Safe(r) Spaces Policy

Effective Date: February 1st, 2026

Introduction 

Riley Grae is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all employees, customers, contractors, vendors, and visitors. This Safe(r) Spaces Policy outlines the standards of behaviour expected in our physical and online spaces and how we address concerns if someone feels unsafe, disrespected, or unwelcome. 

Scope

This policy applies to everyone who interacts with Riley Grae, including but not limited to:

• Team members (owners, managers, and employees)
• Independent businesses operating within the space (Nails Thank You, Loving Flower Co.) and their clients
• Contractors, vendors, reps, and delivery personnel
• Customers and in-store visitors
• Anyone participating in events, workshops, or activities hosted or organized by Riley Grae
• Anyone engaging with Riley Grae online, including through social media, email, reviews, and comments

This policy applies to behaviour occurring on our premises, during Riley Grae–hosted or affiliated events, and in online spaces connected to the business.

Definitions

Safe(r) Space: A supportive, inclusive environment where people feel respected and are protected from harassment, discrimination, or harm. “Safe(r)” recognizes that safety is subjective: what feels safe can vary depending on a person’s identity, background, and experiences. It is an active, ongoing process to reduce harm, encourage accountability, and foster respect, care, and openness.

Discrimination: Any differential treatment or behaviour based on characteristics protected under Manitoba law (including, but not limited to, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or source of income) that results in unfair disadvantage or exclusion.

Harassment: Unwelcome or offensive conduct (verbal, physical, written, or visual) that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive, or that creates a risk to mental or physical wellbeing. This can be a single serious incident that has a harmful effect.

Violence: Any act or threat of force or harm, including verbal threats, aggressive gestures, intimidation, or physical assault.

Retaliation: Any adverse action taken against someone for reporting a concern under this policy or for participating in an investigation, including exclusion, punishment, or negative treatment.

Policy Statement

Riley Grae does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying, violence, or any behaviour that creates an unsafe, hostile, or exclusionary environment. This Safe(r) Spaces Policy exists to ensure a welcoming, comfortable, and respectful experience for everyone who enters or engages with Riley Grae.

Our values include:

Respect: People are treated with kindness and courtesy.

Inclusivity: People of all races, cultures, religions, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, bodies, abilities, ages, socio-economic statuses, and voices are welcome.

Safety: No one should feel intimidated, demeaned, threatened, or excluded. Our space supports creativity and community without fear of judgment or harm.

Everyone interacting with Riley Grae is expected to:

• Treat others with respect, kindness, and dignity
• Honour and respect people’s identities, expressions, and lived experiences
• Be mindful of how words, actions, and behaviour may affect others
• Respect personal boundaries
• Refrain from any conduct that could reasonably be experienced as offensive, intimidating, humiliating, or harmful

Unacceptable behaviour includes, but is not limited to:

• Threats, intimidation, or physical aggression
• Harassment, bullying, or verbal abuse including offensive jokes, derogatory language, or stereotyping
• Discriminatory behaviour based on protected characteristics (race, culture, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age, socio-economic status)
• Unwanted physical contact 
• Sexual harassment or unwanted sexual comments or advances
• Disruptive or unsafe behaviour that interferes with others’ comfort, creativity, or safety
• Harassment or harmful behaviour via social media or other online spaces connected to Riley Grae

Responsibility

Riley Grae is committed to addressing concerns with care, discretion, and timeliness. As an employer and space operator, ownership is responsible for:

• Consistently promoting and enforcing this policy
• Providing training and guidance to staff on respectful conduct, recognizing policy violations, and responding to concerns, including bystander intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Responding promptly, fairly, and appropriately to all reports or complaints
• Protecting confidentiality as much as appropriate

Reporting Concerns

If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, or if you experience or witness behaviour that violates this policy:

• Speak with a Staff Member: If it feels safe to do so, inform a Riley Grae team member about the situation.
• Make a Formal Report: You can report concerns in person or by email (hello@rileygrae.com) to an owner or manager.

When making a report, provide as much information as possible, including:

• Date, time, and location of the incident
• Names of those involved and any witnesses
• A description of what occurred
• Any relevant messages, screenshots, or evidence
• Any steps already taken to address the situation

Once a report has been received, Riley Grae will:

• Review the concern promptly and sensitively
• Maintain confidentiality as much as possible
• Take appropriate action, which may include coaching, warnings, asking an individual to leave the space, banning an individual from events, or banning an individual from the premises

Reports may also be made externally to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission or appropriate authorities, as applicable.

Individuals who report concerns in good faith are protected under this policy. Retaliation of any kind will not be tolerated.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect legal requirements, community feedback, and evolving best practices.