The provincial government has released its What We Heard document from consultations held about recommendations from the Buildings Accessibility Advisory Committee for changes to the Buildings Accessibility Act.

The original act came into effect in 1981, with amendments made in 2018, however it was widely recognized that a more comprehensive review was needed to address things like advances in technology and health care, changing demographics and changes in attitudes.

Certain buildings built before 1981 are exempt from accessibility requirements. Most of those who responded to an online questionnaire (83.44 per cent) agreed that buildings constructed before 1981 be required to be made accessible.

Among the concerns raised by those who did not fully agree with removing the pre-1981 exemption were cost and heritage, with the cost of accessibility renovations to pre-existing buildings considered to be “unreasonable” and “prohibitive.”

The full document can be found on the government’s website.