Picture of a part of the University of Ottawa.

Design of Public Spaces

Under the Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment, the University must incorporate accessibility when building new public spaces or redeveloping existing public spaces through planned alterations.

Examples of accessibility elements in the built environment:

  • Wide sidewalks free of barriers
  • Both audible and visual cues at pedestrian crosswalks
  • Gently sloping ramps
  • Wider parking spaces
  • Seating-level service counters
  • Accessible recreational elements such as trails, outdoor eating areas and play spaces

Who is subject to this standard?

University employees who approve, build or make planned significant alterations to public spaces on uOttawa campuses.
  • Incorporate accessibility when building a new public space or making planned significant alterations to existing public spaces
  • Incorporate accessibility design, criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities (see the procurement standard)
  • Outline in a multi-year accessibility plan how the University will meet the requirements of the built environment standards, including those for public spaces
  • Provide accessible service, upon request, that is equivalent to the service provided to the rest of the University community
  • Retrofits of public spaces to meet the requirements of the built environment standards
  • Incorporating accessibility into building elements, such as building entrances, washrooms and barrier-free paths of travel (addressed in Ontario’s Building Code)

Contact us

Human Rights Office

1 Stewart St.
(Main Floor – Room 121)
Ottawa, ON, Canada
K1N 6N5

Tel.: 613-562-5222
Email: [email protected]

Office hours

Monday to Friday, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Human Rights Office social media