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 parking spaces and pick-up areas.
Accessible Parking Spaces and Pick-up Areas
While some accessible parking spaces and pick-up areas are outdoor, others are inside structures. Routes leading from accessible parking spaces or pick-up areas to building entrances should be part of the shortest possible route. Moreover, the standards’ requirements for accessible paths of travel within buildings apply to indoor parts of these routes. Likewise, requirements for accessible outdoor paths apply to outdoor parts of these routes. Similarly, routes to ticketing dispensers or payment machines for parking should also comply with these requirements.
Pick-up Areas
A pick-up area should be covered, and include:
- Seating where people can wait
- An access aisle beside the path of travel
However, the aisle should be separated from the path with a curb ramp or tactile attention indicators. Moreover, this access aisle should be level with the road, so that people can transfer to their assistive devices. The standards list measurements for the length and width of access aisles. In addition, the standards list measurements for height clearance:
- In pick-up areas
- At accessible parking spaces
- Along routes between pick-up areas or parking spaces and building entrances
Signage should indicate this height clearance.
Numbers of Accessible Spaces
Spaces in parking lots should comply with city or provincial requirements for numbers of spaces, such as requirements for accessible parking under the AODA. In regions that do not require specific numbers of spaces, the standards require specific numbers of accessible spaces, based on an area’s total number of spaces. For example, ten percent (10%) of on-street parking spaces on every block should be accessible. Moreover, at least one (1) of two (2) or more spaces should be accessible.
Access Aisles
Accessible parking spaces facing roads should have side access aisles. These aisles make room for people exiting their vehicles through side doors with:
- Platform lifts
- Ramps
Conversely, spaces beside roads should have access aisles behind the spaces, for people exiting through lifts or ramps at rear doors. In addition, these spaces should have embarking areas beside them. These areas can be part of a pedestrian right-of-way. While embarking areas should be clear, they can have accessible parking signs. The standards list measurements for the:
- Width of side access aisles
- Length of rear access aisles
- Length and width of embarking areas
- Width of accessible parking spaces
Ground Surfaces
The ground surfaces of accessible parking spaces and side aisles should be:
- Level
- Firm and stable
- Slip-resistant when they are wet or dry
In addition, side access aisles should have diagonal paint markings that:
- Have good colour contrast with the surface
- Do not fade
Signs
Signs at the entrances of parking areas, and along the routes to accessible parking spaces, should lead drivers to these spaces. Moreover, each accessible space should have:
- The international pictogram of access painted in the centre of the space
- A vertical sign that is:
- From the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada, or recognized by the local government
- Visible
- Not an obstacle
Vertical signs should also include the international pictogram of access. In addition, the standards list other measurements for vertical signs, such as:
- Width
- Height, including height of the sign’s centre
Similarly, the standards list the required length of painted pictograms on spaces, which must have good colour contrast with their backgrounds.
Designated Car Spaces for Users with Limited Mobility
Accessible parking spaces with side and rear aisles meet the needs of travellers with certain assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters. Alternatively, courtesy spaces for people with limited mobility meet the needs of travellers who have:
- Heart or lung conditions
- Other assistive devices, such as:
- Crutches
- Support canes
These spaces do not need aisles, but should be near building entrances. The standards list the required width of these spaces. In addition, signage should indicate that these spaces are available.
Ticket Dispensers and Payment Machines
Ticket dispensers and payment machines should comply with the federal standards for self-service interactive devices. Moreover, these machines should be near accessible parking spaces, on a route free from obstacles and safe from other parked cars.