We have an accessible housing crisis in Canada. The existing housing stock does not meet current needs nor will it meet our growing future needs.
Contributing to the development of accessible housing standards is an important focus for Incluzia. With over 20 years of clinical experience, accessibility consultation, collaboration with older adults, people who are Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent, we know accessible housing design standards need to evolve to continue to help remove barriers. We are committed to continued contributions to remove barriers to increase accessibility, safety and social participation, while creating more accessible housing options for Canadians.
ASC/CSA B652:23
Accessible Dwellings
Canadian Standards Association Group and Accessibility Standards Canada have collaborated on the development of this important standard sharing their expertise and resources to improve accessibility standards across Canada.
Marnie Courage, founder of Incluzia, sits on the technical committee of this important standard, leading one of the committee working groups.
This new standard can guide accessible design and construction of new housing and adaptations to existing dwellings. It covers all types of private homes and multi-unit residential buildings (with the exception of public spaces within these buildings)
It was published in February 2023 and is free to download when you create an account on the CSA store site.
ASC/CSA B651:23
Accessibility of the Built Environment
Canadian Standards Association Group and Accessibility Standards Canada have collaborated on the update of this import standard that that covers all exterior and interior public spaces of built environment.
This standard can be used for accessible housing when planning and designing public spaces within multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs)
The latest publication was in 2023. It is free to download when you create an account on the CSA store site.
CMHC Universal Design Guide
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation has created a Universal Design Guide to be a practical and non-technical introduction to Universal Design for residential designers, builders and developers. It aims to:
- spark ideas about how to design and build innovative, inclusive, affordable multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs),
- demonstrate how people can stay in their homes as their circumstances change without expensive renovations,
- highlight the concept of adaptability so that homes can be easily adapted according to changing needs.
NOTE: The information in this guide does not apply to other types of housing, like single-detached homes, semi-detached homes, row houses, stacked townhouses or individual condominiums/apartments units that have multiple levels.
CMHC MLI Select Program
If you are a developer interested in creating more accessible housing options for Canadians, check out CMHC’s MLI Select program is an innovative new multi-unit mortgage loan insurance product focused on affordability, accessibility, and climate compatibility. It uses a point system to offer insurance incentives based on affordability, energy efficiency, and accessibility. Incentives are available for new construction and existing properties.
You can help contribute to solving the accessible housing crisis in Canada with incentives from CMHC and collaboration with Incluzia accessible housing experts!
Incluzia’s Project Consultation
Incluzia offers collaborative Accessibility Consultation that can help you reach your housing project goals, optimizing design and occupant outcomes. We understand the MLI Setect program and provide an itemized accessibility review and report to satisfy the requirements of the program.
If you are looking for accessible housing plan reviews, consultation, or other assistance with your housing project (all types of dwellings), we can provide collaborative input offering information on essential accessible features, increasing your return on investment and optimizing current and future occupant outcomes!