Human Resources Legislative Update
New AODA Built Environment Standards Regulations Filed
Date: December 20, 2012
On December 17, 2012, the Ontario government filed two regulations amending the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service and the Integrated Accessibility Standards, regulations enacted under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 1995 (“AODA”).
O. Reg. 413/12 adds new Built Environment Standards on the design of public spaces to the Integrated Accessibility Standards regulation (O. Reg. 191/11). These new standards cover a variety of public spaces such as exterior sidewalks and walkways, outdoor public eating areas and play spaces, accessible parking, waiting areas, and service counters. This new regulation also establishes a compliance reporting schedule effective January 1, 2013.
O. Reg. 415/12 applies the new compliance reporting schedule set out in O. Reg. 413/12 to the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (O. Reg. 429/07).
On December 17, 2012, the government also filed O. Reg. 419/12, which amends Regulation 581 (Accessible Parking for Persons with Disabilities) made under the Highway Traffic Act. This new regulation adds the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards (O. Reg. 191/11) to the specifications for parking spaces designated on Crown land or under municipal by-law for use of persons with disabilities.
These regulations come into force on January 1, 2013.
