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

How many barrier-free entrances does a building need in Ontario?

At least 50 per cent of a building's pedestrian entrances must be barrier-free, and these must include the principal entrance. Each barrier-free entrance must connect to an exterior barrier-free path of travel from the sidewalk, parking or drop-off area.

Code reference
Under Ontario's 2015 amendments, not less than half of the pedestrian entrances to a building must be barrier-free, including the principal entrance, and barrier-free entrances must be connected by a barrier-free path of travel to the exterior, such as the public sidewalk and accessible parking. This replaced the older approach of requiring only a limited number of accessible entrances.
OBC Division B, Article 3.8.1.2.

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

What this means in practice

The 50 per cent rule is counted on pedestrian entrances, so list every public and tenant entrance early and decide which will be barrier-free before grading and landscape design lock in. The principal entrance can no longer be traded away for a side-door accessible entrance, which was a common older practice. Each qualifying entrance also inherits related requirements, level thresholds, manoeuvring clearances, and in many buildings power door operators, so budget hardware and vestibule dimensions accordingly.

Plain language

In Ontario, at least half of a building's entrances, and always the main front door, must work for people using wheelchairs or walkers. There must also be a smooth, step-free route from the sidewalk or parking lot to those doors.

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.