Having accessible restrooms is essential for every commercial space, not just to ensure you’re following the rules, but to create an inclusive environment for all visitors and employees. In Canada, the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) outlines the standards that all businesses must meet to provide accessible restrooms, and this is a crucial factor to consider in your restroom renovation plans.
Our team is here to assist you throughout the renovation process, and we wanted to provide a quick guide for making your restrooms accessible according to ACA regulations.
- Layout & Stalls – One of the most important elements of an accessible restroom is the layout, which should be spacious enough for a person using a wheelchair or other mobility aid to comfortably enter and exit. The minimum width for an accessible stall is 1.5 meters, and it must have clear space for turning.
- Grab Bars & Support Features – Under the ACA, restrooms must feature grab bars that are securely installed beside and behind the toilet. These bars should be slip-resistant, durable, and able to fully support the weight of users. Consider including accessible flush controls and strategically placed coat hooks in your restroom renovation plans.
- Accessible Sinks & Fixtures – Sinks in accessible restrooms must be low enough for wheelchair users to comfortably reach but still provide adequate space underneath for leg clearance. Features like touchless faucets, soap dispensers, and dryers should also be included and mounted at an accessible height.
- Proper Signage & Additional Features – Accessible restrooms should have clear signage with easy-to-read symbols and Braille for those with visual impairments. It’s also highly recommended that your accessible restroom renovations include traffic paths that are clearly marked, and that tactile signage is used throughout the facility.
By incorporating these ACA-compliant elements in your restroom renovation plans, you can meet all legal requirements while creating a safe, comfortable environment for everyone who visits your facility.