The OBOA partners with the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility to help remove barriers in buildings and spaces across Ontario
October 14, 2020, Vaughan, Ont.
The OBOA lends its expertise with the Ontario Building Code to help the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility (MSAA) move closer to its goal of an accessible and barrier free province.
In late 2019, the OBOA signed an agreement with the government of Ontario to develop a training program focused on accessible building design for building officials and design professionals through the EnAbling Change Program. The partnership was created in response to the 2019 Legislative Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 by the Honourable David Onley which stated that the province had significant work to do in making buildings and spaces accessible in Ontario.
The OBOA’s training program is still in development and will go beyond the basic technical barrier-free design requirements found in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Building Code. The intent is to provide a rationale behind the regulations with specific attention to why removing barriers to those with disabilities is essential.
“The OBOA is made up of members from across Ontario with significant knowledge and understanding of the Ontario Building Code,” says Grant Brouwer, President of the OBOA. “We are pleased to share this knowledge with the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility as we work together to make sure that buildings and spaces in the province are barrier free.”
The OBOA will also lend its knowledge on the Provincial Accessibility Standards Advisory Council. Board Director, John Lane has been appointed as a member of this council by the Honourable Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating with various professionals and policy makers as we continue to understand how barrier-free designs can become a part of the construction of all buildings and spaces,” says Lane, who is also the Manager of Building Inspections for the City of Hamilton.
“All Ontarians should be able to fully participate in the economy and their communities,” says Minister Cho. “The journey to making Ontario inclusive and accessible for everyone is made through many steps. Together, with great partners like the OBOA, we can all move towards our goal of a more accessible Ontario.”
About the OBOA: Founded in 1956, the Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA) supports the construction of safer, more sustainable and accessible buildings in Ontario. The OBOA delivers training and certification to Building officials, promotes uniform code application, works with industry partners, and policy makers with a goal to advance the Building Official profession.
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For more information contact: Priya Ramsingh, Senior Communications Lead,
437-247-2497, priya@oboa.on.ca