Proposed legislative amendments to the Buildings Accessibility Act, meant to improve accessibility in public spaces, received second reading in the House of Assembly yesterday.
The three main amendments being proposed are:
- Removal of the pre-1981 exemption from the current Act;
- Clarification on how the Act applies to home-based businesses; and
- Doubling the current fines under the Act to promote compliance.
If these amendments pass in the House of Assembly, the Regulations under the Buildings Accessibility Act will also be updated to include a requirement for public buildings with over 300 persons to have a full-service family washroom.
The amendments would also update the definition of ‘persons with disabilities.’
The proposed amendments are informed by recommendations of the Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board, as well as consultations, including an online questionnaire on engageNL and three virtual sessions with stakeholders. A ‘What We Heard’ document is available on the department’s website.
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“I would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the Building Accessibility Advisory Board for their recommendations and their ongoing advice. The proposed changes to the Act represent the culmination of many years of hard work and consultation. These changes build on measures our government has already implemented to improve accessibility to public spaces. The review was comprehensive, and our proposed changes represent a positive step forward.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL
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Learn more
Government Receives Recommendations on the Buildings Accessibility Act
Amendments Will Improve Accessibility and Equity for All Persons
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