Barrier-Free Discussion Paper Released

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Barrier-Free Discussion Paper Released

The Nova Scotia Building Advisory Committee wants to hear from Nova Scotians who are interested in making buildings more accessible to people with disabilities. The committee, which advises government on building code matters, has released a discussion paper on barrier-free design standards.

The paper covers a broad range of building accessibility issues that have come before the advisory committee since barrier-free design requirements were included in the Nova Scotia Building Code more than 10 years ago. Among these issues are the number of units in an apartment building that must be barrier-free and how the regulations apply to tourist facilities.

Ted Ross, executive secretary of the advisory committee and the province's building code co-ordinator, said the paper has been distributed to representatives of the disabled community, building owners, designers and the construction industry. However, the committee also want to hear from a cross-section of Nova Scotians.

"Accessibility issues affect more people than those with disabilities," Mr. Ross said. "As Nova Scotians get older, access to buildings and facilities becomes a more pressing issue. It is in all our interests that we get feedback from as many people and organizations as possible before the committee makes its recommendations to government."

A questionnaire is included with the discussion paper. Both can be obtained by calling 1-800-670-4357 or 424-5200 in Halifax Regional Municipality or by e-mailing to public- enquiries@gov.ns.ca . The paper and questionnaire are also available at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/muns/code/barrier/default.asp. Feedback and responses will be accepted until Oct. 31.