HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-17-035 - Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment
REPORT TO: Planning & Strategic Initiatives Committee
DATE OF MEETING: May 1, 2017
SUBMITTED BY: Alain Pinard, Director of Planning
PREPARED BY: Dayna Edwards, Planner 519-741-2200 x7324
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All Wards
DATE OF REPORT: April 10, 2017
REPORT NO.: CSD-17-035
SUBJECT: Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment –
Interim Update to the Urban Design Manual
______________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the ‘Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment’, attached as
Appendix A to report CSD-17-035, be approved; and
THAT the ‘Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment’ be incorporated into
the City’s Urban Design Manual upon approval.
BACKGROUND:
In the spring of 2015, a report (CSD-15-018) was presented to Council which outlined the
work program for the Urban Design Manual update. Within that report it was identified
that updates to the existing ‘Barrier-Free Accessibility Standards’ should occur as an
interim update to the Comprehensive Review of the Urban Design Manual (commencing
in June 2017), to achieve consistency with new standards enacted under the Accessibility
for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).
REPORT
Accessible design is not just about designing for people with disabilities; it’s about
designing for people of all abilities. The City of Kitchener is committed to offering people
of all ages and abilities in our community the opportunity to pursue healthy, balanced
lifestyles. The updated ‘Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment’ provide
guidance to private developers engaging in the site development process, and City Staff
in the design of new public spaces.
Overview
TheAccessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 was enacted by the province to
make Ontario more accessible for people with disabilities by 2025. The Act was
developed to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in the life of the
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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community, and independently and with dignity, access services and opportunities
without barriers.
Under AODA the government has enacted regulations to establish standards in the
following five areas: customer service, transportation, employment, information and
communication and the built environment. The Design of Public Spaces Standard
(DOPSS) was the last and most recent standard to be enacted, and is designed to
remove barriers in public spaces and buildings.
The Standard for Design for Public Spaces includes regulations relating to the built
environment for the following areas:
· Accessible Parking
· Exterior Paths of Travel
· Recreational Trails and Water Access Routes
· Outdoor Public Use Eating Areas
· Outdoor Play Spaces
When the City of Kitchener’s ‘Barrier-Free Accessibility Standards’ were originally
developed over 15 years ago, the City was a leader by including accessibility standards
in the Urban Design Manual. However as a result of the introduction of new legislation
(the DOPSS under the AODA), updated standards are required. Staff have collaborated
and consulted with local partners (the Region of Waterloo, the City of Waterloo and the
Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)) to develop ‘Accessibility
Standards for the Built Environment’, which have been prepared to assist in implementing
the accessibility requirements of the Design of Public Spaces Standards (DOPSS).
City of Kitchener’s ‘Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment’
The City of Kitchener ‘Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment’ has been
developed to provide design guidance for accessibility in the built environment. Under the
City of Kitchener’s Site Plan Approval process, this document will be utilized to ensure
that plans have adequate provisions for accessibility, as authorized through the Planning
Act. Developers and organizations are obligated to follow these standards in order to
identify, remove and prevent barriers so that persons with disabilities can access and
participate in activities within the community. The Accessibility Standards will apply city-
wide, but only to new construction and planned redevelopment; and will contain
exceptions for cultural heritage, environmental protection and technical feasibility.
The ‘Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment’ was prepared in collaboration with
the City of Waterloo, as it was identified that both municipalities were undergoing an
update of the standards to comply with AODA. Universal design is critical to achieving a
true barrier-free environment; therefore developing consistent standards across both
municipalities was desired. Both the City of Kitchener and the City of Waterloo
coordinated the preparation and review of the standards with the Region of Waterloo, to
achieve further consistency with Regional projects.
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The document was prepared with the advice and support of the Grand River Accessibility
Advisory Committee (GRAAC). Staff originally consulted with GRAAC with respect to the
proposed standards in December of 2015, and again in March and April of 2017 with
respect to the review of the final document.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
Strategic Priority 1 – Open Government
Strategic Priority 2 – Strong and Resilient Economy
Strategic Priority 3 – Safe and Thriving Neighbourhoods
Strategy 3.3 - Manage growth, curb urban sprawl, and foster more mixed-use
development, ensuring new development is integrated with the diversity and character of
the surrounding community.
Business Plan #26 – Urban Design Manual Update. The ‘Accessibility Standards for the
Built Environment’ is an interim update to the Urban Design Manual.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The ‘Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment’ was prepared ‘in house’. No
additional capital or operating budget commitments are required.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
The ‘Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment’ engagement utilized the primary
themes of ‘INFORM’ ‘CONSULT’ and ‘COLLABORATE’ from the City’s Community
Engagement Strategy.
INFORM – This report has been posted to the City’s website with the agenda in advance
of the council / committee meeting.
CONSULT & COLLABORATE – The Accessibility Standards were prepared in
collaboration with the City of Waterloo and the Region of Waterloo accessibility groups;
and with the advice and support of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee.
The report has been provided to the Waterloo Region Home Builders’ Association, City of
Kitchener Liaison Committee.
CONCLUSION: The ‘Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment’ propose to
implement new regulations enacted under the AODA. Staff recommends that the
Accessibility Standards be approved and incorporated into the City’s Urban Design
Manual.
REVIEWED BY:Janine Oosterveld, Manager of Site Development & Customer Service
Brandon Sloan, Manager of Long Range & Policy Planning
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:Michael May, Deputy CAO (Community Services)
Appendix A – ‘Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment’
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ACCESSIBILITY
STANDARDS for the
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
City of Kitchener | 200 King Street West, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7
P. 519.741.2200 | TTY. 1.866.969.2624
The City of Kitchener is committed to providing accessible formats and communication supports for persons with
disabilities. If another format would work better
for you, contact our Planning Division at 519-741-2200
www.kitchener.ca
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TABLE OF CONTENTSINTRODUCTION
Introduction.............................................................................................2The City of Kitchener’s ‘Accessibility Standards for the Built
Environment’ has been prepared to assist in implementing
Accessible Parking Space Requirements....................................3the accessibility requirements of Part IV.1 Design of Public
Spaces Standards (DOPSS) of Ontario Regulation 191/11
Location of Accessible Parking Spaces Within(Integrated Accessibility Standards), under the Accessibility
Surface Parking Areas..........................................................................3 for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 (AODA). Developers
and organizations are obligated to follow these standards
Accessible Parking Spaces Within a Parkingin order to identify, remove and prevent barriers so that
Structure...................................................................................................3persons with disabilities can access and participate in
activities within the community.
Signage for all Accessible Parking Spaces..................................4
Under the City of Kitchener’s Site Plan Approval process,
Accessible Passenger Loading Zones...........................................4this document will be utilized to ensure that plans have
adequate provisions for accessibility, as authorized through
Exterior Paths of Travel........................................................................5the Planning Act. This document will also be used for City
projects such as multi-use trails and pathways, and roadway
Exterior Ramps.......................................................................................6design.
Depressed Curbs....................................................................................9 Please be advised that this document may not replicate
all details of the DOPSS. Onus is on the proponent to
Exterior Stairs..........................................................................................9 ensure they are aware of legislation applicable to their
proposed development or redevelopment.
Handrails................................................................................................13
The intention of the City of Kitchener is to maximize
Rest Areas..............................................................................................14accessibility on a site. Property owners and their designers
should consider the end users of the sites to accommodate
Entrances...............................................................................................15all people comfortably.
Entrance Operations.........................................................................15
Regulation References
For more information on Accessibility Standards in Ontario,
Recreational Multi-Use Pathways and Trails............................16
refer to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act,
2005. The regulations can be viewed by visiting:
Boardwalks............................................................................................17
www.ontario.ca/e-laws.
Water Access Routes.........................................................................17
For further information regarding the Design of Public
Spaces Standards (DOPSS), refer to Ontario Regulation
Outdoor Public Use Eating Areas.................................................18
191/11 by visiting:
www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_
Outdoor Play Areas............................................................................19
regs_110191_e.htm.
The Ontario Building Code was amended in January 2015 to
include enhancements for accessibility in buildings. Learn
more about the changes to the Ontario Building Code by
visiting: http://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332.
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1.0 ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACE 1.2 ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACES
REQUIREMENTSWITHIN A PARKING STRUCTURE
Accessible parking space requirements including parking a) Accessible parking spaces shall be located within close
space and access aisle dimensions can be found in Section proximity to an accessible building entrance or be in close
proximity to an elevator within a parking structure.
Zoning By-law 85-1.
b) Where a separate parking structure serve multiple
buildings, accessible parking spaces should be located near
1.1 LOCATION OF ACCESSIBLE PARKING
an accessible pedestrian entrance of the parking facility.
SPACES WITHIN SURFACE PARKING
AREAS c) Accessible parking spaces within a parking structure
should be located with direct access to an accessible
building entrance and a parking structure exit. This allows
General Requirements
people to access their parking space in extreme cases such
a) Accessible parking spaces shall be located in close
as when an elevator is out of service or there is a power
proximity to an accessible building entrance. A dedicated,
outage.
safe path of travel from the accessible parking space to the
entrance should be provided.
d) Provide a level surface treatment with slip resistant
markings.
b) Where there are multiple points of entry to a building(s),
accessible parking spaces shall be distributed throughout
the development.
c) The surface within designated parking spaces should be
Figure 1: Example of accessible parking spaces Figure 2: International Symbol of Access
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1.3 SIGNAGE FOR ACCESSIBLE PARKING
SPACES
accessible permit parking sign as per the Accessible Parking
for Persons with Disabilities Regulation 581, under the
, 1990.
General Requirements
a) A pavement sign with the ‘International Symbol of Access’
shall be provided (Figure 2).
Size
b) Signage shall be a minimum of 300 mm wide by
600 mm high and may be mounted on a vertifcal surface or
a pole and securely anchored in the ground (Figure 3).
Location
c) Signage should be located 1.5 to 2.0 m above grade;
600 mm to 2.0 m from a curb edge, or on a vertical surface
within 2.0 m of curb.
Signage can be obtained through Kitchener Utilities by
Figure 3: Example of an accessible parking space sign
contacting 519-741-2200, extension 4166.
Surface
1.4 ACCESSIBLE PASSENGER LOADING
slip, non-glare textured hard surface.
ZONES
e) Vehicle pull-up spaces should be provided outside
of the regular drive aisles and be appropriately sized to
be provided for taxis and other vehicles used to transport
accommodate the movements of larger passenger vans
people.
canopy with seating facilities is recommended.
General Requirements
a) Many buildings require accessible passenger pick-up and
provide comfortable waiting areas and allow safe and direct
access to the facilities.
Size
with a minimum vertical clearance of 3.6 m (Figure 4).
Slope
with the adjoining sidewalk.
Figure 4: Example of vertical clearance at passenger loading
zones
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f) Cross slopes shall be a maximum of 5% where the surface
2.0 EXTERIOR PATHS OF TRAVEL
is asphalt, concrete or another hard surface, or no more
than 10% in all other cases.
Exterior paths of travel consist of sidewalks and walkways as
well as associated elements including curbs, ramps, stairs,
g) Where there is a change in level along a path of travel,
handrails and landings. They serve a functional purpose for
a requirement for bevels, slopes, curb ramps and ramps is
pedestrian travel.
the change, the gentler the slope shall be.
Size
a) Sidewalks and walkways shall be a minimum width of
Surface
1.5 m.
h) Where an exterior path has openings in its surface, the
openings shall not have a diameter of more than 13 mm
b) When parking spaces are adjacent to one side of a
sidewalk, the minimum sidewalk width shall be 1.8 m.
Additional Requirements
c) Where parking is located on both sides of the sidewalk, a
i) Head room clearance should be a minimum of 2.1 m.
minimum sidewalk width of 2.1 m is required.
Where a 2.1 m headroom clearance cannot be achieved, a
d) Obstructions such as vending machines, bike racks,
the clear height has been reduced.
utilities, mail boxes, planters, planting beds, etc., shall not
encroach on to or obstruct the minimum 1.5 m path of
j) For entry points to a sidewalk or walkway, a minimum
travel.
clear opening of 850 mm should be provided, even where
an entrance includes a gate, bollard(s), etc.
Slope
e) Running slopes shall be a maximum of 5%.
Figure 6: Examples of exterior paths of travel
Figure 5: Surface openings diameter which includes vent
grates, tree gates, grated stairs/landings, etc.
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g) Ramp surfaces shall have no opening that will permit
2.1 EXTERIOR RAMPS
the passage of a sphere more than 13 mm in diameter.
A ramp is required in circumstances where there is a
h) Provide colour and texture contrast at the top and
gradient greater than 5% along a pedestrian route. Ramps
bottom of ramps.
provide a dedicated path for persons with limited mobility
and improve maneuverability because they are equipped
Additional Requirements
with handrails.
i) The ramp shall have a wall or guard on both sides and
where the guard is provided, it shall:
General Requirements
a) Locate ramps as close as possible to the most direct
• Be no less than 1.07 m measured vertically to the top of
path of travel. Where the location of the ramp is not
the guard from the ramp surface; and
readily evident from the main access route, provide a sign
incorporating the international symbol of accessibility and
• Be designed so that no element, attachment or opening
a directional arrow indicating the location (Figure 10).
located between 140 mm and 900 mm above the ramp will
facilitate climbing.
Size
b) Ramps shall be a minimum width of 1.2 m wide with
a minimum internal clear width of 900 mm between
handrails (Figure 7).
c) If a door is provided, the landing shall be extended at
least 600 mm beyond the latch of the door opening.
d) Provide a minimum vertical clearance of 2.3 m.
Figure 8: Example of ramp with handrails
j) The ramp shall have edge protection that is provided:
Slope
• With a curb at least 50 mm high on any side of the ramp
e) Maximum slopes shall be 6%.
where no solid enclosure or solid guard is provided; or
Surface
• With railings or other barriers that extend within 50 mm
poured in place concrete, asphalt, or wood. Do not include
aggregate or ridges which allow water or ice accumulation.
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k) The ramp shall be provided with landings that meet the
following requirements. Landings shall be provided:
• At the top and bottom of the ramp;
• Where there is an abrupt change in
direction of the ramp; and
• At horizontal intervals not greater than
9.0 m apart.
l) Provide a landing at the top and bottom of the ramp at
least 1.8 m wide by 1.8 m long with a cross slope not steeper
than 2%.
Figure 9: Example of ramp with handrails
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2.2 DEPRESSED CURB
A depressed curb is a portion of curb along a pedestrian
route that is lowered to the level of the adjacent roadway
and is usually found at intersections. A depressed curb
improves the usability of sidewalks and walkways for all
pedestrians.
General Requirements
a) Depressed curbs shall have a maximum running slope
of 5% (Figure 13).
b) Depressed curbs shall be aligned with the direction of
travel.
c) Where a depressed curb is provided at a pedestrian
crossing, it shall have tactile walking surface indicators that:
Figure 12: Example of a tactile walking surface
• Are set back between 150 mm and 200 mm from the
• Have high tonal contrast with the adjacent surface;
curb edge; and
• Are located at the bottom portion of the depressed curb
• Are a minimum of 610 mm in depth.
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k) Provide colour and texture contrast at the top and
2.3 EXTERIOR STAIRS
lightness contrasted strip, a maximum of 50 millimetres
Exterior stairs or stairs that connect to exterior paths
deep on the leading edge on the tread and vertical face of
the nosing.
changes. Stairs along pedestrian routes should be designed
to accommodate persons with limited mobility/vision and
Surface Indicators
provide a safe path for pedestrian circulation.
l) Provide contrasting colours on the nosing of steps to
assist persons with visual impairments.
Location
a) Locate stairs near the most direct accessible path of
m) Nosing should not project. If a shadow line is proposed
travel.
for decorative purposes, it should not have a height
exceeding 12 mm (Figure 14).
b) Locate stairs perpendicular to the pedestrian direction
of travel.
n) Provide a nosing radius or curvature between 6 and 13
mm.
c) Locate stairs in safe and well-lit locations.
o) A guard shall be provided that is a minimum of 920
Size
mm, measured vertically to the top of the guard from a line
d) Provide a minimum clear width of 1.8 m.
drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings and
1.07 m around the landings. It is required on each side of a
e) Treads and risers shall have a uniform rise and run
level and the top of the stair is more than 600 mm. Where
mm and maximum of 180 mm. Run shall be a minimum of
there is a wall, a guard is not required on that side.
280 mm and a maximum of 355 mm (Figure 16).
p) Stairs shall have closed risers.
f) Flight of steps should not exceed 1.5 m in height without
a landing.
g) Provide a vertical clearance of 2.3 m.
Slope
h) A cross-slope of 1% is recommended to ensure that
steps are well drained and do not allow icing.
Surface
i) Provide a level non-slip, non-glare and textured hard
surface. Do not include exposed aggregate or ridges which
allow water or ice accumulation.
j) Provide poured in place concrete, wood or concrete
pavers. Poured in place concrete steps should have a broom
Figure 14: Example of unacceptable exterior stair
features
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q) Stairs shall be equipped with tactile walking surface
indicators that are built in or applied to the walking surface,
and shall:
• Have a high tonal contrast with the adjacent surface;
• Extend the full tread width to a minimum depth of
610 mm commencing one tread depth from the edge of
the stair (Figure 17).
Figure 15: Accessible exterior stairs
Figure 16: Example of exterior stair design
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2.4 HANDRAILS
f) Provide a minimum clearance between every handrail
and wall to which it is fastened a minimum of 50 mm (Figure
Handrails on ramps and stairs provide assistance and
18).
stability and function as a safety mechanism. They shall
g) Extend horizontally a minimum 300 mm beyond the top
withstand the weight of a wide range of users.
and bottom of the ramp or stairway and curve to the wall or
post.
Location
a) Handrails should be provided on both sides of ramps and
h) A minimum clearance of 900 mm is required between
stairs.
handrails.
b) Gradients of less than 5% do not require handrails.
i) Avoid square edges. Terminate handrails in a manner
Handrails are required at elevation changes of 600 mm or
which will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard.
greater.
It is recommended that a continuous handrail terminate by
returning the ends into the wall. Where there is no wall, the
c) Where a ramp or stairway is more than 2.2 m in width,
one or more intermediate handrails which are continuous
surface for cane detectability.
between landings shall be provided and located so that
there is no more than 1.65 m between handrails (Figure 17).
j) Frequently used ramps or stairs shall have a second lower
set of handrails with a recommended height between 600
Size
and 700 mm.
d) Handrails shall be provided at a height between 865
mm and 965 mm as measured vertically from a line drawn
k) In instances where ramps or stairs are used extensively
through the surface of the ramp or stairway.
by children, a double set of handrails is encouraged.
e) Handrails shall be continuously graspable along their
l) Handrails and their supports shall withstand the loading
entire length and have circular cross-section with an outside
values obtained from the non-concurrent application of
diameter between 30 and 40 mm. Alternatively, provide
a concentrated load a minimum of 0.9 kilonewtons (kN)
any non-circular shape with a graspable portion that has a
applied at any point and in any direction for all handrails and
perimeter between 100 and 155 mm with the largest cross-
a uniform load a minimum of 0.7 kN per metre applied in
sectional dimension a maximum of 57 mm (Figure 19).
any direction to the handrail.
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2.5 REST AREAS
Rest areas may consist of benches and/or level ground
which persons may use to rest or wait. They may be found
along exterior paths of travel or adjacent bus stops and drop
General Requirements
a) Rest areas shall be made of an acceptable accessible
surface material that is a minimum of 3.52 m length by 1.2
m width (Figure 20). This dimension accommodates 1.82 m
long bench and a 1.35 to 1.7 m long rest area beside the
bench to be used for mobility devices including wheelchairs,
walkers, and strollers and for service animals.
b) Locate rest area directly abutting the exterior path of
travel. The path of travel shall remain unobstructed.
Figure 20: Example of a rest area
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e) Where push buttons are used on double (side by side)
3.0 ENTRANCES
doors, swinging or sliding, the push buttons should be on
the side of travel.
Entrances should be safe, accessible and easy to use and
shall allow for unrestricted access in and out of the building.
f) Push bars should be easily locatable by vision or touch
and be a minimum of 600 mm to 1.5 m in front of the door.
Location
a) Locate accessible entrances in prominent locations
g) Any exterior door not equipped with an automatic
operator shall require a maximum force of 38 newtons (N)
to open. Door closers shall take a minimum of 3 seconds to
close from a 70 degree position.
preferably the main entrance, should be provided.
h) Where a revolving door is used, an adjacent accessible
c) Locate accessible main entrances near designated
swinging door shall be provided.
parking spaces and passenger loading zones.
connect directly with accessible exteriors, as well as interior
circulation routes.
3.1 ENTRANCE OPERATIONS
Entrance operators are recommended along accessible
operating manual doors. At main entrances and at other
accessible entrances, automatic door openers or assisted
door openers on both the exterior entrance and the related
vestibule doors should be provided.
General Requirements
a) Motion sensors are the preferred automatic door
Figure 21 (above): Example of motion sensor detector zones
activators. They should be timed to keep the door(s) fully
and Figure 22 (below): Example of required guards at an
open until the area is cleared.
outswing
b) Motion sensors should be adjusted t
zones should be used for direct approaches or swing doors
(Figure 21).
c) When motion sensors cannot be accommodated, push
buttons should be placed 900 mm to 1.1 m above grade
on a wall, post or handrail in a manner that does not create
d) Push buttons should be square or round plates, at
least 150 mm in diameter, or 50 mm by 100 mm when
rectangular, with maximum colour contrast from the
surrounding area for good visibility.
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• The average and maximum running slope and
4.0 RECREATIONAL MULTI-USE
cross slope; and
PATHWAYS AND TRAILS
• The location of amenities, where provided.
Recreational multi-use pathways and trails are primarily
intended for recreational and leisure purposes. They
i) Information such as distance to various destinations is
provide an inclusive experience that allows people of all
encouraged.
abilities to enjoy more natural spaces within the City of
Kitchener.
i) Trail head signage must have text that has high tonal
contrast with its background and sans serif font.
Size
a) Pathways and trails shall be a minimum width of 3.0 m
to accommodate a wide range of users, and may be wider
depending on the frequency and use of maintenance
access requirements.
b) Maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 2.1 m above
all sections of pathways and trails. Obstacles must not be
located lower than this height.
c) Where low vegetation abuts a pathway or trail edge,
maintain a minimum horizontal clearance of 1.0 m on
either side of the trail.
d) The entrance to a pathway or trail must provide a clear
opening of between 850 mm and 1 m.
Surface
Figures 23 & 24 (above and below): Accessibile trails
stable, non-slip and non-glare.
f) Where a trail has openings in its surface, the openings
shall not allow passage of an object which has a diameter
of more than 20 mm. Any elongated openings must be
oriented approximately perpendicular to the path of travel.
g) Surfaces of pathways and trails shall be designed
to accommodate maintenance and small emergency
vehicles.
Signage
h) All recreational pathways and trails must have, at each
trailhead, signage that provides the following information:
• The length of the trail;
• The type of surface of which the trail is constructed;
• The average and the minimum trail width;
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4.1 BOARDWALKS4.2 WATER ACCESS ROUTES
Boardwalks are generally described as planked structures
that are built close to the ground or over wet soil or water. street parking facilities, exterior paths of travel, pathways,
trails and amenities to an area of water, such as a beach or
people that use mobility aids or have poor balance. river edge. The requirements outlined apply to water access
routes that can be either permanent or temporary, but do
not include informal pathways or the river edge itself.
Size
a) Boardwalks shall be a minimum width of 2.4 m.
Size
b) Provide and maintain a minimum vertical clearance of a) A water access route must have a minimum clear width
2.1 m above the boardwalk.of 1.5 m.
b) Provide and maintain a minimum height clearance of
Slope
2.1 m.
c) Slopes greater than 5% and less than 10% shall be
designed as a ramp, as per requirements set out in DOPPS
c) Water access routes shall have a minimum clear opening
Section 80.13 of Ontario Regulation 191/11.
entrance of 1.5 m, whether the entrance includes a gate,
bollard or other entrance design.
Surface
Slope
treatment.
The following requirements apply to constructed, not
natural, access routes:
e) Where a trail has openings in its surface, the openings
shall not allow passage of an object which has a diameter
d) The maximum running slope of a water access route
of more than 20 mm. Any elongated openings must be
shall be 10%.
oriented approximately perpendicular to the path of travel.
e) The maximum cross slope shall be a minimum slope
Additional Requirements
required for drainage but no more than 2%.
f) Boardwalks shall have edge protection that is at least
50 mm in height.
f) The surface area must have a 1:2 bevel at changes in
level between 6 mm to 13 mm.
g) The surface area must have a maximum running slope
of 10% at changes in level between 14 mm and 300 mm.
h) The surface area must have a ramp that meets the
requirements of DOPSS Section 80.13 of Ontario Regulation
191/11, where there are changed in level greater than
200mm.
Surface
j) Where a water access route has openings in its surface,
the openings shall not allow passage of an object which
has a diameter of more than 20mm. Any elongated open-
ings must be oriented approximately perpendicular to the
Figure 25: Accessible boardwalk
path of travel.
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4.3 OUTDOOR PUBLIC USE EATING
AREAS
Outdoor public use eating areas consist of tables in public
areas intended for public use as a place to consume food.
These areas are generally found in public parks, on hospital
grounds and on university campuses. Owners of privately-
owned sites may wish to incorporate these standards to
better serve their customers and end-users. Other spaces
where outdoor eating areas may be found include seniors’
facilities, privately-owned public spaces developed as part
of an apartment or condominium, and outdoor patios at
restaurants.
General Requirements
Figures 26: Accessibile eating area
a) Provide accessible tables (Figure 26) at a minimum of
20% of the total tables provided, but never less than one.
b) Provide knee and toe clearance underneath the table.
c) The bottom edge of the table-top shall be no lower than
680 mm above ground level.
d) Locate accessible tables within 30 m of accessible
washroom facilities, concessions and viewpoints.
Surfaces
f) Ground surfaces leading to and under tables shall be
g) Provide clear ground space around accessible tables to
allow unimpeded access.
h) Providing at least 1.5 m of unobstructed ground space
around tables, or at least 2.0 m when tables are placed side-
by-side is encouraged.
i) Accessible hard surface paths should be provided from
parking spaces to outdoor eating areas and to other
facilities.
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Additional Requirements
4.4 OUTDOOR PLAY AREAS
l) Provide an accessible path of travel between outdoor
play areas and other facilities such as accessible washrooms,
Outdoor play areas provide play opportunities and
concessions, water fountains or viewing points.
experiences for children and caregivers. These areas include
play equipment, such as swings, jungle gyms, splash pads
m) Ground surfaces, such as pathways and trails, leading to
and/features such as logs, rocks, sand or water.
drained.
General Requirements
a) Provide at least one accessible seating area within the
n) Adequate rest areas and shade opportunities along the
vicinity.
route is encouraged.
b) Outdoor play areas shall incorporate accessibility
o) Play equipment design, manufacture/construction,
features, such as sensory and active play components, for
installation, maintenance, and inspection practices shall
children and caregivers with various disabilities.
be consistent with the current version of the Canadian
Standards Associate CAN/CSA Z614-14 for Children’s Play
c) Elements which stimulate all senses such as water
Spaces.
features, sand play areas, scented plantings and wind
chimes are encouraged.
d) Active play components, which are activities that include
moderate to vigorous bursts of high energy that raise the
heartrate, such as climbing or hop-scotch;
e) Integration of accessible play components into play
areas to promote inclusivity is encouraged; and
f) Where required, include ramps or transfer systems to
elevated play components.
Size
ability to move through, in, and around outdoor play areas.
h) Appropriate height, knee clearances, and reach ranges
equipment
shall be provided for associates amenities including tables
and water fountains.
Surface
stable, and have cushioning abilities for injury prevention.
j) Surfaces that reduce the force of impact of children
falling shall be located within the play areas as per the
current Canadian Standard Association requirements for
children’s play areas.
k) Materials may include, but are not limited to, synthetic
poured-in-place play surfacing, synthetic tile, engineered
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