An AODA bathroom is like the VIP suite for restroom accessibility – it's the rockstar of lavatories, where everyone gets to enjoy the show, regardless of mobility moves.
Picture it as the Goldilocks of bathrooms, not too big, not too small, just perfectly accessible. It's where doors swing wide, grab bars are the supportive friends you didn't know you needed, sinks and toilets are strategically placed for a comfortable experience, and automatic doors are like bellhops always ready to extend a courteous welcome and guide you gracefully to your destination.
Here is everything you need to know about the requirements for an AODA bathroom for your next commercial build out.
Universal Public Washroom Requirements Ontario:
The Ontario Building Code (OBC) has undergone revisions, building on the groundwork established by The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). This emphasizes the removal of barriers faced by people with disabilities and signify a commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility for all.
The AODA aims to make Ontario fully accessible by 2025, and organizations are mandated to comply with its standards by this time. These regulations signify a commitment to fostering inclusivity and ensures everyone gets a front-row seat to the comfort concert.
Accessibility requirements can be found in Section 3.8 of the Building Code. It covers a range of minimum standards for universal washrooms, barrier-free paths of travel, adaptable seating, and power door operators.
Here are 8 AODA requirements specific to Ontario for crafting accessible and inclusive restrooms:
Door Width
Ensure that washroom doors are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, maintaining a minimum clear width of at least 860 mm. (Clear width is the distance between the door in the open 90 degree position and the edge of the door jamb stop)
Accessible Path of Travel
You must maintain a clear and unobstructed path of travel within the bathroom to allow easy maneuverability and maintain a minimum 1,700 mm turning radius. (Turn radius is a circular clear space that allows a wheelchair to make a 180-degree or 360-degree turn)
Grab Bars
You must Install grab 2 bars around toilets for individuals with mobility challenges.
- Horizontal grab bar - A min 600mm in length and must be mounted behind the toilet horizontally and at least from 840mm to 920mm above the floor or 150mm above the toilet water tank.
- L-Shaped grab bar - Both horizontal and vertical bars must be at least 760mm long with the horizontal bar 750mm-900mm above the floor and the vertical bar 150mm in front of the toilet bowl.
Inclined mirror
Install an inclined mirror at a height that accommodates wheelchair users, with the bottom edge no higher than 1000mm above the floor.
Automatic Doors & Lock
Must install push to open and push to lock power door operator located not less than 900 mm and not more than 1100 mm from the finished floor.
Emergency Call System
Install an emergency call system that consists of an audible and visual signal device inside and outside of the washroom that are activate by a control device inside the washroom and an emergency sign that says “In the event of an emergency push button and audible and visual signal will activate” posted above the emergency button.
Sink
Install a sink so the center line of the sink and the side wall is not less than 460mm and the top of the sink is not more than 840mm above the finished floor. You must also maintain a minimum 1370mm deep floor space to allow for a forward approach, of which a maximum of 500 mm can be located under the sink. All faucets must also have a lever type handle or operate automatically and must ensure it is not more than 485mm to the front edge of the sink.
Fixtures
Install soap dispenser, towel dispenser or hand drying equipment, toilet paper dispenser, coat hook is installed and operable with one hand. (For information on dimensions and placements please refer to sources below)
Your AODA washroom may have additional requirements that are specific to your site. For detailed information, get in touch with a qualified architect, designer, or contractor, and refer to the Ontario Building Code (OBC) for guidance. AODA bathrooms are a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. So, the next time you step into an ADA bathroom, you're not just entering a restroom; you're stepping into a VIP suite for accessibility, where everyone is welcome to enjoy the show.
Sources:
Ontario Building Code:
- 3.8.3.8 - Water Closet Stalls
- 3.8.3.9 - Water Closets
- 3.8.3.11 - Lavatories
- 3.8.3.12 - Universal washrooms
