By John Cockburn, Partner
Our little company has grown to the point that our home can no longer accommodate our office needs so we have just leased the perfect office space on Collier Street in Barrie in an older but immaculate home. There are only 6 steps up to our front porch which is the only access we have. Both male and female washrooms are available for our use in the basement of this old house and they are also available to our clients.
After we signed a 5 year lease, we heard rumors that there is some sort of legislation in Ontario mandating certain accessibility standards for persons with disabilities….Is that true?
Does it sound like our little office is compliant?
Is the new Act really enforced?
Let’s start with your last question, the answer is: the Act is going to be enforced and is currently enforced with fines and orders. It does not sound like your office would be compliant with the requirements of the new Act but you must, on a case by case basis, review the requirements of that Act and protect yourself from enforcement by making the required physical changes to your office property and buildings to comply.
There are a growing number of businesses that can assist you with interpreting the Act and bringing your premises into compliance. You will want to work with your Landlord on those matters. And take a look at the AODA Compliance Wizard to help you determine what you need to do to comply with the law.