top of page
Search

Canadian Requirements for Accessibility buttons by Province

When designing or renovating buildings in Canada, ensuring accessibility isn't just good practice—it's the law. One crucial detail that often gets overlooked is the proper placement, size, and operability of automatic door opener activation buttons. While many assume there’s a single nationwide standard, the truth is more complex.


Accessibility regulations vary significantly across Canada, with each province and territory maintaining its own building code and interpretation of best practices. While federal guidelines like CSA B651 and new Accessibility Standards Canada drafts offer detailed recommendations, they aren't universally binding outside federally regulated spaces.


In this post, we’ll break down how different jurisdictions—like Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec—approach the requirements for automatic door openers. Whether you're an architect, builder, or facilities manager, understanding these differences is essential to ensure compliance, avoid costly retrofits, and create truly inclusive spaces.


Let’s explore how Canada’s patchwork of building codes affects something as simple—but vital—as the location of a button.


Federal Standards (for federally regulated buildings only)


CAN/ASC 2.3 (Built Environment Standard) – was Developed by Accessibility Standards Canada for federal projects, like airports, government offices, and post offices. The CAN/ASC‑2.3 includes operating controls requirements:


Installed between 400 mm and 1100 mm AFF for general controls


Where a display is present, 900 mm to 1100 mm AFF


❗ These federal standards only apply to federal jurisdictions, not to private buildings, housing, or most provincially governed infrastructure like schools or hospitals.



📍 Provincial/Territorial Breakdown

🔹 Ontario

  • Uses its own Ontario Building Code (OBC), which includes accessibility rules aligned with AODA.

  • Activation buttons must follow OBC specs (e.g., one of two height options).

  • CSA B651 may be used for additional guidance, but it's not the enforceable standard.


ree

🔹 Alberta

  • Adopts the National Building Code – Alberta Edition, but adds provincial amendments.

  • Specifically requires two activation buttons per side at different heights (150–300 mm and 900–1100 mm AFF). For those not wanting two buttons, Camden Door Controls makes a Column Button that will meet the requirements.

🔹 British Columbia

  • Uses the BC Building Code, with many clauses based on the National Building Code (NBC) but adapted.

  • Typically aligns with CSA B651 but may not mandate two button heights.

  • Consult BC Building Code Section 3.8 for details.

🔹 Quebec

  • Uses Code de construction du Québec, which is based on NBC 2010 but with significant provincial modifications.

  • Accessibility rules are detailed in Chapter I – Building, and Chapter III – Plumbing, and a provincial Barrier-Free Design Standard (Standard D5.1-2015).

🔹 Saskatchewan / Manitoba / Atlantic Provinces

  • Generally use the National Building Code (NBC), with minor amendments.

  • Saskatchewan and New Brunswick have published accessibility guides that recommend dual-height buttons, but don’t always require them in all new builds. Again, for those not wanting two buttons, Camden Door Controls makes a Column Button that will meet the requirements.

🔍 Summary Table

Province/Territory

Uses NBC?

Activation Button Requirement

Federal Standard Adopted?

Ontario

❌ Own Code (OBC)

One button (2 placement options)

CSA B651 referenced only

Alberta

✅ NBC-Alberta

Two buttons required (high + low)

CSA B651 referenced

BC

✅ Modified NBC

One button; CSA aligned

CSA B651 aligned

Quebec

❌ Own Code

May vary; not always dual-height

Provincial D5.1 standard

Saskatchewan

✅ NBC + guide

NBC baseline; dual-height sometimes recommended

CSA referenced

Manitoba

✅ NBC

NBC baseline

CSA referenced

Nova Scotia

✅ NBC

NBC baseline + new NS Accessibility Act applies

CSA referenced

Newfoundland

✅ NBC

NBC baseline

CSA referenced

Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways


Automatic door opener activation buttons play a small but vital role in creating barrier-free, accessible buildings. However, the requirements for their size, height, and placement vary across Canadian jurisdictions, depending on whether you’re following provincial, territorial, or federal regulations.


While federal accessibility standards like CSA B651 and CAN/ASC 2.3 offer detailed design guidance, they apply primarily to federally regulated buildings and are not automatically adopted by provinces. Instead, each province sets its own enforceable code—some closely aligned with federal guidelines, others more specific.


🔑 Key Takeaways:


Button Size


Ontario requires activation buttons to be at least 150 mm in diameter (if round) or 50 × 100 mm (if rectangular).


Height Placement


Alberta: Requires two buttons on each side of the door—one low (150–300 mm) and one standard height (900–1100 mm) or Column Buttons


Ontario: Requires only one button, either:


Centered at 900–1100 mm, or


A vertical button spanning from ≤ 200 mm to ≥ 900 mm AFF.


Federal Model (e.g., CAN/ASC 2.3): Allows a broader range of 400–1100 mm, with 900–1100 mm required for buttons with visual displays.


Universal Requirements (Best Practice):

✅ Button must be visible,

✅ Operable with one hand or a closed fist,

✅ Not obstruct the path of travel,

✅ Clearly marked with the International Symbol of Access (especially in Ontario).


This article is designed to inform, however regulations change and design professionals and building owners should always verify requirements with the most current building code for their jurisdiction. While national standards help promote consistency, provincial codes ultimately determine what’s legally required—and non-compliance can lead to delays, fines, or costly redesigns.


Need help picking the right components? Let us know—we can help you break it down.



About Us: Durham Regional Locksmiths has been serving Durham Region for over 35 years, we ship throughout Canada and the United States, as well as provide installation services throughout Durham Region and the GTA, contact us today for a supply and installation estimate or shop online.


Areas We Service: 

Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington, Bowmanville, Port Perry, Courtice, Uxbridge, Toronto, Markham, and Scarborough.


Business Hours: 

Monday - Friday | 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Phone:  905‑728‑9218 24 hour Emergency Locksmith.

497 Simcoe St S, Oshawa, ON L1H 4J9

Durham Regional Locksmiths

 
 
bottom of page