The federal government, through the National Housing Strategy (NHS) delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), is providing $190,000 in funding to the CSA Group to support research and develop a national standard for affordable, adaptable, and accessible homes across the country.
Construction has begun on Carleton University’s all-new Engineering Design Centre, Ottawa, Ont., for its Faculty of Engineering and Design (FED). The $16-million, 2323-m2 (25,000-sf) facility will connect to Carleton’s existing Mackenzie Building and provide dedicated space for undergraduate students as they collaborate on fourth-year capstone design projects.
Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility, a nonprofit charity in Vancouver, has achieved the highest national accessibility rating to date under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) program. With a score of 96 out of 100 points (96 per cent), the ‘RHF Accessibility Certified Gold’ rated building has set the Canadian benchmark for meaningful accessibility in the built environment.
The 2015 version of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) requires grab bars to have a ‘slip-resistant’ finish. The 2015 NBC defines ‘slip-resistant’ as “provides additional traction in wet areas.” A slip-resistant finish provides surface traction, enabling secure gripping of a grab bar.
The Mosaic Stadium in Regina has received the ‘Accessibility Certified Gold’ rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) program.
The Toronto Chapter is holding a dinner meeting on “Accessibility in Buildings: Myths, Errors, and Omissions”. The event will take place at the Toronto Cricket, Skating, and Curling Club on Tuesday, February 5, starting at 5:15 p.m.
Earlier this month, the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) received the Accessibility Certified Gold rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) program for improvements to its barrier-free features.
Education, buildings, and shared spaces in Nova Scotia will soon be guided by accessibility standards. The Access by Design 2030 plan identifies priorities to achieve the goals set out in the Accessibility Act.
The recently-opened Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) offers a new centre for culture in the city. Located in Ottawa’s downtown core, the expanded gallery is a contemporary luminous cube designed by KPMB Architects and Régis Côté et associés.
