Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification

Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC)

• The RHFAC Professional Handbook is a guide for RHFAC Professionals to navigate the RHFAC Rating Survey.
• The Handbook is not a design manual and provides detailed guidance on important components of the Rating Survey.

Disclaimer and Copyright

• The Rick Hansen Foundation does not assume liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or use of the RHFAC Program.
• The RHFAC Program is intended to provide functional recommendations, not to guarantee compliance with Building Laws.
• The user is responsible for ensuring compliance with Building Laws.

Permissions and Acknowledgements

• The Handbook includes material from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard, B651-18 - Accessible design for the built environment.
• The Rick Hansen Foundation acknowledges the support of the RHFAC Advisory Committee and individuals who contributed to the development of the Handbook.

Table of Contents

• The Handbook includes sections on Introduction, Certification Levels and Requirements, The Rating Survey, and Appendices.

Introduction

• The RHFAC Professional Handbook is an essential resource for RHFAC Professionals.
• The Handbook provides detailed guidance on important components of the Rating Survey.

Certification Levels and Requirements

• Certification levels will be discussed in this section.
• Mandatory certification requirements, including Mandatory Certification Requirement (MCR) and Mandatory Gold Certification Requirement (MGCR), will be covered.

The Rating Survey

• The Rating Survey will be discussed in this section.
• The section includes rating basics, rating criteria by category, and specific features such as vehicular access, exterior approach and entrance, interior circulation, and more.

Appendices

• The Handbook includes appendices on Fundamental Specifications, Guidelines on Writing the Scope of Rating, Guidelines on Writing a Rating Summary, Technical Language Glossary, and References.### Introduction to RHF Accessibility Certification
• The RHF Accessibility Certification program has two levels of certification: RHF Accessibility Certified Gold and RHF Accessibility Certified
• The certification level is determined by achieving a minimum rating score and meeting Mandatory Certification Requirements (MCR) and Mandatory Gold Certification Requirements (MGCR)

Mandatory Certification Requirements (MCR)

• Apply to all Sites
• Requirements:
  • An accessible public entrance
  • Access to all key functional spaces
• If a Site does not meet the MCR, it is not eligible for certification, regardless of the rating score

Mandatory Gold Certification Requirements (MGCR)

• Apply to Sites with a rating score of 80%+
• Requirements:
  • Designated accessible parking spaces
  • Access to public transit
  • Accessible paths of travel
  • Accessible primary entrance
  • Access to all floors by elevator or lift
  • At least one universal washroom
  • Emergency systems with visual and audible fire alarms
  • Wayfinding strategies
  • Safety warning features
  • Tactile markings for permanent room identification signs
  • Assistive listening and communication enhancement technologies
  • Accessibility provision for key functional facilities

Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

• Must have accessible or adaptable residential units for each type of unit available
• Must have access to all floors by elevator or lift usable by everyone for residents and visitors

The Rating Survey

• Provides detailed guidelines for applying the Rating Survey to a Site
• Helps RHFAC Professionals determine a rating score on a feature-by-feature basis
• Rating criteria are grouped into:
  • Minimum Points: basic level of accessibility
  • Maximum Points: high level of accessibility or meaningful access
  • Innovation Points: bonus points for innovative features that enhance meaningful access

Assigning Points to a Feature

• Example provided for assigning points to a feature in two different scenarios: Community Centre A and Community Centre B

• Rating is based on the number of designated accessible parking spaces and their proximity to the building entrance### Innovation and Meaningful Access

• Centre A received an innovation point for providing designated limited mobility spaces close to the building entrance, suitable for people with limited stamina, heart or respiratory problems, or those with mobility aids such as canes or crutches.

Rating Survey Categories

• The Rating Survey categories include Vehicular Access, Exterior Approach and Entrance, Interior Circulation, Interior Services and Environment, Sanitary Facilities, Wayfinding and Signage, Emergency Systems, and Additional Use of Space.

Rating Criteria by Category

Vehicular Access

• 1.1 Parking: Provides a maximum score of 45 points, with considerations for accessible parking spaces, location, and dimensions.
• 1.2 General Vehicular Access: Provides a maximum score of 20 points, with considerations for safe and convenient access points for people arriving by motor vehicle or transit.
• Innovation: Up to 7 points can be awarded for innovative features, such as clearly signed courtesy or limited mobility parking, short-term parking spaces, or shuttle services with wheelchair lifts.

1.1 Parking

• Minimum points: Provides total number of designated accessible parking spaces following current CSA B651 standards.
• Maximum points: Provides additional number of designated accessible parking spaces at specific entrances, guest parking with accessible spaces, and electric vehicle charging stations at accessible parking spaces.
• Ideas for Innovation: Clearly signed courtesy or limited mobility parking, short-term parking spaces, and shuttle services with wheelchair lifts.

1.1.1 Number of Designated Accessible Parking

• Minimum points: Provides total number of designated accessible parking spaces following current CSA B651 standards.
• Maximum points: Provides additional number of designated accessible parking spaces at specific entrances, guest parking with accessible spaces, and electric vehicle charging stations at accessible parking spaces.

1.1.2 Location of Designated Accessible Spaces

• Minimum/Maximum points: Ensures designated accessible spaces are located on a level surface, in close proximity to the building or trail entrance, and dispersed among accessible entrances.
• Ideas for Innovation: A shuttle service equipped with a wheelchair lift.

1.1.3 Dimensions of Designated Accessible Spaces

• Minimum/Maximum points: Provides overall dimensions for parking space and access aisle following current CSA B651 standards, with clearly marked access aisles and maintenance policies to ensure clear spaces.
• Ideas for Innovation: Designated accessible spaces that are clearly signed and exceed CSA B651 standards minimum width for parking space and access aisle.

1.1.4 Surface is Stable, Firm, and Slip Resistant

• Minimum/Maximum points: Ensures a stable and firm surface, suitable surface material, an even surface with minimal irregularities, and minimal gaps or joints to reduce tripping hazards.
• Note: Any gaps should run perpendicular to the direction of movement.

Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC)

• The RHFAC Professional Handbook is a guide for RHFAC Professionals to navigate the RHFAC Rating Survey.
• The Handbook is not a design manual and provides detailed guidance on important components of the Rating Survey.

Disclaimer and Copyright

• The Rick Hansen Foundation does not assume liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or use of the RHFAC Program.
• The RHFAC Program is intended to provide functional recommendations, not to guarantee compliance with Building Laws.
• The user is responsible for ensuring compliance with Building Laws.

Permissions and Acknowledgements

• The Handbook includes material from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard, B651-18 - Accessible design for the built environment.
• The Rick Hansen Foundation acknowledges the support of the RHFAC Advisory Committee and individuals who contributed to the development of the Handbook.

Table of Contents

• The Handbook includes sections on Introduction, Certification Levels and Requirements, The Rating Survey, and Appendices.

Introduction

• The RHFAC Professional Handbook is an essential resource for RHFAC Professionals.
• The Handbook provides detailed guidance on important components of the Rating Survey.

Certification Levels and Requirements

• Certification levels will be discussed in this section.
• Mandatory certification requirements, including Mandatory Certification Requirement (MCR) and Mandatory Gold Certification Requirement (MGCR), will be covered.

The Rating Survey

• The Rating Survey will be discussed in this section.
• The section includes rating basics, rating criteria by category, and specific features such as vehicular access, exterior approach and entrance, interior circulation, and more.

Appendices

• The Handbook includes appendices on Fundamental Specifications, Guidelines on Writing the Scope of Rating, Guidelines on Writing a Rating Summary, Technical Language Glossary, and References.### Introduction to RHF Accessibility Certification
• The RHF Accessibility Certification program has two levels of certification: RHF Accessibility Certified Gold and RHF Accessibility Certified
• The certification level is determined by achieving a minimum rating score and meeting Mandatory Certification Requirements (MCR) and Mandatory Gold Certification Requirements (MGCR)

Mandatory Certification Requirements (MCR)

• Apply to all Sites
• Requirements:
  • An accessible public entrance
  • Access to all key functional spaces
• If a Site does not meet the MCR, it is not eligible for certification, regardless of the rating score

Mandatory Gold Certification Requirements (MGCR)

• Apply to Sites with a rating score of 80%+
• Requirements:
  • Designated accessible parking spaces
  • Access to public transit
  • Accessible paths of travel
  • Accessible primary entrance
  • Access to all floors by elevator or lift
  • At least one universal washroom
  • Emergency systems with visual and audible fire alarms
  • Wayfinding strategies
  • Safety warning features
  • Tactile markings for permanent room identification signs
  • Assistive listening and communication enhancement technologies
  • Accessibility provision for key functional facilities

Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

• Must have accessible or adaptable residential units for each type of unit available
• Must have access to all floors by elevator or lift usable by everyone for residents and visitors

The Rating Survey

• Provides detailed guidelines for applying the Rating Survey to a Site
• Helps RHFAC Professionals determine a rating score on a feature-by-feature basis
• Rating criteria are grouped into:
  • Minimum Points: basic level of accessibility
  • Maximum Points: high level of accessibility or meaningful access
  • Innovation Points: bonus points for innovative features that enhance meaningful access

Assigning Points to a Feature

• Example provided for assigning points to a feature in two different scenarios: Community Centre A and Community Centre B

• Rating is based on the number of designated accessible parking spaces and their proximity to the building entrance### Innovation and Meaningful Access

• Centre A received an innovation point for providing designated limited mobility spaces close to the building entrance, suitable for people with limited stamina, heart or respiratory problems, or those with mobility aids such as canes or crutches.

Rating Survey Categories

• The Rating Survey categories include Vehicular Access, Exterior Approach and Entrance, Interior Circulation, Interior Services and Environment, Sanitary Facilities, Wayfinding and Signage, Emergency Systems, and Additional Use of Space.

Rating Criteria by Category

Vehicular Access

• 1.1 Parking: Provides a maximum score of 45 points, with considerations for accessible parking spaces, location, and dimensions.
• 1.2 General Vehicular Access: Provides a maximum score of 20 points, with considerations for safe and convenient access points for people arriving by motor vehicle or transit.
• Innovation: Up to 7 points can be awarded for innovative features, such as clearly signed courtesy or limited mobility parking, short-term parking spaces, or shuttle services with wheelchair lifts.

1.1 Parking

• Minimum points: Provides total number of designated accessible parking spaces following current CSA B651 standards.
• Maximum points: Provides additional number of designated accessible parking spaces at specific entrances, guest parking with accessible spaces, and electric vehicle charging stations at accessible parking spaces.
• Ideas for Innovation: Clearly signed courtesy or limited mobility parking, short-term parking spaces, and shuttle services with wheelchair lifts.

1.1.1 Number of Designated Accessible Parking

• Minimum points: Provides total number of designated accessible parking spaces following current CSA B651 standards.
• Maximum points: Provides additional number of designated accessible parking spaces at specific entrances, guest parking with accessible spaces, and electric vehicle charging stations at accessible parking spaces.

1.1.2 Location of Designated Accessible Spaces

• Minimum/Maximum points: Ensures designated accessible spaces are located on a level surface, in close proximity to the building or trail entrance, and dispersed among accessible entrances.
• Ideas for Innovation: A shuttle service equipped with a wheelchair lift.

1.1.3 Dimensions of Designated Accessible Spaces

• Minimum/Maximum points: Provides overall dimensions for parking space and access aisle following current CSA B651 standards, with clearly marked access aisles and maintenance policies to ensure clear spaces.
• Ideas for Innovation: Designated accessible spaces that are clearly signed and exceed CSA B651 standards minimum width for parking space and access aisle.

1.1.4 Surface is Stable, Firm, and Slip Resistant

• Minimum/Maximum points: Ensures a stable and firm surface, suitable surface material, an even surface with minimal irregularities, and minimal gaps or joints to reduce tripping hazards.
• Note: Any gaps should run perpendicular to the direction of movement.

Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC)

• The RHFAC Professional Handbook is a guide for RHFAC Professionals to navigate the RHFAC Rating Survey.
• The Handbook is not a design manual and provides detailed guidance on important components of the Rating Survey.

Disclaimer and Copyright

• The Rick Hansen Foundation does not assume liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or use of the RHFAC Program.
• The RHFAC Program is intended to provide functional recommendations, not to guarantee compliance with Building Laws.
• The user is responsible for ensuring compliance with Building Laws.

Permissions and Acknowledgements

• The Handbook includes material from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard, B651-18 - Accessible design for the built environment.
• The Rick Hansen Foundation acknowledges the support of the RHFAC Advisory Committee and individuals who contributed to the development of the Handbook.

Table of Contents

• The Handbook includes sections on Introduction, Certification Levels and Requirements, The Rating Survey, and Appendices.

Introduction

• The RHFAC Professional Handbook is an essential resource for RHFAC Professionals.
• The Handbook provides detailed guidance on important components of the Rating Survey.

Certification Levels and Requirements

• Certification levels will be discussed in this section.
• Mandatory certification requirements, including Mandatory Certification Requirement (MCR) and Mandatory Gold Certification Requirement (MGCR), will be covered.

The Rating Survey

• The Rating Survey will be discussed in this section.
• The section includes rating basics, rating criteria by category, and specific features such as vehicular access, exterior approach and entrance, interior circulation, and more.

Appendices

• The Handbook includes appendices on Fundamental Specifications, Guidelines on Writing the Scope of Rating, Guidelines on Writing a Rating Summary, Technical Language Glossary, and References.### Introduction to RHF Accessibility Certification
• The RHF Accessibility Certification program has two levels of certification: RHF Accessibility Certified Gold and RHF Accessibility Certified
• The certification level is determined by achieving a minimum rating score and meeting Mandatory Certification Requirements (MCR) and Mandatory Gold Certification Requirements (MGCR)

Mandatory Certification Requirements (MCR)

• Apply to all Sites
• Requirements:
  • An accessible public entrance
  • Access to all key functional spaces
• If a Site does not meet the MCR, it is not eligible for certification, regardless of the rating score

Mandatory Gold Certification Requirements (MGCR)

• Apply to Sites with a rating score of 80%+
• Requirements:
  • Designated accessible parking spaces
  • Access to public transit
  • Accessible paths of travel
  • Accessible primary entrance
  • Access to all floors by elevator or lift
  • At least one universal washroom
  • Emergency systems with visual and audible fire alarms
  • Wayfinding strategies
  • Safety warning features
  • Tactile markings for permanent room identification signs
  • Assistive listening and communication enhancement technologies
  • Accessibility provision for key functional facilities

Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

• Must have accessible or adaptable residential units for each type of unit available
• Must have access to all floors by elevator or lift usable by everyone for residents and visitors

The Rating Survey

• Provides detailed guidelines for applying the Rating Survey to a Site
• Helps RHFAC Professionals determine a rating score on a feature-by-feature basis
• Rating criteria are grouped into:
  • Minimum Points: basic level of accessibility
  • Maximum Points: high level of accessibility or meaningful access
  • Innovation Points: bonus points for innovative features that enhance meaningful access

Assigning Points to a Feature

• Example provided for assigning points to a feature in two different scenarios: Community Centre A and Community Centre B

• Rating is based on the number of designated accessible parking spaces and their proximity to the building entrance### Innovation and Meaningful Access

• Centre A received an innovation point for providing designated limited mobility spaces close to the building entrance, suitable for people with limited stamina, heart or respiratory problems, or those with mobility aids such as canes or crutches.

Rating Survey Categories

• The Rating Survey categories include Vehicular Access, Exterior Approach and Entrance, Interior Circulation, Interior Services and Environment, Sanitary Facilities, Wayfinding and Signage, Emergency Systems, and Additional Use of Space.

Rating Criteria by Category

Vehicular Access

• 1.1 Parking: Provides a maximum score of 45 points, with considerations for accessible parking spaces, location, and dimensions.
• 1.2 General Vehicular Access: Provides a maximum score of 20 points, with considerations for safe and convenient access points for people arriving by motor vehicle or transit.
• Innovation: Up to 7 points can be awarded for innovative features, such as clearly signed courtesy or limited mobility parking, short-term parking spaces, or shuttle services with wheelchair lifts.

1.1 Parking

• Minimum points: Provides total number of designated accessible parking spaces following current CSA B651 standards.
• Maximum points: Provides additional number of designated accessible parking spaces at specific entrances, guest parking with accessible spaces, and electric vehicle charging stations at accessible parking spaces.
• Ideas for Innovation: Clearly signed courtesy or limited mobility parking, short-term parking spaces, and shuttle services with wheelchair lifts.

1.1.1 Number of Designated Accessible Parking

• Minimum points: Provides total number of designated accessible parking spaces following current CSA B651 standards.
• Maximum points: Provides additional number of designated accessible parking spaces at specific entrances, guest parking with accessible spaces, and electric vehicle charging stations at accessible parking spaces.

1.1.2 Location of Designated Accessible Spaces

• Minimum/Maximum points: Ensures designated accessible spaces are located on a level surface, in close proximity to the building or trail entrance, and dispersed among accessible entrances.
• Ideas for Innovation: A shuttle service equipped with a wheelchair lift.

1.1.3 Dimensions of Designated Accessible Spaces

• Minimum/Maximum points: Provides overall dimensions for parking space and access aisle following current CSA B651 standards, with clearly marked access aisles and maintenance policies to ensure clear spaces.
• Ideas for Innovation: Designated accessible spaces that are clearly signed and exceed CSA B651 standards minimum width for parking space and access aisle.

1.1.4 Surface is Stable, Firm, and Slip Resistant

• Minimum/Maximum points: Ensures a stable and firm surface, suitable surface material, an even surface with minimal irregularities, and minimal gaps or joints to reduce tripping hazards.
• Note: Any gaps should run perpendicular to the direction of movement.

Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC)

• The RHFAC Professional Handbook is a guide for RHFAC Professionals to navigate the RHFAC Rating Survey.
• The Handbook is not a design manual and provides detailed guidance on important components of the Rating Survey.

Disclaimer and Copyright

• The Rick Hansen Foundation does not assume liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or use of the RHFAC Program.
• The RHFAC Program is intended to provide functional recommendations, not to guarantee compliance with Building Laws.
• The user is responsible for ensuring compliance with Building Laws.

Permissions and Acknowledgements

• The Handbook includes material from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard, B651-18 - Accessible design for the built environment.
• The Rick Hansen Foundation acknowledges the support of the RHFAC Advisory Committee and individuals who contributed to the development of the Handbook.

Table of Contents

• The Handbook includes sections on Introduction, Certification Levels and Requirements, The Rating Survey, and Appendices.

Introduction

• The RHFAC Professional Handbook is an essential resource for RHFAC Professionals.
• The Handbook provides detailed guidance on important components of the Rating Survey.

Certification Levels and Requirements

• Certification levels will be discussed in this section.
• Mandatory certification requirements, including Mandatory Certification Requirement (MCR) and Mandatory Gold Certification Requirement (MGCR), will be covered.

The Rating Survey

• The Rating Survey will be discussed in this section.
• The section includes rating basics, rating criteria by category, and specific features such as vehicular access, exterior approach and entrance, interior circulation, and more.

Appendices

• The Handbook includes appendices on Fundamental Specifications, Guidelines on Writing the Scope of Rating, Guidelines on Writing a Rating Summary, Technical Language Glossary, and References.### Introduction to RHF Accessibility Certification
• The RHF Accessibility Certification program has two levels of certification: RHF Accessibility Certified Gold and RHF Accessibility Certified
• The certification level is determined by achieving a minimum rating score and meeting Mandatory Certification Requirements (MCR) and Mandatory Gold Certification Requirements (MGCR)

Mandatory Certification Requirements (MCR)

• Apply to all Sites
• Requirements:
  • An accessible public entrance
  • Access to all key functional spaces
• If a Site does not meet the MCR, it is not eligible for certification, regardless of the rating score

Mandatory Gold Certification Requirements (MGCR)

• Apply to Sites with a rating score of 80%+
• Requirements:
  • Designated accessible parking spaces
  • Access to public transit
  • Accessible paths of travel
  • Accessible primary entrance
  • Access to all floors by elevator or lift
  • At least one universal washroom
  • Emergency systems with visual and audible fire alarms
  • Wayfinding strategies
  • Safety warning features
  • Tactile markings for permanent room identification signs
  • Assistive listening and communication enhancement technologies
  • Accessibility provision for key functional facilities

Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

• Must have accessible or adaptable residential units for each type of unit available
• Must have access to all floors by elevator or lift usable by everyone for residents and visitors

The Rating Survey

• Provides detailed guidelines for applying the Rating Survey to a Site
• Helps RHFAC Professionals determine a rating score on a feature-by-feature basis
• Rating criteria are grouped into:
  • Minimum Points: basic level of accessibility
  • Maximum Points: high level of accessibility or meaningful access
  • Innovation Points: bonus points for innovative features that enhance meaningful access

Assigning Points to a Feature

• Example provided for assigning points to a feature in two different scenarios: Community Centre A and Community Centre B

• Rating is based on the number of designated accessible parking spaces and their proximity to the building entrance### Innovation and Meaningful Access

• Centre A received an innovation point for providing designated limited mobility spaces close to the building entrance, suitable for people with limited stamina, heart or respiratory problems, or those with mobility aids such as canes or crutches.

Rating Survey Categories

• The Rating Survey categories include Vehicular Access, Exterior Approach and Entrance, Interior Circulation, Interior Services and Environment, Sanitary Facilities, Wayfinding and Signage, Emergency Systems, and Additional Use of Space.

Rating Criteria by Category

Vehicular Access

• 1.1 Parking: Provides a maximum score of 45 points, with considerations for accessible parking spaces, location, and dimensions.
• 1.2 General Vehicular Access: Provides a maximum score of 20 points, with considerations for safe and convenient access points for people arriving by motor vehicle or transit.
• Innovation: Up to 7 points can be awarded for innovative features, such as clearly signed courtesy or limited mobility parking, short-term parking spaces, or shuttle services with wheelchair lifts.

1.1 Parking

• Minimum points: Provides total number of designated accessible parking spaces following current CSA B651 standards.
• Maximum points: Provides additional number of designated accessible parking spaces at specific entrances, guest parking with accessible spaces, and electric vehicle charging stations at accessible parking spaces.
• Ideas for Innovation: Clearly signed courtesy or limited mobility parking, short-term parking spaces, and shuttle services with wheelchair lifts.

1.1.1 Number of Designated Accessible Parking

• Minimum points: Provides total number of designated accessible parking spaces following current CSA B651 standards.
• Maximum points: Provides additional number of designated accessible parking spaces at specific entrances, guest parking with accessible spaces, and electric vehicle charging stations at accessible parking spaces.

1.1.2 Location of Designated Accessible Spaces

• Minimum/Maximum points: Ensures designated accessible spaces are located on a level surface, in close proximity to the building or trail entrance, and dispersed among accessible entrances.
• Ideas for Innovation: A shuttle service equipped with a wheelchair lift.

1.1.3 Dimensions of Designated Accessible Spaces

• Minimum/Maximum points: Provides overall dimensions for parking space and access aisle following current CSA B651 standards, with clearly marked access aisles and maintenance policies to ensure clear spaces.
• Ideas for Innovation: Designated accessible spaces that are clearly signed and exceed CSA B651 standards minimum width for parking space and access aisle.

1.1.4 Surface is Stable, Firm, and Slip Resistant

• Minimum/Maximum points: Ensures a stable and firm surface, suitable surface material, an even surface with minimal irregularities, and minimal gaps or joints to reduce tripping hazards.
• Note: Any gaps should run perpendicular to the direction of movement.

Building Legislation in Canada

• Regulation of building and construction is a provincial or territorial responsibility in Canada.
• The federal Constitution Act gives provincial and territorial governments responsibility for regulating building and construction, except for buildings on federal lands, which are governed by the National Building Code of Canada.

Building Acts, Regulations, and Codes

• Building act legislation is passed into law, and then building code regulations and bylaws are developed to specify details and rules for application and enforcement.
• Provincial or municipal building codes provide detailed regulations that define how the building legislation is to be met and enforced.
• Building codes define technical requirements for construction, renovation, demolition, and change of use of existing buildings.

Purpose of Building Codes

• The general intent of building codes is to provide a uniform set of minimum technical standards to protect the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants.
• Building codes are not intended as building design manuals.

Accessibility in Building Codes

• Building codes do not require retrofitting of existing buildings to improve accessibility.
• The National Building Code of Canada, 2015, repeals and replaces Section 3.8 Accessibility with Schedule "C" Accessibility.

Accessibility Standards

• A standard is something used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations.
• The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has developed accessibility standards in Canada.
• Other organizations that develop accessibility standards include the Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation in the United States, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) globally.

CSA Group

• CSA Group is an independent not-for-profit organization that develops standards in Canada, the United States, and around the world.
• CSA Group standards are accredited by the Standards Council of Canada to meet the criteria of a National Standard of Canada.

Local Building Codes and Bylaws

• The City of Vancouver has a separate charter and sets its own building regulations and codes independently of the rest of the province through the Vancouver Building Bylaw (VBBL) 2014.
• The VBBL is based on the British Columbia Building Code 2012 and includes bylaw provisions regulating the design and construction of buildings.

Provincial Building Codes

• The Nova Scotia Building Code Act adopts and implements the National Building Code, with some modifications and additions, throughout the province.
• The Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations are regulations made under the Nova Scotia Building Code Act.

Building Codes and Regulations

• The Government of British Columbia's Building Access Handbook can be downloaded for free from their website.
• The 2014 Vancouver Building Bylaw (VBBL) is based on the 2012 British Columbia Building Code and the National Building Code.
• The VBBL applies throughout the city of Vancouver, except for federal sites and reserves.

Provincial Building Codes

• The BC Building Code 2018 (BCBC) is a regulation under the BC Building Act, based on the National Building Code with some variations specific to the province.
• The BCBC applies throughout British Columbia, except for the City of Vancouver and federal lands and reserves.
• The BCBC is updated every five years and is administered by the Building and Safety Standards Branch within the BC Office of Housing and Construction Standards.

Accessibility Requirements

• Accessibility Requirements are found in Section 3.8 of Division B of the BCBC.
• The Building Access Handbook 2014 provides design specifications for facilities, universal requirements, and opinions on accessible designs and dimensions.

Determining Applicable Building Code

• The first step in applying building code is to determine which code applies to a facility.
• Ownership of the land and geographical location drive the applicable code.
• Private ownership: local jurisdiction code applies (e.g. VBBL or BCBC in BC).
• Public ownership:
  • Federally owned: National Building Code (NBC) applies.
  • Provincially owned: Provincial code applies.
  • Municipally owned: Code for local jurisdiction applies.