The AODA has standards for the design of public spaces, but no standards for accessibility in other built environments. However, the Third Review of the AODA recommends improvements to all standards and laws governing buildings and public spaces. In addition, the review recommends that future AODA standards should align with existing standards in other parts of the country. For instance, Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) have developed federal standards for accessibility in the built environment. Future AODA standards may include some or all of these guidelines and requirements to make buildings more accessible. In this article, we explore guidelines in the federal built environment standards for accessible outdoor paths of travel.
Accessible Outdoor Paths of Travel
Outdoor paths include paths on public or private property, such as:
- Rights-of-way
- Parks
- Plazas
- Playgrounds
- Restaurants
- Theatres
- The grounds of complexes, such as:
- Malls
- Multi-unit housing
- Schools
- Clubs
Moreover, all the buildings in a complex should be connected with an accessible outdoor path.
Paths should be straight and logical, whenever possible, to help people navigate. In addition, paths should be drained to prevent ice and water from building up. Likewise, drainage from buildings, such as downspouts, should not drop ice or water on accessible paths. Furthermore, paths should be frequently maintained, including snow clearing around:
- Corners
- Curb ramps
- Transit stops
Moreover, the standards list measurements for the width of an outdoor path, including:
- In high-traffic areas
- Beside curb ramps
Similarly, the standards list ratios for:
- Running slopes
- Cross slopes
- Ramps and curb ramps
The technical requirements for ramps and stairs at building entrances also apply to ramps and stairs on outdoor paths. In addition, paths should have good lighting, without dark or shadowed areas. Lighting fixtures should be beside, but not on, accessible paths. The standards list technical requirements for lighting at certain areas, including:
- Ramps
- Stairs
- Rest areas
Ground Surfaces
Furthermore, requirements for accessible floors apply to the ground surfaces of outdoor paths. For example, the surfaces of these paths should be firm, made of material such as:
- Asphalt
- Concrete
- Pavers
- Lumber
On the other hand, uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones, create physical barriers.
Similarly, accessible paths should be free from overhead obstacles, including:
- Awnings
- Canopies
- Guy wires
- Hanging plants or tree branches
Other obstacles should have good colour contrast and be easy for people to find with their white canes. For example, these obstacles include:
- Gas meters
- Standpipes
Some outdoor paths may be beside roads or other routes for vehicles. However, these two spaces must be separated by:
- A curb with a curb ramp
- Tactile attention indicators
- A railing or other barrier
Likewise, railings or other barriers should also separate paths from vertical drops. The standards list requirements for the types of railings or barriers needed, depending on the height of the drop.
Similarly, accessible paths should be separated from paths where people use bikes or in-line skates. These two types of paths should be separated using:
- Curbs
- Changes in level
- Bollards
The standards recommend that the two paths should have different paving surfaces, and painted lane markings that contrast each other. In addition, signage should indicate the use of both paths.
Finally, paths through large, open areas, such as plazas, should have surfaces on either side that contrast in colour and texture. For example, grass bordering an accessible path on both sides helps people recognize and remain on the path.