Renovating for Accessibility: Easy Ways to Prioritize Inclusion in New Builds

As Canada’s population ages, the demand for accessible housing is growing. A national study from the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) found that 87% of Canadians believe accessible housing should be available to everyone, yet many condos are not designed with aging residents in mind.

With nearly two-thirds of Canadians living with a disability, it’s essential for condo boards to prioritize accessibility in both renovations and new builds. Brad McCannell of RHF encourages involving people with disabilities in the decision-making process, highlighting the value of lived experience in anticipating future needs.

Kirsten Dale, property manager with MCRS Property Management, emphasizes the importance of early feedback from residents. She advises that condo boards encourage residents to express their needs and wants early on, allowing for better long-term planning. By doing so, residents can continue to enjoy their homes as they age.

Older condos often face greater challenges when it comes to adapting their property for long-term use, says Kirsten Dale, property manager with MCRS Property Management. She finds the needs associated with aging in place can be complex, but if well supported, residents can comfortably remain in their homes for as long as possible. “When my firm begins working with a new community, we encourage residents to speak up often and early to express their wants and needs as this feedback helps us to plan for their long-term enjoyment of their investment,” she says. “Our residents learn quickly that as they age and their needs change, their homes can evolve right along with them.”

Solutions can partly come from disability awareness training, which may include hiring knowledgeable consultants, as well as group-based simulation activities that support team-building among boards. “Borrow a walker or wheelchair and try to navigate the common areas of your community,” suggests Dale. “Or put on a blindfold and try to find your way down to the refuse chute room in your hallway from your unit entrance. The ways you could help those with accessibility challenges will become clear very quickly.”

Adapting older condos for long-term use can be complex, but with proper planning, residents can stay in their homes longer. Solutions like disability awareness training, accessible signage, and easy fixes—such as replacing door closers and using contrasting colors for better visibility—can make a big difference.

Legal expert Sonja Hodis also advises condos to be proactive when it comes to accessibility, ensuring regular checks and renovations. Government funding can help offset costs for these improvements.

Looking ahead, condos must not only meet minimum accessibility codes but also go beyond them to create environments that truly accommodate everyone. This forward-thinking approach, alongside emerging smart technologies, will support seniors in aging in place while maintaining their independence.

Tags: Accessibility, Aging in Place, Brad McCannell, Kirsten Dale, Condos, Rick Hansen Foundation, Sonja Hodis

 

Anticipating the needs of aging condo communities

By Rebecca Melnyk