This section provides details for design elements that are commonly found in exterior environments.
It includes design requirements for accessible exterior paths of travel (e.g., sidewalks, curb ramp and pedestrian crossings) and guidance for the maintenance of exterior pedestrian circulation systems. Design considerations for landscaping are also addressed within this section.
New in this edition of Clearing our Path are multi-media resources. Many of these are taken from other sources such as the U.S. Access Board or other jurisdictions. While these resources may reference specifications in effect for jurisdictions outside of Canada designers are encouraged to follow Canadian/provincial requirements. These external resources are included in Clearing our Path Version 2.0 because they help illustrate the importance of the guidelines set out throughout this resource.
Here are two resources which describe well the challenges faced by people living with sight loss.
Unfortunately, this resource is only available in English.
- Accessible sidewalks for pedestrians with low vision.
- Accessible sidewalks for pedestrians who are blind.
Specifications to enhance the accessibility and safety of transit facilities for individuals with blindness are presented, including design requirements for platforms, stops and shelters.
Building entrance systems are a key component of exterior paths of travel; design requirements for the accessibility and usability of entrances is included, along with technical criteria for various types of doors and entrance glazing systems.
The section concludes by exploring the specific needs of people impacted by blindness in recreational facilities, including playgrounds, parks, nature trails and multi-use trails.
Further information on elements that are common to both exterior and interior environments is provided in the Exteriors and Interiors section.
The technical requirements within this section are derived from a number of sources including the National Building Code of Canada, CAN/CSA B651 Accessible design for the built environment, ISO/FDIS 21542 Building Construction – Accessibility and usability of the built environment and ISO 23599 – Assistive products for blind and vision-impaired persons – Tactile walking surface indicators. Please refer to these documents for more complete technical requirements.
In this section:
