Design of Public Spaces Standard

What is the Design of Public Spaces Standard?

The Design of Public Spaces Standard (DOPS) is one of five standards within the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act's (AODA) Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR), and it includes requirements focused on the removal of barriers in public spaces such as trails, beach access routes and exterior paths of travel. Requirements do not include areas covered by the Ontario Building Code (OBC).

The process of incorporating elements of the Built Environment that relate to the OBC is being undertaken by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and is still under review.

Please note that the Ontario Building Code is still in effect, and universities should continue to follow their obligations under this code.

    Accessible spaces at University of Waterloo

     Accessibility at Waterloo outlines various accessible amenities on campus including parking, pathways, and housing.

    Resources

    Visit the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario's website for guidelines on how to make public spaces accessible such as trails, beach access routes, parking, service counters and fixed waiting areas, eating areas, play spaces and paths of travel.

    Below are resources to help Ontario universities enhance their built environments: