 Safety
Although COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, we support and respect personal choices regarding mask-wearing, social distancing, and other health precautions.
Masks and distancing are encouraged when possible and welcomed for anyone who prefers them. We ask that all attendees respect each other’s comfort levels and personal decisions around these measures.
AREA 506 will continue to monitor public health guidance and update protocols as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
Venue Accessibility
The ground level of the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village is fully accessible, with sloped boardwalks on the retail side and an accessible washroom on the events side.
Please note that the upper decks are not physically accessible, as they require climbing one flight of stairs to the middle deck and another to the top deck.
Quiet and Low-Volume Spaces
We understand that some attendees may feel overstimulated by loud music, crowds, or busy areas. While there are no specifically designated quiet zones, we encourage anyone needing a break to step away from the action when possible to find a calmer space.
If you need help locating a quieter area or have other accessibility needs, please speak with any on-duty staff member.
Consent
Consent is mandatory at AREA 506. Consent means a clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing “yes.” It must be given freely and can be withdrawn at any time.
Consent is required for all physical contact, sexual activity, and personal interactions — including hugging, touching, kissing, or entering someone’s personal space. Silence, passivity, or lack of resistance does not mean consent.
A person cannot give consent if they are asleep, unconscious, heavily intoxicated, under the influence of drugs, or otherwise unable to clearly communicate their wishes.
AREA 506 does not tolerate any form of sexual harassment, assault, coercion, or power-based violence. If consent is violated, staff and security may intervene, and the individual(s) responsible may be removed from the event and/or permanently banned.
If you experience or witness a situation where consent is not being respected, please reach out to a staff member or security. Your safety and well-being are our priority.
Illegal Substances
AREA 506 does not condone the use of illegal substances. Use of illegal substances on the property may result in removal from the event and/or a permanent ban.
The safety of everyone on the property is our top priority. Attendees experiencing an overdose, and those taking care of them, will not be punished for seeking help. Please do not hesitate to alert staff or security if you need assistance.
In the event of a suspected overdose, Naloxone is available in first aid kits behind the bar and at the AREA 506 merch container. AREA 506 follows appropriate overdose response procedures — please alert a staff member or security immediately to receive help.
Using substances to facilitate power-based violence is strictly prohibited at AREA 506. If you see someone tampering with another person’s drink, tell a staff member immediately and alert the affected person if it is safe to do so.
If you’re struggling with substance abuse, help is available 24⁄7 through the free, confidential, bilingual provincial addiction and mental health helpline at 1 (866) 355‑5550.
Legal Substances
In accordance with provincial law and municipal policy, the use of marijuana, tobacco, and vaping products is prohibited inside the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village and within 9 metres of its entrances. Possession of these substances is allowed, but consumption or use is not permitted on the property. Use of these substances on-site may result in removal from the event and/or a permanent ban from the venue.
Absolutely no outside alcohol is permitted within the Village.
Confidentiality and Consent Around Reporting
No action will be taken without the consent of the person who experienced harm, unless there is an immediate safety risk. Reports will be handled with discretion and shared only with those who need to know.
If you would like to share a concern or report an incident, you can submit a confidential report here.
How to Access Support
Sexual Violence New Brunswick provides a toll-free, confidential, 24-hour sexual violence support line. If you need immediate support, please call (506) 454‑0437.
You do not have to report an incident to access support.
For additional resources or non-urgent support, visit www.svnb.ca.
Land Acknowledgement
AREA 506 operates on the traditional territory of the Wolastoqiyik/Maliseet and strives to create an environment that is respectful and supportive of Indigenous peoples. We accept current Indian Status Cards as a valid form of identification for entry when required.
We are committed to honouring and respecting the Indigenous peoples of this region and to being stewards of the land by ensuring AREA 506 is an inclusive, equitable space for building community through music, culture, and goods.
In an on-site emergency, please call 911.
The dispatcher will require location information to dispatch emergency personnel:
AREA 506 WATERFRONT CONTAINER VILLAGE
85 WATER STREET
SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK
This document was last updated in April 2026.