Proposed amendments to the Buildings Accessibility Act to improve accessibility in public spaces received second reading in the House of Assembly yesterday.
The main amendments include removal of all the pre-1981 exemptions from the current Act, clarification of the how the Act applies to home-based businesses and doubling of the current fines under the Act to promote compliance.
If passed, the regulations under the Buildings Accessibility Act will also be updated to include a requirement that public buildings with over 300 people have a full-service family washroom.
The amendments were made as the result of recommendations made by the Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board and a public consultation process.
Legislation a Step Backwards
(File photo.)
Independent MHA Paul Lane calls the legislation a “step backward” and a “slap in the face” to the advisory board and people with disabilities.
Lane says the legislation actually allows both public and private buildings that were built before 1981 not to have to make changes unless they are undergoing renovation or changing purpose.
That, says Lane is very disappointing.
“Our Legislature is not even accessible,” says Lane “this is 2023 and that is absolutely shameful.”
