36 Architecture and Building

In Canada today, 50 percent of persons with disabilities regularly experience barriers that limit their ability to move around public buildings and spaces.^[1]  According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability, the most commonly mentioned built environment accessibility requirements are bathroom aids (such as raised toilet or grab bars) (31.7%), a walk-in bath or shower (16.9%), and an access ramp or ground-level entrance (12.4%).^[2] With the notable exception of New Brunswick’s 100 per cent barrier-free public apartment buildings, the percentage of barrier-free publicly owned housing is mostly in the single digits (most provinces also fail to collect this data across most housing types).^[3]  Alberta is sitting at just under 5% barrier-free status in the only housing category it maintains such statistics for – row housing.  The situation is substantially worse with respect to private and commercial spaces.  Persons with disabilities often feel like an afterthought in building design.  The Calgary Central Library, though a stunning building architecturally, is a local case study in accessibility-as-afterthought.^[4] In the workplace, 6 percent (over 175,000) of Canadians with disabilities require building modifications or adaptation features, such as accessible parking or elevators.^[5]

In architecture, the trend towards accessibility has grown significantly over the past few decades, with a focus on inclusive design. Partially mandated through building codes and/or incentivized through certification systems, this has led to the creation of buildings with ramps, elevators, and other features that make them accessible to people with disabilities.  However, building designers who include elements of accessibility checklists into their designs often use a ‘checklist’ approach, and still manage to miss the mark on creating inclusive spaces. When we see buildings with long winding ramps which limit the access of those who cannot walk longer distances,^[6] ramps without rails,^[7] or accessible cabinets or braille being out of reach of individuals in wheelchairs,^[8] these are all examples showing the importance of bringing people with lived experience into the design process rather than just inserting required components.  As Canada’s 2022 Disability Action Plan notes, action on “disability inclusive spaces must go beyond physical access, and include communication, awareness raising, and inclusive system design.”^[9]  Architectural accessibility means more than built access elements like ramps, accessible washrooms, and automated entrances. It also means, for example, providing calming spaces, clear wayfinding, and written information in large, high-contrast print.  Many civil society groups are active in advocating for accessible spaces, such as The StopGap Foundation, a Toronto initiative that promotes accessibility through brightly colored ramps.

It can be particularly challenging to implement accessibility retrofits in historic neighbourhoods or mainstreets, where heritage values can sometimes compete with or challenge accessibility requirements.  In Ontario, the implementation of the AODA, requiring businesses to be accessible, has posed particular challenges to the province’s many historic mainstreets. But as a guide produced by the Ontario BIA Association notes, accessibility should be top of mind for any business wanting to maintain market share with an aging population.  Moreover, most of the provisions are low (or zero) cost, and there are many creative solutions for structural adaptations, as well as business model adaptations like introducing online shopping and home delivery options.^[10]