Barrier-free design

What is barrier-free design?

Barrier-free design consists of modifying buildings or facilities so that they can be used by people who are disabled or have physical impairments. Other terms used for barrier-free design include; "accessibility" and "handicapped accessible" . The Ontario Building Code regulates the requirements for Barrier-Free design.

In 2005, the government committed to the development of five accessibility standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. These amendments to the Building Code work together with the Design of Public Spaces standard, introduced in 2012, to finalize the government’s commitment to an accessibility standard for the built environment.

Requirements apply to most new construction and extensive renovations. Existing buildings, where no work is planned, are not affected by these new requirements. Houses, including semi-detached houses, townhouses, and duplexes, are not affected by most accessibility requirements, with the exception of smoke alarm requirements.

Ontario’s Building Code establishes the minimum standards for the construction of the buildings in which all Ontarians live, work and play. By providing clear and consistent standards, Ontario’s Building Code helps keep Ontarians safe, facilitates the work of builders and developers, and supports key government priorities. One of those key priorities is an accessible Ontario.

Barrier-free design requirements have been part of Ontario’s Building Code since 1975. As part of achieving Ontario’s goal of an accessible Ontario by 2025, Ontario is working to create a Building Code that demonstrates leadership in barrier-free design and is responsive to the needs and concerns of all its stakeholders.