Policies, laws and public decisions can sound abstract, until they affect someone’s safety, identity, relationships, access to services or sense of belonging.

At this Donuts & Conversations gathering, local storytellers will share short personal stories about how policies or public decisions have affected their everyday lives. Their stories may reflect experiences involving immigration, Indigenous identity, disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence, or queer, trans and gender-diverse identities.

The purpose of the evening is to listen to our neighbours, understand experiences different from our own and see the human impact behind public decisions.

After each story, a prompt will guide a facilitated conversation at each table. We will focus on what we heard, how the experience may have felt and what could help someone feel safer, supported and included.

You may speak, listen or pass. There is no expectation to share personal information.

This is not a political debate or campaign event.

How we will hold the conversation:

This event is focused on personal stories, feelings and human impact. Participants may not:

• Campaign for or against a political party, candidate or referendum outcome
• Tell other people what to believe or how to vote
• Debate, challenge or ask someone to defend their lived experience or identity
• Make discriminatory, hateful, dehumanizing or personally targeted comments
• Share another person’s private information without permission
• Generalize about an entire culture, identity or community

Facilitators may pause or redirect a conversation, remind someone of the guidelines or ask someone to leave if their behaviour becomes discriminatory, threatening, harassing or harmful.

What you need to know:

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 6:30pm doors open, 7-9pm event
Location: artsPlace, 950 8 Avenue, Canmore

Parking: A paid parking lot is located in front of artsPlace. One accessible parking space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We also encourage participants to walk, bike, take transit or roll to the venue where possible.

Entrance and physical access: The main entrance faces 8 Avenue. An accessible ramp leads to doors with push-button, power-assisted openers. The event space accommodates wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

Washrooms: A stand-alone accessible, gender-neutral washroom is available and has a push-button automatic door. Accessible stalls are also available in the men’s and women’s washrooms.

Seating options: Chairs with backs will be available. Space can be provided at tables for wheelchair and mobility-device users.
You are welcome to sit, stand or move around as needed. Please contact us in advance or speak with a facilitator when you arrive if you need a particular seating arrangement.

Service animals and support people: Service animals are welcome in all public areas. Please contact us if you need a particular seating arrangement for a service animal or support person.

Flooring and movement: Walkways will be kept clear. Participants may leave and re-enter the event space as needed.

Quiet space: A designated quiet space will be available for anyone who needs a break from the conversation or room.
Sensory supports: artsPlace has a sensory cart containing calming and tactile items that participants may use during the event.

Scents: This event is not officially scent-free. We ask participants to avoid wearing strong perfumes or scented products.

Lighting and visibility: There will be no flashing lights or sudden visual effects. Please contact us if you have lighting or visibility needs.

Acoustics: A microphone will be used so participants can hear the speakers and facilitator. You are welcome to bring earplugs or other sensory supports.

Language and communication: The event will be facilitated in English. For interpretation or other communication needs, email hello@frankiedsdonuts.com at least 72 hours before the event.

Food and drinks: Frankie D’s Donuts will be provided. Frankie D’s Donuts are made in a shared kitchen where nuts and other allergens are present. Ingredients may include flour, milk, butter, eggs, yeast, sugar, salt and ingredients used in different glazes. Please ask before consuming if you have an allergy. Some gluten-free and vegan donuts will be available from external suppliers. We cannot guarantee control of their ingredients or exposure to allergens, including nuts and gluten.

Contact us: For questions or accommodation requests, email hello@frankiedsdonuts.com at least 72 hours before the event.

Event feedback: Feedback forms will be available at the event. You may also email us afterward at hello@frankiedsdonuts.com.
Hosted by Frankie D’s Donuts in partnership with artsPlace, Bow Valley Pride Network, Canmore Pride.

Thank you to our funders: Banff Canmore Foundation and Pauw Foundation