Accessibility Needs exceed Legal Standards

The article discusses how building standards for accessibility in condos have proven inadequate to meet the varied needs of all residents. Ontario’s building code mandates that 15 percent of units be “barrier-free,” but this does not necessarily mean they are fully accessible. A more practical approach is to test units for accessibility rather than relying solely on current building standards. The Daniels Corp has begun incorporating insights from accessibility tests into future condo developments, which include wider doorways, electric door openers, and low thresholds for balconies. Common areas will also be modified to include electric door openers and lower concierge desks. These changes are expected to make condo communities more accessible while reducing future renovation costs.