Providing accessible spaces is a moral imperative and a strategic investment, expert says

Plans for the development of public space at Ontario Place include adding 4,000 metres of pathway for people of all abilities, ramps and piers for deep swimming and direct access to the edge of the shoreline for users of wheelchairs and other mobility devices.From cognitive impairments to sensory sensitivities, the need for accessibility in public and commercial spaces is evolving beyond physical mobility to a much wider spectrum of challenges.

While legal requirements provide some foundation for accessibility in private and public spaces, designers are realizing true inclusivity requires a shift in perspective – an empathetic approach that considers the diverse needs and experiences of all community members and how they can best interact with their environment.

“We often think about following building codes and making entryways accessible but what about ensuring comfort and experience of place in that accessibility? How do we make sure people are truly represented and have access to the same idea of a place?” says Jeffrey Craft, principal urban designer and landscape architect for STUDIO tla in Toronto.

As inclusive design becomes more in demand, so too does the concept of dementia-friendly communities. In Tsawwassen, B.C., Southlands, a new master-planned beachside community rooted in food and agriculture, offers numerous public amenities such as co-working spaces and farmers’ markets.

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