March of Dimes Canada (MODC)…

March of Dimes Canada (MODC) supports the goal of increasing housing availability and affordability in Ontario.
Without amendments, Bill 17 may not benefit Ontarians with disabilities unless new homes are built to be accessible or easily adaptable.
There is a growing need for accessible housing due to an aging population and increasing disability rates (27% of Canadians aged 15+ reported at least one disability in 2022).

Current Challenges:
Many people with disabilities cannot access housing that meets their needs.
Lack of accessible housing forces individuals into institutional care unnecessarily.

Recommendations:
Mandate that all new homes be built to accessible or accessible-ready standards.
Adopt national standards such as:
CSA/ASC B652 – Accessible Dwellings Standard.
CAN/ASC 2.8 – Accessible-Ready Housing Standard (Design for Accessible-Ready - DAR approach).

Benefits of Accessible Design:

There is a lower cost to incorporate accessibility features during initial construction than retrofitting.
Increasing accessible and adaptable housing supply will support independent living and improve quality of life for people with disabilities, and reduce healthcare and long-term care costs.
Aligns with obligations under:
The Accessible Canada Act
The National Housing Strategy Act
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Call to Action:
MODC urges the Ontario government to amend Bill 17 to include accessibility and adaptability requirements in all new and renovated housing.