The committee tasked with reviewing accessible built environment standards in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Building Code (OBC) have flagged key areas for improving multi-residential buildings as listed in their initial report of 127 recommendations for indoor and outdoor spaces.
Under the OBC, they urge an immediate need for more accessible housing in multi-unit residential buildings and specific regulatory changes for a fully barrier-free experience in these units. Another concern is the need for safe and accessible use of elevator services during emergencies such as power outages.
As currently stated in the OBC provisions, at least 15 per cent of suites must be designed with basic accessibility features such as a barrier-free path of travel from the building entrance into the suite and into the kitchen, bedroom, living room and bathroom.
The committee is calling for an immediate increase to 20 per cent in newly built or redeveloped multi-unit residential buildings. Another urgent requirement is providing a back-up generator for elevator usage during power outages.
As well, an elevator is typically required to provide barrier-free access to all floors. Suites with accessibility features must be distributed throughout the building and represent the type and size of suites available in the building.
The committee also wants the government to immediately amend 8.3.2.1 (5) to say: “In a Group C major occupancy apartment building, not less than 20% of all suites of residential occupancy shall be provided with a barrier-free path of travel from the suite entrance door into and throughout all areas located at the same level as the barrier-free path of travel and must include at least one bedroom and at least one bathroom conforming to Sentence (6), a kitchen or kitchen space, and a living room or space.”
To ensure the OBC follows CSA/ASC housing requirements, the committee suggests that within two year the government complete a thorough review of ASC/CSA B652, Accessible Dwellings and update multi-residential barrier-free requirements so they meet or exceed these standards. There is also much more emphasis on CSA/ASC requirements for accessible housing in all aspects of the OBC that regulate both short and long-term accommodations for persons with disabilities, for example, hotels, long-term care facilities, emergency shelters and rehabilitation facilities.
The committee was established to review the province’s regulations on the accessible built environment. The members hope to garner public feedback by August 29 on the recommendations, which include amendments to the Ontario Fire Code and mandatory retrofits to upgrade life safety systems. All input will be considered before final recommendations are made.
