I have been staying at the Days Inn by Wyndham Nanaimo since April 24, 2025, while looking for a place to live. I recently moved here and have been searching for a long-term rental. I extended my stay through May 10, 2025. Thankfully, I have now found a place and will be moving out on the 10th.
I have a service animal and have experienced discrimination multiple times--three times in the hotel restaurant, Ricky's, and twice at the front desk. On both occasions at the front desk, I was asked if I had informed the hotel that I would be bringing a service animal. I explained each time that I had called in advance to confirm this.
Tonight, I went to Ricky's, where I've dined several times with my service dog Ruby at a window seat. We've sat there at least four times, and I've also ordered takeout and waited at the bar with Ruby. However, this evening, the male server who has previously served me at least four times refused to seat us at our usual spot. He told me I had to sit in a booth, away from other customers, citing potential allergies and the presence of children. I have never encountered anything like this before, and I have traveled extensively across Canada and the United States with my service animal.
I explained to the server that this was discrimination and that he could not segregate us. He replied that he could. I was so upset that I left without having dinner. There is absolutely no excuse for this kind of treatment. I don't know the server's name, but he is a dark-haired male, likely in his mid to late 30s, and works most evenings.
During my first week here, a young female server also told me I couldn't enter the restaurant with my service animal unless I had a card. I showed her the British Columbia government website that clearly states a card is not required. I also explained that I just moved from the U.S., where no such card is issued.
I recently dined at a Chinese restaurant with no issues. I've also been to several grocery stores and Costco three times, all without incident.
I'm paying a substantial amount to stay at this hotel, and I'm extremely disappointed by the lack of understanding and respect regarding service animals. Even after I showed the correct information from the government website, staff continued to disregard the law. read more