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OBC DIVISION B · PART 3 · SECTION 3.8 — BARRIER-FREE DESIGN

How many wheelchair spaces are required in assembly seating in Ontario?

Fixed-seat assembly venues such as theatres, cinemas, arenas and lecture halls must provide designated wheelchair spaces in numbers scaled to seating capacity under a table in Subsection 3.8.2, dispersed among seating areas where practical, each with adjacent companion seating and level floor space.

Code reference
Assembly occupancies with fixed seating must set aside clear, level spaces for wheelchair users, the required number increasing with total seat count in accordance with the applicable table. Spaces must be located adjacent to a barrier-free path of travel and arranged so wheelchair users can sit with companions, with larger venues expected to distribute spaces among different seating zones and price levels.
OBC Division B, Subsection 3.8.2.

Paraphrased for clarity — open this provision in the BUILDAiD Library for the exact wording.

What this means in practice

Design wheelchair spaces as real seats, not leftover floor: each needs clear dimensions off the aisle, a level surface, and adjacent companion seating, all reached from the barrier-free path without crossing steps. In sloped or tiered venues, sightlines over standing spectators are the differentiator between minimal and good design, and many owners follow enhanced facility guidelines. Common pitfalls include clustering all spaces in the back row, blocking egress aisles, and forgetting the accessible route to stages and performer areas.

Plain language

Theatres, arenas and similar venues must reserve open, level spots where wheelchair users can watch the show, with a regular seat right beside each one for a friend. The bigger the venue, the more of these spaces the code demands.

Related questions

When does a building need to be barrier-free (accessible) in Ontario?Which buildings are exempt from barrier-free design requirements in Ontario?How wide must a barrier-free path of travel be in Ontario?

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This page is provided for general information. Building code requirements depend on your specific project, occupancy and municipality, and code editions change. Always verify requirements against the current Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.