How to Improve Accessibility in Commercial Facilities in Canada: A Practical Guide for Facility Owners

Commercial accessibility in Canada is governed by various federal, provincial, and municipal rules. On the national level, the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) sets requirements for employment, the built environment, and several other areas. Its goal is to make Canada barrier-free by January 1, 2040.

Other provinces have similar legislation. Ontario passed the AODA in 2005 to take full effect by January 1, 2025, a deadline already reached. Furthermore, all commercial construction must comply with applicable building codes — including the NBC and provincial equivalents — which include mandatory barrier-free design requirements.

AODA accessibility requirements mandate that organizations remove barriers to access across their physical spaces. For facility owners, this includes accessible entrances, accessible routes throughout the building, compliant ramp systems, proper handrails, and signage. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, but more importantly, inaccessible facilities exclude a large segment of the Canadian population, notably seniors and individuals with mobility, vision, or cognitive disabilities.

An accessible building entrance in Canadian facilities is a visual commitment to compliance that sets the tone for every visitor’s experience. For your building, ask yourself, “Can a wheelchair user approach, enter, and exit independently?” If not, this is your highest-priority fix. Ensure the entry is level or has a ramp, is clearly identified, and features an automatic or low-resistance door. 

Where steps exist, commercial ramp systems provide the solution. Permanent concrete ramps can be costly and disruptive to install. Modular accessibility ramps are prefabricated systems that install quickly and easily. They feature:

• Full compliance with AODA and NBC slope requirements—not to exceed 1 inch rise for every 12 inches of run (1:12).
• Anti-slip, self-draining surfaces to prevent the accumulation of snow, ice, and rain.
• Width of 48 inches (1219 mm), which exceeds many standards, such as NBC.
• Platforms that offer sufficient landing areas at the top, bottom, and any intermediate areas.
• Durable, corrosion-resistant materials of construction and “warm-to-the-touch” PVC handrail tube.
• Adaptability, as these modular designs can be reconfigured, removed, or relocated if the facility’s needs or layout change.

Handrails are a critical element of accessible design. Canadian building codes and AODA standards specify handrail heights between 34 and 38 inches (860 mm to 965 mm) above the ramp or stair surface. Handrails must also be “smooth” so they can be grasped continuously and include extensions beyond the top and bottom of any ramp or stair. Compliant handrails must be on both sides of an accessibility ramp. 

For new construction or retrofit, Kee Klamp access railing offers a compliant, flexible solution. Featuring a modular design, they can adapt to odd angles or unusual building geometries. Constructed of hot-dipped galvanized steel for strength, durability, and corrosion-resistance, they are easily assembled and modified on-site with standard tools. No welding or drilling is needed. In addition to being ideal for outdoor venues, they can be installed throughout the facility.

Self-assessments are an important first step, but they can easily miss issues that go beyond ramps and railings. A thorough accessibility audit requires trained expertise. Certified Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) professionals are trained to assess commercial buildings against a comprehensive set of criteria that go well beyond basic code compliance — evaluating the full experience for people with a range of disabilities.

Kee Safety now offers dedicated Accessibility Consulting for Canada. Led by Kevin Dong, a certified RHFAC Professional, a systematic on-site assessment identifies accessibility gaps across your facility—inside/out—and develops a prioritized, actionable improvement plan tailored to your building’s specific conditions. The goal is to provide the roadmap you need to avoid fines, reduce liability, and deliver a better experience for all users.