CAN-ASC-2.3: Model Standard for the Built Environment - Accessibility for federally regulated entities as defined in the Accessible Canada Act: Notice of Intent
This notice is to announce that Accessibility Standards Canada intends to develop a new accessibility standard. The purpose of this notice is to avoid duplication in standards development.
This notice is aimed at other standards development organizations and the public. It does the following:
- It defines the scope of the standard that we propose.
- It defines the need for the project.
- It states the time period during which the public can send us comments about the standard.
Standards development organization
Accessibility Standards Canada
Contact information
Email: Info.Accessibility.Standards-Normes.Accessibilite.Info@canada.gc.ca
Mailing address:
320, St-Joseph Boulevard
Suite 246
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3
Telephone: 1-833-854-7628
Work program
The work program lists of all of Accessibility Standards Canada’s in-progress and completed standards at Accessibility Standards Canada. It is available online at: Work program – Accessibility Standards Canada
Designation number
CAN-ASC-2.3
Standard type
National Standard of Canada – Domestic
Standard development activity
New standard
International Classification for Standards (ICS) codes
53.020.01 – Lifting appliances in general
91.040.01 – Buildings in general
91.040.10 – Public buildings
91.040.20 – Buildings for commerce and industry
91.060 – Elements of buildings
91.120.01 – Protection of and in buildings in general
91.140.90 – Lifts and escalators
91.160 – Lighting
91.190 – Building accessories
Comment period start date
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Comment period end date
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Scope
Note: The title, scope, and need for this standard was updated by Accessibility Standards Canada on February 14, 2023. It was originally published on the Standards Council of Canada Centralized Notification System on September 7, 2022.
The purpose of standard CAN-ASC-2.3 is to ensure the technical requirements for the built environment are equity-based. This requires going beyond minimum technical specifications. CAN-ASC-2.3 also combines both the application and technical design requirements for the built environment into one, unified standard.
There are common areas where persons with disabilities may face barriers related to the built environment. For example:
- building entrances
- paths of travel
- access to storeys
- parking and loading zones
- building controls
- power door operators
- assistive listening devices
- signage
- washrooms and universal washrooms (including showers)
Project need
Accessibility Standards Canada was created under the Accessible Canada Act. Its mandate is to prevent, identify, and remove barriers to accessibility in Canada for people with disabilities. To do this, it develops standards. These are based on the needs of people with disabilities. These needs are identified by consulting Canadians with disabilities. This includes the members of the Accessibility Standards Canada Board of Directors. Most Board members are people with disabilities. The Board has approved the development of this standard.
Accessibility Standards Canada standards are developed following the principle of “nothing without us.” This means that people with disabilities are involved in the development process:
- Its standards are developed using research that is led by people with disabilities or with lived experience.
- People with disabilities are members of the organization’s technical committees. These committees produce equity-based requirements for standards. These take into account the needs and perspectives of people with disabilities.
- The public review process for this standard will be accessible. This will allow even more people with disabilities to be part of the development process.
Posted on
Updated: May 10, 2023
Originally posted: March 22nd, 2021