CAN-ASC-2.1 Outdoor spaces: Public Review Draft – 2. Scope
Table of contents
1. Introduction
2. Scope
3. Reference publications
4. Definitions
5. Site planning
6. Common accessibility measures
- 6. Common accessibility measures
- 6.1 General space requirements
- 6.2 Reach range requirements
- 6.3 Knee and toe clearances
- 6.4 Doorways, gates, and open entrances
- 6.5 Operating controls
- 6.6 Seating
- 6.7 Accessible table and counter surfaces
- 6.8 Illumination and contrast levels
- 6.9 Sightlines
- 6.10 Common measures for outdoor surfaces
- 6.11 Clearances on or above outdoor surfaces
- 6.12 Changes in level and surface openings
- 6.13 Curb ramps and crosswalks
- 6.14 Stairs and handrails
- 6.15 Ramps
- 6.16 Edge protection and guards
7. Facilities and furniture
- 7. Facilities and furniture
- 7.1 General
- 7.2 Parking and vehicle amenities
- 7.3 Outdoor play facilities
- 7.4 Furniture and amenities
- 7.5 Service animal facilities
- 7.6 Assembly areas and amphitheatres
- 7.7 Marina environments, docks, and piers
- 7.8 Outdoor showers
- 7.9 Outdoor toilets
- 7.10 Facilities for activities in water
- 7.11 Campgrounds
- 7.12 Temporary facilities
- 7.13 Passenger lift systems
- 7.14 Power charging stations for mobility devices
- 7.15 Pedestrian beacons and signals
8. Additional requirements for accessible surfaces
9. Wayfinding and communicating universal information
10. Maintenance for accessibility
Annex A (informative)
Annex B (informative)
Annex C (normative)
Annex D (informative)
2.1 General
This Standard applies to the maintenance, design, construction, alteration, reconstruction, and use of outdoor spaces.
Examples of outdoor spaces include but are not limited to:
- recreational trails;
- streets, roadways, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings;
- campgrounds;
- outdoor public eating areas;
- outdoor play spaces, playgrounds, sports fields, and classrooms;
- exterior paths of travel, boardwalks, and beach access routes;
- accessible parking areas;
- obtaining services (e.g., service counters, ticket booths);
- ramps and curb ramps;
- transit facilities;
- viewing platforms;
- docks/boat access; and
- temporary surfaces for construction.
This Standard also includes those structures that permit and enhance the use of those outdoor spaces, such as kiosks, transit shelters, and maintenance sheds/workshops.
Any exceptions or exclusions will be referenced in Clause 2.3 and throughout the Standard.
2.2 Inclusions
This Standard applies to outdoor spaces and lands administered by organizations, including but not limited to:
- national parks;
- marine parks and marine protected areas;
- Parliamentary bodies, including
- the Senate;
- the House of Commons;
- the Library of Parliament;
- office of the Senate Ethics Officer;
- office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner; and
- the Parliamentary Protective Service;
- the office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer;
- federal courts and tribunals;
- the Government of Canada, including government departments, agencies, and Crown corporations;
- the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), taking into account certain job needs (e.g., being physically able to do the job); and
- private sector bodies under federal rule, including organizations in
- the federal transportation network;
- the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors; and
- the banking sector.
2.3 Exemptions
2.3.1 General
Except as otherwise stated in this Standard, all newly constructed or redeveloped outdoor spaces, facilities, and areas undergoing major renovation are expected to comply with this Standard.
2.3.2 Natural, cultural, or historic significance
Natural, cultural, or historic significance should be preserved. Except as permitted in Clause 2.3.4 and as provided in Clause 2.3.5, alternate solutions may be used where compliance with this Standard cannot be achieved due to impacts on the natural, cultural, or historic significance of a protected facility or environment.
Note: For example, a recreational trail in an environmentally sensitive area is exempt from providing accessibility features if it can be demonstrated that providing those features would have a negative impact on the sensitive or protected aspect of the environment.
2.3.3 Impacts on continued use of the outdoor space
Except as permitted in Clause 2.3.4 and as provided in Clause 2.3.5, alternate solutions may be used where compliance with this Standard cannot be achieved due to impacts on the continued use of the facility or environment.
2.3.4 Health and safety
Except as provided in Clause 2.3.5, alternate solutions may be used where compliance with this Standard cannot be achieved while maintaining government health and safety standards.
No exemption to compliance with this Standard is permitted for facilities and environments with life-saving functions (e.g., emergency lighting, alarms, notification systems, egress routes, signage).
2.3.5 Partial exemption
When full compliance with this Standard cannot be achieved without impacting the site’s natural, cultural, or historic significance (see Clause 2.3.2); continued use of the facility or environment (see Clause 2.3.3); or the site’s health and safety (see Clause 2.3.4), the site is expected to comply with this Standard to the greatest extent possible.
As much as possible, the minimum exemption will be implemented in the form of an alternate solution that provides, to the greatest extent possible, the same user experience. In those cases, the rationale for the exemption and technical information supporting the exemption will be documented in writing and made available to the public.
2.3.6 Areas not accessible to the public
Areas that are not open to the public (e.g., employee-only areas) are expected to comply with this Standard. Exceptions to this include:
- crawlspaces;
- catwalks;
- elevator rooms;
- utility vaults; and
- other areas that are not normally occupied on a daily basis by people.
2.4 Language and terminology
2.4.1 Language
Accessibility Standards Canada models the language used in the Accessible Canada Act and CRPD by using person-first language. Careful selection of language when referring to a group of people is vital as the proper use of language conveys respect, dignity, and value while moving away from labelling, stereotyping, and discrimination.
2.4.2 Terminology
In this document, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy to comply with the requirements set out in the document; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the document.
Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.
Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.
Annexes are designed normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.
2.5 Measurements
SI units are used in this Standard with most measurements provided in millimetres (mm).