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

What must a universal washroom include under the Ontario Building Code?

A universal washroom is a single-occupancy barrier-free room with a privacy-lockable door served by a power door operator, one toilet with grab bars, a barrier-free lavatory with clear knee space, a coat hook and shelf, and generous clear floor space for wheelchair manoeuvring.

Code reference
Universal toilet rooms must be self-contained single-user rooms located on a barrier-free path of travel, equipped with a water closet with grab bars and transfer space, a barrier-free lavatory, a door that can be locked from the inside and released in an emergency, a power door operator, and unobstructed floor area sufficient for a wheelchair user to turn and manoeuvre.
OBC Division B, Article 3.8.3.12.

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

What this means in practice

Treat the universal washroom as a designed room, not a converted single washroom: the power operator, in-swing restrictions, emergency-releasable lock and turning space drive its footprint, typically noticeably larger than a standard accessible washroom. Coordinate the door operator's activation buttons, hold-open timing and lock interface early, since hardware conflicts are the most common deficiency. Many owners add adult change tables and emergency call buttons for better usability, and some municipalities or facility standards require them even though the OBC baseline may not.

Plain language

A universal washroom is a private washroom anyone can use alone or with a helper. It has a push-button power door, an inside lock that staff can release in an emergency, grab bars, an accessible sink, and plenty of space to turn a wheelchair.

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.