Mandate

The National Model Codes Committee (NMCC) on Accessibility will develop code changes related to accessibility in buildings and houses in the National Model Codes as described below and in accordance with the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) approved work plan.

Note: the breakdown of mandates shown below does not necessarily reflect the recommended task groups and working groups being planned.

Accessibility in buildings
  • Continue outstanding Task Group (TG) Accessibility work on accessibility in buildings and recommend code changes, where applicable,
  • Consider updating the definition of accessibility to be more inclusive (e.g., include other disabilities consider populations currently excluded from the existing definition) and recommend code changes, where applicable,
  • Consider addressing the exemption for industrial occupancies, and recommend code changes, where applicable,
  • Consider smart technology systems as assistive features in buildings, and recommend code changes, where applicable.
Accessibility in dwelling units
  • Continue the task on accessibility and housing (i.e., adaptable and visitable dwelling units) from the 2020-2025 code cycle:
    • Develop requirements for broad application to all types of dwelling units, emphasizing features that are low-cost at the time of initial construction and/or that are expensive to renovate,
    • Develop more stringent accessibility requirements that focus on more limited application (e.g., percentage of dwelling units in multi-unit residential buildings as decided by individual provinces and territories), including but not limited to dwelling units where a barrier-free path of travel is already required to access the unit entrance,
    • In all cases, support harmonization by considering a range of frameworks on the application of adaptability, visitability and other implementations of accessibility in dwelling units.
Egressibility in buildings
  • Identify assumptions (e.g., population demographics) behind existing provisions regarding National Model Codes related to egress / evacuation for the safety of people and propose code changes where applicable,
    • Consider options for barrier-free means of egress versus shelter in place strategies in emergency situations and propose updates to existing requirements or new requirements where applicable,
    • Consider new technologies and standards to enhance safety and egress from buildings and propose code changes where applicable,
    • Address demographics in fire safety planning and emergency procedures and update requirements where applicable.
Grab bars
  • Consider fall prevention measures for falls in bathtubs and showers in residential occupancies, including dwelling units, and develop technical requirements for grab bars where applicable.

The NMCC is established by, and reports to, the CBHCC. The NMCC exists until the completion of its mandate or as otherwise directed by the CBHCC.

The NMCC will comply with the Operating Procedures of the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes.

Responsibilities

In accordance with the mandate described above:

  • develop proposed code changes for consideration for public review by the CBHCC;
    • in developing proposed code changes, consider:
      • harmonization with provincial/territorial variations where possible, if multiple provincial/territorial variations exist seek direction from the CBHCC;
      • code change requests forwarded by the CBHCC;
      • new and existing standards and guidelines; and
      • implications on other code requirements;
    • in developing proposed code changes, identify:
      • impacts of the proposed code changes; and
      • enforcement implications of the proposed code changes;
  • in consideration of public review comments received, recommend code changes for publication, for consideration by the CBHCC;
  • identify where research is needed to support the mandate and support coordination efforts;
  • identify opportunities for coordination with standard development and support coordination;
  • support development of material for the relevant user’s guides and commentaries, where applicable;
  • prepare a final report outlining a brief summary of the deliberations and considerations that led to the recommendation including any outstanding unresolved issues or concerns; and
  • through the Chair:
    • monitor progress against the approved CBHCC work plan and provide regular progress updates to the CBHCC; and
    • participate on the Standing Codes Coordination Committee, to ensure that there are no overlaps with, or conflicts between, the work being developed and that of other committees.