The new amended Ontario building code includes several provisions that improve accessibility for those with disabilities.
The changes include power door operators at entrances to more buildings and at barrier-free washrooms and common rooms in multi-unit residential buildings. The code also requires more accessible and adaptable seating spaces in public buildings such as theatres, lecture halls, and churches. New public pools and spas also must be barrier-free.
The amendments were spurred from the 2005 Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act that set a target date of 2025 for “an accessible province.” The leader of an advocacy group warned that the pace of change is so slow the government is unlikely to meet its 2025 target, though.
The revamped Ontario building code also helps communities prepare for an aging population, a provincial government spokesman said.
(http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/politics/archives/2015/01/20150101-132413.html)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 15, 2020
Embodied carbon footprint can be reduced by using conventional materials
High-SCM concrete, and cellulose and wood fiber insulation among the greener alternatives.
Coronavirus | Apr 13, 2020
COVID-19 alert: City conducts a 'virtual building inspection' to allow Starbucks and bank to open
Bothell, Wash., issues a certificate of occupancy to developer after inspecting the property online.Â
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2020
Design competition focuses on reducing urban heat island effect
Cool Abu Dhabi aims to transform urban life in the Middle East.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2020
What building science says about reducing COVID-19 transmission
Impact of temperature and relative humidity is unclear.
Codes and Standards | Apr 9, 2020
Owners retrofitting properties, monitoring performance during epidemic
Covid-19 outbreak may lead employers to reevaluate office commitments.
Codes and Standards | Apr 7, 2020
Dept. of Labor publishes guidance on paid sick leave, expanded family and medical leave
Includes fact sheets for employees, employers, and a questions and answers document.
Codes and Standards | Apr 1, 2020
Standards and codes meetings halted, postponed
ASTM International cancels in-person standards meetings; DOE’s National Energy Codes Conference postponed.
Codes and Standards | Mar 26, 2020
Ransomware attack on Canadian contractor underscores need for cybersecurity
Victimized company Bird Construction has defense, law enforcement contracts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2020
Contractors should scrutinize contracts carefully amid Covid-19 crisis
Compliance with time-sensitive notice requirements and careful documentation required.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2020
Florida legislature passes bill to reduce retainage on state and local projects
House and Senate vote is nearly unanimous; law would go into effect Oct. 1.
