The Committee addressed three substantive issues.

First, Codes Canada staff provided an update on a newly funded research project examining the anthropometrics of mobility aid use in washrooms within dwelling units. The laboratory-based study is being conducted by the University Health Network in Toronto and is supported through a collaborative grant under NRC’s Aging in Place Challenge Program.

Second, the Committee devoted the majority of its discussion to PCF 2192, which seeks to simplify the framework for accessibility (barrier-free) design requirements for public buildings in the NBC. The proposal removes the dual compliance path introduced in the 2015 NBC by eliminating the option to comply with either Subsection 3.8.3. or CSA B651. Instead, it establishes a single minimum set of requirements within the Code and updates remaining references to CSA B651 to the latest edition. Members noted that the dual-path approach has created challenges as the accessibility standards landscape has become increasingly complex. Simplifying the framework will make it easier to update individual provisions in NBC Subsection 3.8.3. to align with recent updates to CSA B651 in a targeted way, as well as consider other standards. While there was discussion about highlighting CSA B651 in an explanatory note (and flagging differences with the NBC), the Committee ultimately decided against this approach. Instead, Codes Canada will highlight the change and essential details for code users as part of its implementation support materials that are developed when new editions of the codes are published. The PCF will be forwarded to the Board with a recommendation for inclusion in the 2030 NBC.

Third, consideration of proposed change 1575, which would replace the defined term “barrier-free” with “accessible” in the NBC, was deferred to a future meeting.

The Committee also discussed the possibility of holding a future in-person meeting, with the Chair recommending a location in western Canada.

For any questions, please reach out to Jack.Mantyla@chba.ca