Higher Standards to Improve Access to Dwellings

The Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) is developing new standards which will be part of a new governmental draft by the end of the year. The amendments aim to make housing units more accessible for disabled people.

The buildings covered in the provincial legislation are those of more than 8 units and over 2 floors, for housing units situated on the ground floor or reached by an elevator. However, municipalities have the power to subject smaller buildings to the new regulations.

Only newly constructed buildings and pre-existing residential ones undergoing an expansion (enlarged portion only) would follow the new standards.

The RBQ commissioned a report which would show that the cost of building a housing unit under the proposed standards would be 0.24% to 4.8% more expensive, according to the models examined which were rather small in size. This additional cost fluctuates between $205 and $1,885 per unit. Balcony accessibility by means of expansion seems to have the highest toll.

If the draft is adopted, builders and customers will have to choose between making the new housing units accessible or adaptable. Accessibility enables a wheelchair user to move more easily, while adaptability suggests an arrangement and some elements that can be adapted to the needs of a person with a disability. Some groups representing disabled people were pushing for the standard of adaptability to be imposed on builders. However given the cost and constraint on small dwellings, the RBQ chose to leave both options.

CORPIQ, who took part in the RBQ’s committee, defended the interests of property owners of pre-existing buildings ensuring that no new and costly requirements be forced on them. Therefore, they will not be affected by the proposed regulations.