Posted by Shane Holten on Fri, Jan 11, 2013 @ 05:08 PM
by Yosie Saint-Cyr
The Accessibility Standards for the Built-Environment under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) were originally to be enacted in one single regulation under the Act similar to the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service.
However, as we all know, this did not happen as intended.
On December 17, 2012, the Ontario government filed regulation O. Reg. 413/12 to introduce the new Built Environment Standard pertaining to the design of public spaces into the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (O. Reg. 191/11). This new standard covers a variety of public spaces such as exterior sidewalks and walkways, entrances to buildings, outdoor public eating areas and play spaces, accessible parking, waiting areas and service counters, effective January 1, 2013. The built environment standard for public spaces only applies to new construction and planned redevelopments. We previously wrote a Slaw post on the subject here.
In addition, on December 17, 2012, the government filed O. Reg. 419/12, which amends Regulation 581, the Accessible Parking for Persons with Disabilities made under the Highway Traffic Act. This new regulation adds the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards to the specifications for parking spaces designated on Crown land or under municipal bylaw for use of persons with disabilities. This regulation also came into force on January 1, 2013.
So what about buildings (new and old) and inside spaces?
For more information and the complete article, visit the following website or contact SPH: Public Consultation on Building Code Accessibility Requirements