AODA - Design of Public Spaces Policy

Revision #:Rev3.1Document ID:210
Published:2024-08-06Status:Published

Responsible Groups

Dept: Campus Operations
Dept: Human Resources

Responsible Individuals

Director, Campus Operations
Director, Human Resources
Manager, Campus Facilities

Description

Tyndale University is committed to establishing and implementing policies and practices that meet the requirements of the design of public spaces standard and all reasonable efforts be made to ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided equal opportunity to move through and use the public spaces on our campus.

Purpose

This policy ensures Tyndale University meets the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Ontario Regulation 191/11 for the Design of Public Spaces Standard set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

Scope

This policy applies to removing barriers in two areas: buildings and public spaces.

Exceptions

Accessibility for elements related to buildings, for example, building entrances, washrooms and barrier- free paths of travel, are not addressed in this standard. They are addressed through Ontario’s Building Code Act.

Terms and Definitions

TermDefinition
Exterior paths of travelare sidewalks or walkways and their associated elements, such as ramps, stairs, curb ramps, rest areas and accessible pedestrian signs.
Maintenanceare activities that are intended to keep existing public spaces and elements in existing public spaces in good working order or to restore the spaces or elements to their original condition, examples of which include painting and minor repairs.
Off-street parking facilitiesincludes open area parking lots and structures intended for the temporary parking of vehicles by the public, and includes visitor parking in these lots/structures. People may or may not have to pay to use off-street parking.

Regulations

Policy Provisions

1. Exterior Paths of Travel

Tyndale will ensure the health and safety of all pedestrians, any newly constructed or redeveloped exterior paths of travel will meet, and where possible exceed, the technical requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Sections 80.23–80.29.

2. Accessible Parking (Off-Street)

Tyndale will ensure any newly constructed or redeveloped off-street parking facilities provide the appropriate number of each type of accessible parking spaces based on total number of parking spaces:

  • Type A – parking space with a minimum width of 3.4m and signage that identifies the space as “van accessible”
  • Type B – a standard parking space which has a minimum width of 2.4m. (per O. Reg. 413/12 s. 80.34) and appropriate signage

Access aisles will be provided for all accessible parking spaces and will meet the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards, section 80.35.

3. Obtaining Services

Service Counters
When constructing new or replacing any existing service counters, Tyndale will ensure at least one counter is accessible in accordance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards, section 80.41.

Fixed Queuing Guides
When constructing new fixed queuing guides, Tyndale will ensure they provide sufficient width for passage and turning of mobility aids or mobility assistive devices and are cane detectable in accordance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards, section 80.42.

Waiting Areas
When constructing new or redeveloping an existing waiting area, Tyndale will ensure a minimum of 3% of the seating is accessible. Tyndale will ensure that there will be at least one accessible seat in accordance with section 80.43 and O. Reg. 413/12, s. 80.43.

4. Maintenance

Tyndale shall ensure that our multi-year accessibility plan addresses:

  • Preventive and emergency procedures for the maintenance of the accessible elements in public spaces
  • Appropriate procedures for dealing with temporary disruptions to accessible elements.

Primary Author / Owner

Campus Operations Director
codirector@tyndale.ca