By Eric Peterson| Project Manager
Creating an accessible building goes far beyond meeting minimum code requirements. Elevators play a critical role in ensuring everyone can move through a building independently, comfortably, and confidently.
While accessibility standards continue to evolve across Canada, one thing remains consistent: designing for accessibility early in a project leads to better user experiences, fewer costly modifications, and stronger long-term building performance.
Here are some of the key best practices every project team should consider when planning or modernizing vertical transportation systems.
Start with Code — But Don’t Stop There
The National Building Code of Canada establishes the foundation for accessibility requirements, including barrier-free paths of travel and elevator design. Most provincial building codes follow these principles, while many municipalities and organizations have introduced additional accessibility standards.
One of the most important requirements comes from Appendix E of CSA B44, the Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. Although Appendix E is identified as “non-mandatory” within the elevator code itself, it becomes mandatory when referenced by the building code.
Design the Elevator for Everyone
One of the common coordination issues involves misunderstanding the difference between elevator clear openings and rough openings.
While coordinating a standard elevator door opening may appear straightforward, the rough opening required for installation is significantly larger. Failing to account for this additional space during structural design can lead to costly rework or change orders later in construction.
Elevator Attachments in Wood Structures
Accessible elevator design is built around usability for people with varying mobility, vision, and hearing needs.
Some of the most important design considerations include:
- Elevator cab and door dimensions that accommodate wheelchair turning clearances.
- Handrails on all non-access walls.
- Proper cab lighting to ensure adequate visibility.
- Infrared door reopening devices that prevent doors from closing on passengers.
- Tactile and Braille markings for both hall and car operating buttons.
- Raised, illuminated elevator buttons that are easier to identify and operate.
- Audible floor announcements and visual position indicators.
- Directional lanterns that provide both audible and visual travel direction.
- Emergency communication systems that are accessible to all users.
Each of these features may seem small individually, but together they significantly improve the passenger experience.
Accessibility Standards Continue to Raise the Bar
Many organizations are choosing to exceed minimum code requirements.
Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), municipal Facility Accessibility Design Standards (FADS), federal accessibility guidelines, and recommendations from organizations such as the Rick Hansen Foundation and CNIB have influenced how accessible elevators are being designed across Canada.
Some best practices increasingly being adopted include:
- Full-width mirrors on the rear wall to assist wheelchair users when backing out.
- High visual contrast between elevator walls and flooring to assist passengers with low vision.
- Hall-mounted lanterns that are easier to identify before elevator doors open.
- Voice annunciation for all elevators—not just faster elevators.
- Larger clear floor spaces inside the elevator and at hall call stations.
- Accessible emergency communication systems with two-way video and text capabilities.
Even when these features are not yet mandatory in every jurisdiction, many owners are choosing to include them to future-proof their buildings.
Small Design Decisions Can Create Big Accessibility Challenges
Accessibility isn’t only about selecting the right elevator. It also depends on how the surrounding space is designed.
Common issues include:
- Hall call buttons installed too close to adjacent walls, limiting wheelchair access.
- Car operating panels positioned where required clear floor space cannot be achieved.
- Flooring selections that create slip hazards.
- Raised floor transitions during modernization projects that introduce trip hazards.
- Door timing that closes too quickly for users with mobility devices.
These details are often overlooked during design but can become expensive to correct once construction is complete.
Smart Technology Is Improving Accessibility
Modern elevator technology is helping make buildings more inclusive.
One example is 3D door detection, now required under newer editions of the CSA B44 code in several provinces. Unlike traditional door sensors, 3D detection monitors the area in front of the elevator, recognizing passengers approaching before they reach the doorway. This helps reduce door strikes and provides additional time for people using walkers, wheelchairs, or other mobility devices.
Another major advancement is two-way video emergency communication. Rather than relying solely on voice communication, these systems allow emergency responders to communicate through video and text, improving accessibility for passengers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or unable to speak during an emergency.
As building codes continue to evolve, these technologies are becoming standard expectations rather than optional upgrades.
Plan for Accessibility from the Beginning
One of the biggest lessons from accessibility projects across Canada is that proactive planning is significantly more cost-effective than retrofitting later.
For example, incorporating hall lanterns, larger elevator cabs, proper button locations, or accessible communication systems during initial construction typically has minimal impact on project cost. Retrofitting these same features years later can require substantial modifications to elevator equipment, finishes, and building infrastructure.
Early coordination between architects, accessibility consultants, and vertical transportation specialists helps ensure accessibility requirements are addressed before they become costly design revisions.
Accessibility Benefits Everyone
Accessible elevator design isn’t just about meeting regulations.
It creates buildings that are easier to navigate for people using wheelchairs, seniors, parents with strollers, delivery personnel, people recovering from injuries, and anyone carrying luggage or large items.
Well-designed elevators improve independence, support inclusive environments, reduce future compliance risks, and help buildings remain functional throughout their lifecycle.
As accessibility expectations continue to evolve across Canada, investing in thoughtful elevator design today helps create buildings that better serve everyone tomorrow.
Ready to build accessibility into your next project?
Whether you’re designing a new building, planning an elevator modernization, or reviewing accessibility requirements, involving a vertical transportation consultant early can help you avoid costly revisions and create a better experience for every building occupant.
Connect with GUNN to discuss how accessible elevator design can support your project’s long-term success.