By: Dayna Noonan
The Design of Public Spaces Standard (DOPS), enacted under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), establishes and enforces the minimum accessibility standards for new construction and significant redevelopment projects within outdoor public spaces.
Areas that the DOPS covers include beach access routes and recreational trails, outdoor play spaces and eating areas, exterior paths of travel and accessible parking spaces. Notably, it only covers exterior spaces as it is designed to work in harmony with the Ontario Building Code, which regulates accessibility inside public buildings.
In December 2021, a committee for the DOPS was established to review Ontario's accessible built environment standards. This committee includes members from the disability community, transportation service providers, municipalities, and affected government ministries. Based on the review completed by the DOPS committee, 127 initial recommendations have been drafted. These recommendations aim to improve existing access standards and further prevent accessibility barriers from being designed for public spaces.
Get involved! The DOPS committee seeks community feedback before submitting its final report to the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. To have your voice heard, read the committee's initial recommendations and submit your feedback by filling out the committee's online survey, or by emailing DOPSreviewSDC@ontario.ca. The committee will accept comments until August 29, 2024.