HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 19, 2025
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Agenda
March 19, 2025
Hybrid Electronic Meeting – 7:00 pm
Main Committee Room
For information related to accessibility requirements please contact:
Committee Coordinator
905.420.4611
clerks@pickering.ca
Members of the public may observe the meeting proceedings by viewing the
livestream.
Page
1. Review and Approval of Agenda
2. Disclosure of Interest
3. Approval of Minutes
3.1 February 19, 2024 Meeting Minutes 1
4. Presentations/Delegations
4.1 Autism Home Base
K. Ng, Outreach and Inclusion Manager, Autism Home
Base
7:05
4.2 Accelerating Accessibility Coalition
Heela Omarkhail, The Daniels Corporation
Ridhima Nayyar, RioCan REIT
Michelle Bilek, Canadian Lived Experience Leadership
Network
7:15 7
5. New Business
5.1 Accessibility Advisory Sub Committee
Accelerating Accessibility Coalition Discussion
K. Sullivan, C. Rudberg-Chin, and B. Ferguson
I. Janton, Senior Planner – Site Planning
7:25
5.2 Autism Home Base
Discussion
7:40
5.3 Redman House Restoration Project
D. Yip, Manager, Facilities Capital Projects
S. Ahimaz, Coordinator, Major Capital Projects
7:50
5.4 Canada Day – Tranquility Tent Planning 8:00
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Agenda
March 19, 2025
Hybrid Electronic Meeting – 7:00 pm
Main Committee Room
For information related to accessibility requirements please contact:
Committee Coordinator
905.420.4611
clerks@pickering.ca
T. Higgins
5.5 Accessibility Advisory Committee’s Annual Report to
Council
Tim Higgins
8:10
5.6 2025 Accessibility Compliance Report
T. Higgins
8:20
20
5.7 Accessibility Advisory Committee Process
Efficiencies
B. Ferguson
8:30 24
5.8 Ontario Building Code Accessibility Changes
D. Schick
8:40 27
6. Correspondence
7. Other Business
8. AAC Member Roundtable Updates 8:50
9. Next Meeting – April 16, 2025
10. Adjournment
Minutes/Meeting Summary
Accessibility Advisory Committee
February 19, 2025
Hybrid Electronic Meeting
Main Committee Room
7:00 pm
Attendees: S. Azhar
D. Currie
K. Hale
A. Khan
C. Rudberg-Chin
M. Shackleton
D. Schick
S. Snyders
K. Sullivan
I. Janton, Senior Planner – Site Planning
P. Bigioni, Telecommunications & Network Support Analyst
K. Fox, Supervisor, Customer Care
T. Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator
J. Currie, Legislative Coordinator
Absent: B. Ferguson
A. Topple, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
Councillor M. Brenner
Councillor M. Nagy
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action
Items/Status
(include
deadline as
appropriate)
1. Review and Approval of Agenda
Moved by D. Currie
Seconded by K. Hale
That the Agenda for the February 19, 2025, Meeting of The
Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting be approved, with the
exception that item 7.1 move to follow item 5.1.
Carried
2. Disclosure of Interest
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Page 1 of 6
Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action
Ref # (summary of discussion) Items/Status
(include
deadline as
appropriate)
No disclosures of interest were noted.
3. Approval of Minutes
Moved by C. Rudberg-Chin
Seconded by K. Sullivan
That the Minutes of the January 15, 2025, meeting of the
Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved.
Carried
4. Presentations/Delegations
There were no presentations.
5. New Business
5.1 Discussion of Council Chambers Walkthrough held 5:30
pm to 7:00 pm, February 19, 2025
T. Higgins provided a brief summary of the walking tour of the
City of Pickering Council Chambers held immediately prior to
the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting.
Discussion between Committee Members ensued regarding:
• the added value of the Virtual Reality element which
provided greater insight into the vision of the proposed
design of the space;
• the value of the in-person walkthrough and
experiencing, both visually and physically, the limitations
of the space as well as the existing accessibility
challenges;
• holding a community event to build awareness of
accessibility challenges by providing opportunities for
the general public to experience various disabilities,
through the creation of an “accessibility showcase” using
items to mimic various disabilities;
• having accessibility discussions prior to setting budgets
in order to allocate appropriate funding, specific to
accessibility needs;
• balancing future needs while capitalizing on existing
facilities;
• framing accessibility as an incentive as opposed to an
obligation; and,
• the importance of considering future upgrades in the
built environment, such as lighting, multiple screens, and
sound quality.
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Page 2 of 6
Item/Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action
Ref # (summary of discussion) Items/Status
(include
deadline as
appropriate)
5.2 Pathways to Employment Program Update
K. Fox, Supervisor, Customer Care provided a brief summary
of the Pathways to Employment Program and noted the
success the City of Pickering has experienced with the current
job seeker who was working through the Program at the City.
Discussion between Committee Members and Staff ensued
regarding:
• an underrepresented perspective being brought to the
City of Pickering;
• the value provided to the job seeker as well as the City
in respect to employees seeking accommodations and
how the City receives requests for accommodations;
and,
• introducing the Pathways to Employment Program to
Secondary Schools.
5.3 Environmental Sensitivities – Sound
P. Bigioni, Telecommunications & Network Support Analyst
provided a brief overview of his lived experience with an
environmental sensitivity to sound and discussed how a loud
alarm system could be detrimental rather than helpful for
someone who was Neurodivergent. P. Bigioni noted that this
topic was unfamiliar to most and that conventional alarms that
meet Building Code Standards do not effectively alert people
who are Neurodivergent.
Discussion between Committee Members ensued regarding
considering sensory sensitivities in alarm systems from the
lens of accessibility, the possibility of visual and non-visual
cues for alarm systems, and that the Committee would include
this topic in their upcoming conversations with the Accelerating
Accessibility Coalition.
5.4 Site Plans Review
I. Janton, Senior Planner, Site Planning provided a brief
overview of the Site Plan Approval S06/24, Ansar Medical
Services Inc. 2177 & 2185 Brock Road, that proposed 92
stacked townhouse units which included four accessible units.
Discussion between the Committee Members and Staff ensued
regarding:
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Page 3 of 6
Item/Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action
Ref # (summary of discussion) Items/Status
(include
deadline as
appropriate)
• whether the developers could exceed the minimum
standard for accessible visitor parking spaces;
• whether the developers could consider widening the
sidewalks and the possibility of incorporating one-way
roads to achieve increased accessibility; and,
• that four accessible units were commendable and
whether more, and perhaps all, street level units could
also be built as accessible.
I. Janton, Senior Planner, Site Planning provided a brief
overview of the Application for Site Plan Approval S 06/88
(R24), 1900 Dixie Road, a seasonal Garden Centre addition.
T. Higgins noted, for the Committee’s awareness and
ratification, that Site Plan Amendment S 05/98 (R24) –
Submission #1 had been circulated in December 2024, and
that he had submitted the following comments pertaining to
accessibility:
• Access in all-weather to the portables for people living
with mobility challenges
o consider provisions for ramps, interior isle widths, and
access to washrooms
• A gravel parking lot will not be easy to traverse for
people using small-wheeled wheelchairs and scooters.
5.5 Annual Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee Report Committee
to Council Members to
T. Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator, summarized that the
Multi-year Accessibility Plan would be expiring this year and
that, in addition, the 2024 Year End Report and 2025 Proposed
Work Plan is required to go to Council in the form of a Report,
and noted this an opportunity to outline the Committees
review the draft
Report and
provide
comment to T.
Higgins.
achievements as well as future priorities. T. Higgins provided
draft copies of the Report, via email, for the Committee
Members review.
The Year End
Report is to go
to the April 28, T. Higgins highlighted that Accessibility has been a highlighted 2025 Council focus for the City of Pickering and noted a video released by Meeting. the Chief Administrative Officer, summarizing the 2024
infrastructure and facilities initiatives of the City. T. Higgins to
flag actionable
emails sent to
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Page 4 of 6
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action
Items/Status
(include
deadline as
appropriate)
Committee Members recommended that alternative
terminology be considered in the Reports to be more inclusive
to reflect both visible and invisible ability challenges.
Committee
Members.
6. Correspondence
There were no items of correspondence.
7. Other Business
7.1 Accessibility and Bridges
This item was addressed earlier in the meeting, following
Item 5.1.
C. Rudberg-Chin, Committee Member, provided an overview of
complaints she received from community members regarding
snow-related accessibility and safety issues on the Metrolinx
pedestrian bridge that spans the 401, and connects to the GO
station.
Discussion between Committee Members ensued regarding the
City being proactive in addressing accessibility and safety issues
in extreme weather conditions and coordinating solutions with
interjurisdictional areas.
Moved by M. Shackleton
Seconded by C. Rudberg-Chin
That the Accessibility Advisory Committee recommends that
Council request staff to perform a study to determine high risk
areas for pedestrians for the purpose of prioritizing snow clearing,
and identifying areas that are not within the City of Pickering’s
jurisdiction, and to include multijurisdictional coordination and
solutions.
Carried
T. Higgins to
provide a
report to
Council
regarding an
assessment
study.
8. AAC Member Roundtable Updates
There were no Roundtable Updates.
9. Next Meeting – March 19, 2025
10. Adjournment
Moved by D. Currie
Seconded by C. Rudberg-Chin
That the meeting be adjourned.
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Page 5 of 6
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action
Items/Status
(include
deadline as
appropriate)
Carried
Meeting Adjourned: 9:15 p.m.
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Page 6 of 6
Building an Accessible Canada:
homes where people of all ages
and abilities can live and visit
- 7 -
2
Canada has a shortage of housing that is SITUATION accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Demand is growing.
But supply isn’t…
- 8 -
3
SITUATION
Due to the lack of affordable,
accessible housing in Canada,
many people with disabilities
are unable to access homes
of their own or to visit others’
homes that meet their needs
and to remain independent in
their own homes and
communities.
This is despite the fact that…..
• In 2010, Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which requires governments to
recognize the equal right of all persons with disabilities to live
independently and in the community, with choices equal to others.
• In 2019, the Government of Canada enshrined housing as a human
right in the National Housing Strategy Act.
• In 2019, the Accessible Canada Act came into force. Its purpose is
to make Canada barrier-free by January 1, 2040.
And….
• According to Statistics Canada’s most recent Canadian Survey on
Disability (2022), 27% of Canadians aged 15 and older identified
with having at least one disability – an increase of 4.7% from
2017. This trend is likely to continue as Canada’s population ages.
• In 2017, StatsCan reported that at least 13% of those with physical
disabilities were unable to obtain the accessibility features and
aids they needed in their homes.
- 9 -
4
WHAT’S THE
PROBLEM?
Nothing that a little
foresight can’t
solve…
The vast majority of new homes don’t work for
people with disabilities and aging Canadians,
including those that meet the requirements for
“barrier-free” in the building code. For example:
Entry, bedroom and bathroom doorways aren’t wide
enough to go through
Raised thresholds at entryways and balconies are barriers
and create tripping hazards
Bathtubs make showers inaccessible
No knee clearance makes sinks inaccessible
Counter tops can be too high
Taps and handles can be difficult to grasp
Heating/cooling controls rely on sight
Monochrome colour for floor and walls makes it hard to
navigate
- 10 -
5
Inadequate requirements for accessibility in building
codes
Numerous standards or certifications
Lack of awareness of & empathy for people’s lived
WHAT
WHAT’S STANDING
IN THE WAY?
experience
Lack of awareness of the gap between demand & supply
& the scope of opportunity for home builders
WHY Lack of understanding of how accessible housing aligns
with home builder interests
HOW Lack of awareness of how to build more accessibly in a
cost-effective way
- 11 -
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RESPONSE The Accelerating Accessibility Coalition
community of real
(AAC) launched
in November 2022 -a first-of-its-kind
estate development and accessibility leaders that is
working to create an accessible Canada.
Its 77 members are encouraging home builders to make
physical accessibility a greater priority as they build the
millions of new homes needed across Canada in the
next decade.
- 12 -
7
PURPOSE
VISION:
That people of all ages & abilities in Canada have access to
homes that are free of barriers, to support their ability to
participate fully in society
MISSION:
To support the building of a more accessible Canada by
significantly increasing the supply of new homes that are
accessible & welcoming to people of all ages and abilities
- 13 -
8
WHO IS INVOLVED
Co-Chairs
Luke Anderson (2022-2025)
Executive Director, StopGap Foundation
Heela Omarkhail (2022-2023)
VP, Social Impact, The Daniels Corporation
Heidi Green (2024-2026)
Director, Development, RioCan REIT
Membership & Secretariat
77 members to date from real estate, accessibility &
civic organizations across 6 provinces
ULI (Urban Land Institute) Toronto, a non-profit, serves
as the secretariat
- 14 -
41 REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS
Accelerating Accessibility Coalition
Jeffrey Kerr, RE/MAX, Jennevieve Virata, Riva Finkelstein, Nevin Dunn - 15 -
28 ACCESSIBILITY ORGANIZATIONS
Accelerating Accessibility Coalition
Yazmine Laroche - 16 -
8 CIVIC AND EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS
Accelerating Accessibility Coalition
- 17 -
HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR:
12
77
Coalition
members
26 tools in
Accessibility
Toolbox
3 Co-Chairs
15 news
stories
Seneca
Inclusive
Design class
marketing
campaign
5 committees
+ 30 members
The Daniels
Corporation
publishes its
Accessibility
Designed Program
Technical
Standards Guide
A Tale of Two
Homes video:
Bridging the Gap to
Deliver Accessible
Homes for Everyone
On ULI Toronto
YouTube channel
$188,000
raised from
government &
developers for
research, video &
education
- 18 -South Korean delegation, Summer 2023
13
HOW WE CAN SUPPORT
EACH OTHER
https://toronto.uli.org/programs/the-
accelerating-accessibility-coalition/
• Promote the Coalition with Pickering home builders
• Join the Coalition by submitting a statement of
support!
City of Pickering / Accessibility Advisory Committee
(PAAC)
• Contribute to and promote the Accessibility
Toolbox
• Participate in Coalition activities (webinars, visits to
accessible homes) and committees
Accelerating Accessibility Coalition
• Highlight measures the City and PAAC are taking to
encourage housing accessibility
• Invite Accessibility Advisory Committee members
to participate in future Coalition programs and
communications
- 19 -
Ministry for Seniors and 2025 Accessibility Compliance ReportAccessibility
Organization category Designated Public Sector
Number of employees range 50+
Filing organization legal name City of Pickering
Filing organization business number (BN9) 108078593
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.
B. Understand your accessibility requirements
Before you begin your report, you can learn about your accessibility requirements at ontario.ca/accessibility
Additional accessibility requirements apply if you are:
a library board
a producer of education material (e.g. textbooks)
an education institution (e.g. school board, college, university or school)
a municipality
If you are a municipality submitting this report, and submitting on behalf of local boards, please indicate which boards below.
Pickering Library Board
C. Accessibility compliance report certification
Section 15 of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 requires that accessibility reports include a statement
certifying that all the required information has been provided and is accurate, signed by a person with authority to bind the
organization(s).
Note: It is an offence under the Act to provide false or misleading information in an accessibility report filed under the AODA.
The certifier may designate a primary contact for the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility to contact the organization(s);
otherwise the certifier will be the main contact.
Certifier: Someone who can legally bind the organization(s).
Primary Contact: The person who will be the main contact for accessibility issues.
Acknowledgement
✔ I certify that all the information is accurate and I have the authority to bind the organization *
Certification date (yyyy-mm-dd) * 2025-03-03
Certifier information
Last name *
Carpino
First name *
Marisa
Position title *
Other
Position title other *
Chief Administrative Officer
Business phone number *
905-420-4660
Extension
4648
Check here if TTY
- 20 -Page 1 of 4
Email *
mcarpino@pickering.ca
Alternate phone number Extension Fax number
Primary contact for the organization(s)
✔ Check if the primary contact is same as the certifier
Last name *
Carpino
First name *
Marisa
Position title *
Other
Position title other *
Chief Administrative Officer
Business phone number * Extension Check here if TTY
905-420-4660 4648
Email *
mcarpino@pickering.ca
Alternate phone number Extension Fax number
D. Accessibility compliance report questions
Instructions
Please answer each of the following compliance questions. Use the Comments box if you wish to comment on any response.
If you need help with a specific question, click the help links which will open in a new browser window. Use the link on the left to
view the relevant AODA regulations and the link on the right to view relevant accessibility information resources.
General
1. Is your organization in compliance with all applicable requirements of the General Section? * Yes No
Read O. Reg. 191/11, Part I: General Learn more about your requirements for question 1
Use this self-assessment tool to identify which
requirements apply to your organization under the
General Requirements
Comments for Include any additional information or explanation to accompany your yes/no answer to the
question 1 question.
Information and communications
2. Is your organization in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Information and Yes No
Communications Standards? *
Read O. Reg. 191/11, Part II: Information and communications
standards
Learn more about your requirements for question 2
Use this self-assessment tool to identify which
requirements apply to your organization under the
Information and Communications Standards
Comments for Include any additional information or explanation to accompany your yes/no answer to the
question 2 question.
- 21 -Page 2 of 4
Employment
3. Is your organization in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Employment Yes No
Standards? *
Read O. Reg. 191/11, Part III: Employment Standards Learn more about your requirements for question 3
Use this self-assessment tool to identify which
requirements apply to your organization under the
Employment Standards
Comments for Include any additional information or explanation to accompany your yes/no answer to the
question 3 question.
Transportation
4. Is your organization in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Transportation Yes No
Standards? *
Read O. Reg. 191/11, Part IV: Transportation standards Learn more about your requirements for question 4
The Transportation Standards Reference Guide
provides information about accessibility requirements
from the Transportation Standards
Comments for Include any additional information or explanation to accompany your yes/no answer to the
question 4 question.
Design of public spaces
5. Is your organization in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Design of Public Yes No
Spaces Standards? *
Read O. Reg. 191/11 Part IV.1: Design of public spaces standards Learn more about your requirements for question 5
The DOPS Reference Guide provides an overview of
the scope, applicability and specific requirements of
DOPS
Comments for Include any additional information or explanation to accompany your yes/no answer to the
question 5 question.
- 22 -Page 3 of 4
Customer Service
6. Is your organization in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Customer Service Yes No
Standards? *
Read O. Reg. 191/11 Part IV.2: Customer Service standards Learn more about your requirements for question 6
Use this self-assessment tool to identify which
requirements apply to your organization under the
Customer Service Standards
Comments for Include any additional information or explanation to accompany your yes/no answer to the
question 6 question.
- 23 -Page 4 of 4
Mtg Date Agenda Topic Action Expected
Date Status
November
20, 2024
Item 5.2 Accessibility Advisory
Committee Member Training
D. Schick to be sent training
material and access to the
City's 5 Year Accessibility Plan.
June 19,
2024
Item 5.5 Design of Public
Spaces Standards
Development Committee
Recommendations
AAC Members encouraged to
participate in the Design of
Public Spaces Standards
Development Committee's
consultation at the following
link: Consultation: Improving
accessible built environment
standards | ontario.ca
June 19,
2024
Item 7. Other Business K.
Sullivan requested follow-up
information on the additional
accessible parking standards
that were planned for
implementation in the City's
Zoning By-law, including
accessible angled parking
standards, as raised at the
April 17, 2024, AAC Meeting
-T. Higgins to follow up
September
16, 2024 Item 3 Approval of Minutes
T. Higgins to provide an update
on additional accessible
parking standards.
September
16, 2024 Item 5.1 Site Plan Reviews
T. Higgins and I. Janton to
coordinate an invitation to the
Developers to attend a future
AAC meeting.
September
16, 2024
Item 5.2 Sub-Committee
Update
T. Higgins to reach out to
contacts at the Coalition, the
City of Vaughan, and Daniels
Corporation to coordinate
further discussions.
Ongoing
September
16, 2024
Item 5.3 Accessibility Advisory
Committee (AAC) Member
Training
1.T. Higgins to provide
information pertaining to
Accessibility training provided
to Council. 2. AAC Members to
complete Access Forward
training modules 3. T. Higgins
to provide Standard Operating
Procedures to Committee
Members
September
16, 2024
Item 5.4 Electronic Monitoring
Systems to Manage
Accessible Parking
T. Higgins to provide R.
MacKay with Electronic
Monitoring Systems
information.
- 24 -
Mtg Date Agenda Topic Action Expected
Date Status
September
16, 2024 Item 7 Other Business
T. Higgins to send the LEAD
summary report to Committee
Members.
Complete
October 16,
2024
Item 4.1 Seaton Recreation
Complex & Library Design
Update: Preview
Members of the Committee to
complete the online survey. N/A Information
October 16,
2024
Item 4.2 Asset Management
Plan/Levels of Service Project
Members of the Committee to
complete the online survey. N/A Information
October 16,
2024
Item 5.1 Sub-Committee
Update
1.T. Higgins to invite Members
of the Coalition to a future
committee meeting. 2.B.
Ferguson to provide links to the
noted accessibility guides to T.
Higgins.
1 1. Ongoing
2. Complete
October 16,
2024 Item 7. Other Business
T. Higgins to invite the Finance
Department to provide a future
presentation.
November
20, 2024
Item 5.4 Site Plans Review -
Brock Road Duffins Forest
Inc., 2055 Brock Road (S
07/23)
Committee Members to receive
electronic copies of the site
plan and provide any further
feedback to staff to document.
Comments Sent
November
20, 2024
Item 7.2 Site Plan Accessibility
Checklist
Committee Members to review
the draft checklist and discuss
at a future meeting.
Updated Soft
Copy to be sent
January 15,
2025
Item 5.2 Council Chambers
Renovation Project
T. Higgins would liaise with D.
Poida to schedule a walk-about
of Council Chambers by the
AAC.
Sched for Feb
19
January 15,
2025
5.4 Levels of Service/Asset
Management Project Update
J. Currie to distribute a PDF
version of the PowerPoint
presentation.
Complete
January 15,
2025 5.5 Sunflower Program
T. Higgins to connect A. Topple
with S. Moore to discuss the
involvement of Pickering and
Ajax businesses.
January 15,
2025 7.1 Snow Clearing
Committee Members to provide
T. Higgins with any additional
comment by email by the end
of January, to be provided to K.
Fox.
Jan 31
January 15,
2025 7.2 Action Item Tracking To discuss further at the
February 19 AAC Meeting Feb 19
- 25 -
Mtg Date Agenda Topic Action Expected
Date Status
January 15,
2025
7.3 Recreation Programs 7.4
Collection of Information to
Compile Citizen Needs
T. Higgins to invite K. Bradley,
Special Advisor, Community
Initiatives to speak at an AAC
Meeting.
See
Correspondence
KB/BF
- 26 -
CHANGES TO PART 3
IN THE 2024 OBC
- 27 -
BARRIER FREE PATH OF TRAVEL
All pedestrian entrances
must be barrier free
Previously a portion of entrances
required barrier free access
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2024 OBC
Code article
2012 OBC
Code article
3.8.1.2.-3.8.2.2.
3.8.1.2.-3.8.2.2.
A direct, barrier-free path must
connect a barrier-free entrance to
a public thoroughfare.
Previously just a loading zone and a
barrier free parking area
- 28 -
The floor above or below the entrance level
Exceptions
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BARRIER FREE PATH OF TRAVEL
2024 OBC
Code article
2012 OBC
Code article 3.8.2.1.(3)(l and m) N/A Barrier free path of
travel not required
Not required in parking levels
without accessible spaces
- 29 -
Barrier free path
of travel required
in buildings with a maximum of 2 storeys,
unless specific conditions apply, such as the
presence of elevators, large assembly areas,
or floor areas over 600 sq m.
SIGNS
2024 OBC Sign Type New Location/standard
Signs providing visual information
barrier-free washrooms, showers, elevators, parking spaces, assistive listening systems/adaptive technologies
Directions to barrier free washrooms
Washrooms on barrier free floor areas that are not barrier free
Visual and tactile information Signs installed at or near doors
Tactile information
Latch side, 1500mm above finished floor, sign within 300mm of door edge, CSA B651
Visual information signs required by 3.4.5., 3.4.6., barrier free signs
Clauses 4.5.2.-4.5.4. of CSA B651
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Code article
2012 OBC
Code article
3.8.3.1.
3.8.3.1.
- 30 -
ELEVATING DEVICES
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Previously only referenced CSA B355.
Now, CSA B355 is applicable plus the following provisions:
Have a minimum clear floor space of 1,500 mm by 1,000 mm.
Feature entry doors or gates with:
A clear width of at least 850 mm if on the short side.
A clear width of at least 1,000 mm if on the long side.
2024 OBC
Code article
2012 OBC
Code article
3.8.3.5. 3.8.3.5.
- 31 -
Code article
3.8.3.14. 3.8.3.7.
NEW BARRIER FREE LOCATIONS
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At public or employee shower facilities,
at least one universal dressing and
shower room must be available.
2024 OBC
Code article
2012 OBC
Code article
3.8.3.13. N/A
Service counters barrier free section required
2024 OBC 2012 OBC
Code article Code article
3.8.3.14.
3.8.3.7.
N/A
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2024 OBC
Code article
2012 OBC
Code article
3.8.3.16A. N/A
Water bottle filling stations
must be barrier free
Doors with self-closing devices must
have power door operators if they are
in a barrier-free path of travel.
2024 OBC 2012 OBC
Code article
N/A
2024 Building Code Technical Bulletins
Section 3.8. Accessibility
Barrier-Free Application (Clause 3.8.1.1.(1)(a))
A change was made to clarify the areas that are exempt from barrier -free design
requirements.
Entrances (Sentence 3.8.1.2.(1))
A change was made to require all pedestrian entrances into a barrier-free storey of a
building to be barrier-free and connect to a barrier-free exterior path of travel.
Areas Requiring Barrier-Free Path of Travel (Article 3.8.2.1.)
A change was made to clarity the floor areas that are required to have a barrier-free
path of travel.
Barrier-Free Path of Travel to Building Entrances, Exterior Passenger Loading
Zones and Access to Parking Areas (Article 3.8.2.2.)
A change was made to require a direct barrier-free path of travel between a barrier-free
building entrance to, a designated barrier-free parking area (where it is provided), to an
exterior passenger loading zone (where it is provided), and to a public thoroughfare.
Accessibility Signs (Article 3.8.3.1.)
A change was made to expend the locations where signs providing visual information
are required. This new change will require these signs to be installed to indicate the
location of barrier-free entrances, ramps, exterior passenger loading zone s, barrier-free
washrooms and showers, barrier-free elevators, barrier-free parking spaces and to
assistive listening systems or adaptive technologies.
A change was made to require signs to include the international symbol of access or the
international symbol of access for hearing loss and appropriate graphical or textural
information.
A change was made to require signs, where tactile information signs are required, to
have braille and tactile characters in accordance with the CSA B651 standard
“Accessible design for the built environment” be installed in specific locations.
Exterior Walks (Sentence 3.8.3.2.(1))
A change was made to require exterior walks that are part of a barrier-free path of travel
to have at least a 1600 mm wide surface of a different texture to that surrounding it.
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2024 Building Code Technical Bulletins
Doorways and Doors (Sentences 3.8.3.3.(1), (4.1) and (5))
A change was made to every doorway located in a barrier-free path of travel to have a
clear width of at least 850 mm. This change will be consistent throughout Part 3 of the
Code.
A change was made to clarify that every door that provides a barrier -free path of travel
through a barrier-free entrance, including a vestibule, shall be equipped with a power
door operator regardless of the building occupancy type.
A change was made that doors equipped with a self-closing device shall be equipped
with a power door operator in locations where the doors are located in a barrier-free
path of travel between the entrance of the building and the entrance doors to suites or
rooms served by a public corridor or a corridor used by the public.
Ramps (Article 3.8.3.4.)
A change was made to require ramps that are located in a barrier-free path of travel to
have a minimum width of at least 1000 mm between handrails.
A change was made to also require ramps that are located in a barrier-free path of
travel to also have a level area of at least 1700 mm by 1700 mm at the top and bottom
of the ramp.
Passenger Elevating Devices (Article 3.8.3.5.)
A change was made to require passenger elevating devices that are located in a
barrier-free path of travel, to have specific clear floor space and clear width entry doors
and gates measurements.
Assistive Listening Systems (Article 3.8.3.7.)
A change was made to require at least one service counter to be equipped with an
assistive listening system in each location where services are provided to the public at
service counters in buildings of assembly occupancy.
Showers and Bathtubs (Article 3.8.3.13.)
A change was made to require at each location where a showering facility is provided
for the customers or as part of a common-use area for employees, to have at least one
universal dressing and shower room.
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2024 Building Code Technical Bulletins
Service Counters (Article 3.8.3.14.)
A change was made to require, where service counters are provided, at least one
section of the service counter to be barrier-free and meet specific dimensions.
Water-Bottle Filling Stations (Article 3.8.3.16A.)
A change was made to require at least one water bottle filling station (where they are
provided) to be equipped with controls that activate automatically and should be located
along the barrier-free path of travel.
Section 3.13. Rapid Transit Stations
Some construction requirements have been restructured to provide more clarity.
Requirements for Stations (Article 3.13.2.1.)
Clarification is provided that interconnected floor spaces are permitted in rapid transit stations,
and that stairs, escalators and elevators may be located in these spaces.
Access to Adjacent Building (Article 3.13.3.6.)
Clarification is provided that vestibule pressurization (in compliance with Measure N of
Supplementary Standard SB-4) is required for connection between rapid transit stations and
other buildings.
Guards for Rapid Transit Stations (Article 3.13.3.8.)
New Article is introduced to clarify that guards are not required along the guideway (track) side
of train platform.
Width of Means of Egress (Article 3.13.4.5.)
New minimum clear width is introduced for fare collection equipment providing means of egress
from public areas in stations.
Section 3.13. Signs
Sign Standards (3.15.4.1.)
One of the three testing standards required for plastic materials used in the construction of sign
faces, withdrawn standard ASTM D568, “Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning
Flexible Plastics in a Vertical Position” has been replaced by ASTM D3801, “Standard Test
Method for Measuring Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical
Position”.
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