New Construction Accessibility Advisory — 21-Storey University Student Residence
New construction is the only opportunity to get accessibility right from the beginning. Once concrete is poured, the options narrow and the costs compound.
Project Overview
A major urban university in downtown Toronto engaged Accessibility Partners to serve as accessibility advisor for a new 21-storey, 1,382-bed student residence. We were present from architectural design through construction completion, at every stage where design decisions could affect the accessibility of the finished building.
The New Construction Advisory Challenge
Accessibility advisory on new construction is fundamentally different from an audit of an existing building. An audit identifies problems after decisions have been made. Advisory work shapes decisions before they are locked in. That requires being at the table during design reviews, not after them understanding architectural drawings, building system specifications, and interior design intent well enough to identify barriers before they are built.
Our New Construction Advisory Approach
We participated in design reviews throughout the architectural and engineering process, providing written commentary on drawings as they progressed. We reviewed building system specifications covering elevators, door hardware, washroom fixtures, signage, and emergency systems. As construction proceeded, we conducted on-site inspections to verify that accessible features were being implemented as designed, catching discrepancies between drawings and field execution before they became permanent.
The project was assessed against AODA, Ontario Building Code, and universal design principles throughout.
Project Snapshot
Industry
University
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Compliance Standard
AODA
Key Result
21 storeys · 1,382 beds
New Construction Accessibility Results
Services Used
Legislation: AODA
Talk to Us About Your Construction Project
Every engagement we take on is led by a credentialed senior consultant — not delegated to junior staff after the proposal is signed. We hold Government of Canada Standing Offer #1 national ranking, $5M errors and omissions insurance, and twelve years of experience across federal, provincial, municipal, and private-sector clients.
If you are planning or building a new facility and want accessibility addressed at the design stage rather than retrofitted later, we would welcome the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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At what stage of a construction project should an accessibility advisor be brought in?
Accessibility advisors should ideally be involved during the early design stage before major decisions are finalized.
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What is the difference between accessibility advisory on new construction and an audit of an existing building?
New construction advisory helps prevent barriers before they are built, while an audit identifies barriers after construction is complete.
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What standards apply to new construction accessibility in Ontario?
Projects are commonly assessed against AODA, the Ontario Building Code, and universal design principles.
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How do you verify that accessible features are being built as designed during construction?
We conduct on-site inspections and compare field conditions against approved drawings and specifications.