Accessibility Retrofits: Meeting Evolving Standards in Older Buildings
5 min read
As expectations around equity and inclusion continue to rise, commercial property owners are facing increasing pressure to ensure their buildings are accessible to all. While newer developments often integrate universal design principles from the start, older commercial buildings may require significant accessibility retrofits to meet evolving standards and stay competitive in today’s market.
In this article, you’ll learn why accessibility retrofits matter, what updates may be required, and how building owners can approach these changes to create more inclusive, compliant, and future-ready spaces.
Why Accessibility Standards Are Changing
Across Canada, national and provincial regulations are being updated to align with modern accessibility goals. Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), for example, outlines design requirements that affect everything from entryways and washrooms to elevators and signage. Federally, the Accessible Canada Act aims to make the country barrier-free by 2040.
Common Accessibility Retrofit Needs
Accessibility retrofits can range from minor adjustments to comprehensive renovations. A common starting point is the building’s entrances and pathways; adding ramps, automatic doors, and smooth transitions can dramatically improve access. Elevators are another focus; retrofitting might include widening doors, adding braille signage, installing audio-visual indicators, and ensuring user-friendly button placement.
Washrooms also often require updates to meet current standards. This can include accessible stalls with grab bars, lever-operated faucets, and lower sinks. Signage throughout the building may need to be replaced with high-contrast, tactile, or braille alternatives to support navigation for people with visual impairments. Lighting and flooring improvements are also essential; enhanced lighting helps reduce glare, while slip-resistant flooring materials improve safety.
Benefits Beyond Compliance
While accessibility upgrades are often seen as a regulatory requirement, they bring significant benefits that extend beyond compliance. One of the most tangible advantages is increased marketability. Accessible buildings appeal to a broader range of tenants, visitors, and employees, making them more attractive in a competitive real estate market.
Tenant satisfaction tends to rise in inclusive environments. Accessibility features benefit not only those with disabilities but also seniors, parents with strollers, and individuals recovering from injuries. This inclusive approach can enhance day-to-day experiences for all building users. Additionally, making proactive improvements prepares buildings for future regulatory shifts and demographic changes, such as Canada’s aging population. Finally, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility enhances a building owner’s reputation and supports ESG objectives.
Funding and Incentive Opportunities
The financial cost of retrofitting can be significant, especially in older or historically designated buildings. Fortunately, there are programs available to help offset these costs. At the federal level, the Enabling Accessibility Fund provides grants for workplace and community infrastructure projects that improve accessibility. Certain provinces and municipalities also offer local incentives or tax benefits for property owners who invest in accessibility improvements.
Engaging an accessibility consultant or contacting local government departments can help uncover funding opportunities and ensure projects align with applicable regulations. Even if the full cost isn’t covered, these supports can make incremental upgrades more achievable.
Planning an Effective Retrofit Strategy
Retrofitting should begin with an accessibility audit. This process identifies current barriers and establishes a baseline for planning. Engaging a diverse group of stakeholders, including tenants, building staff, and individuals with lived experience, can help ensure upgrades are thoughtful and practical.
From there, property owners can prioritize high-impact areas. Entrances, lobbies, and washrooms are often the most visible and frequently used spaces, making them ideal starting points. If budget constraints exist, developing a phased approach allows upgrades to be implemented over time without disrupting building operations. It’s also important to stay current with changes to building codes and accessibility regulations, ensuring ongoing compliance as standards continue to evolve.
Retrofitting older commercial buildings for accessibility isn’t just a legal responsibility; it’s a forward-looking investment in inclusion, tenant satisfaction, and long-term asset value. By taking steps to improve access, property owners can position their buildings as modern, welcoming, and future-ready. As accessibility standards rise and tenant expectations grow, proactive upgrades will help ensure commercial spaces remain relevant, responsible, and resilient.
References
Retrofitting buildings for Handicap Accessibility. Kaarwan blogs. (12AD). https://www.kaarwan.com/blog/architecture/integrating-accessibility-retrofit-existing-buildings-handicap-access?id=969
Designing for everyone: Retrofitting buildings with inclusion in mind. Buro Happold. (2025, May 16). https://www.burohappold.com/insights/designing-for-everyone-retrofitting-buildings-with-inclusion-in-mind/
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