Draft standard

CAN-ASC-2.12 – Accessible Communities

Information
Designation number
CAN-ASC-2.12
Priority area
Built environment
Status
Draft
Developed by
Accessibility Standards Canada
Date posted
May
2026
Publication date
To be determined
Table of contents

Areas of Focus

The purpose of CAN-ASC-2.12 is to develop a standard that goes above mandatory minimum technical specifications and produces equity-based technical requirements.

There are common areas where people with disabilities may experience barriers to accessibility within their communities. These areas include, but are not limited to:

  • Public realm and outdoor spaces such as sidewalks, crossings, and parks
  • Inaccessible routes and connectivity including first and last-mile access and wayfinding
  • Community hubs and services such as civic buildings, health and social services access points
  • Public washrooms and water fountains and lack of accessibility features such as appropriate dimensions, signage and fixtures
  • Service and guide dog relief areas  
  • Inaccessible pay terminals and kiosks  
  • Insufficient maintenance of the built environment  
  • Transportation interfaces such as transit stops, stations, and drop- off zones
  • Streetscapes and right-of-way elements such as curb ramps, curb extensions (bulb-outs), tactile indicators and street furniture (benches)
  • Parking and access zones such as accessible parking and passenger loading areas  
  • Access during temporary closures for construction or roadworks
  • Emergency planning and community resilience including accessible alerts and evacuation considerations
  • Zoning by-laws such as densification requirements and reliance on public transport
  • Other considerations in planning and implementation including rural or remote contexts and cost impacts

CAN-ASC-2.12 – Accessible Communities

Areas of Focus

The purpose of CAN-ASC-2.12 is to develop a standard that goes above mandatory minimum technical specifications and produces equity-based technical requirements.There are common areas where people with disabilities may experience barriers to accessibility within their communities. These areas include, but are not limited to:Public realm and outdoor spaces such as sidewalks, crossings, and parksInaccessible routes and connectivity including first and last-mile access and wayfindingCommunity hubs and services such as civic buildings, health and social services access pointsPublic washrooms and water fountains and lack of accessibility features such as appropriate dimensions, signage and fixturesService and guide dog relief areas  Inaccessible pay terminals and kiosks  Insufficient maintenance of the built environment  Transportation interfaces such as transit stops, stations, and drop- off zonesStreetscapes and right-of-way elements such as curb ramps, curb extensions (bulb-outs), tactile indicators and street furniture (benches)Parking and access zones such as accessible parking and passenger loading areas  Access during temporary closures for construction or roadworksEmergency planning and community resilience including accessible alerts and evacuation considerationsZoning by-laws such as densification requirements and reliance on public transportOther considerations in planning and implementation including rural or remote contexts and cost impacts
https://accessible.canada.ca/standards-and-technical-guides/standards-and-technical-guides-database/can-asc-212-accessible-communities