News release

Province Seeks Input on Proposed Accessibility Standard for Buildings, Outdoor Spaces

Justice

The Province is looking for feedback from Nova Scotians on the proposed built environment accessibility standard. The built environment includes human-made spaces, such as buildings, rights-of-way and outdoor areas.

“We are committed to creating a more accessible Nova Scotia, and standards are needed to help improve accessibility,” said Justice Minister Brad Johns, the Minister responsible for the Accessibility Act. “The built environment will be Nova Scotia’s first accessibility standard. We look forward to receiving feedback from the public on the proposed built environment accessibility standard work. This will help guide us to make our province more accessible.”

The proposed accessibility standard focuses on new construction and major renovations. People can also comment on amendments proposed for the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations and Fire Safety Regulations, as well as new accessibility guidelines.

Nova Scotians can provide their feedback at: https://novascotia.ca/built-environment-public-review/ . The deadline is October 30.

Quotes:

“Access and freedom of movement is vital to a vibrant and inclusive community, economy and society for all people. CANS is committed to working collaboratively with community stakeholders to make Nova Scotia a more accessible place for everyone. We strongly encourage industry and Nova Scotians to provide feedback on the proposed built standard that will help address barriers in the spaces where Nova Scotians live, work, learn and play.”

– Duncan Williams, President and CEO, Construction Association of Nova Scotia

“As the regulator for the profession of architecture in Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Association of Architects works to safeguard the public interest, and making Nova Scotia accessible to all is extremely important. Therefore, I encourage everyone who has an interest, including everyone in our industry, to engage in this process and provide feedback on this proposed standard.”

– Charles Ritcey, President, Nova Scotia Association of Architects

Quick Facts:

  • the built environment includes interiors and exteriors of buildings and outdoor spaces such as sidewalks, trails, parks, and beaches
  • the government’s accessibility strategy, Access by Design 2030, outlines how the government will achieve its goal of an accessible province by ensuring people with disabilities have equitable access to programs, services, information and infrastructure
  • the government is developing accessibility standards in other areas, including education, employment, goods and services, transportation and communication
  • through a separate process, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing is currently inviting comment on proposed amendments to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations, including those related to accessibility

Additional Resources:

Recommendations for an accessibility standard in built environment: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/built-environment/

Information on the proposed amendments to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations and how to provide comment is available at:
https://novascotia.ca/building-code-regulations-public-notice/

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