Comments on the Proposed Regulation to amend Quebec’s Construction Code, chapter 1, Building, promoting accessibility within residential dwellings

Montreal, April 6th 2018

To the attention of :
Mr. Michel Beaudoin, President and Chief Executive Officer
Régie du bâtiment du Québec

Sir,

It is with great interest that we have read the above-mentioned Proposed Regulation. First, we would like to congratulate the Régie du bâtiment du Québec for this breakthrough that has been awaited for so many years.

As experts in universal design, partner of associations, but also as citizens, we are particularly sensitive to accessibility issues. These issues have a direct impact on the quality of life of the entire population and sustainable community development.

We also wish to commend the collaborative approach that led to this draft Regulation, through the Standing Advisory Committee on Accessibility and safety of buildings to persons with disabilities. Stakeholders concerned with the accessibility of housing, from all walks of life, have been mobilized for a common purpose. This is the first time the barrier-free path creeps into the private space of homes…

The suggested outcome in the Proposed Regulation, while likely to be improved, reflects the unanimity of committee members to change residential construction practices to better meet the needs of a diverse and aging population.

Having also contributed to the completion of the Regulatory Impact Analysis in 2016, we have already had the opportunity to provide our comments and recommendations on some of the proposed requirements in the Proposed Regulation. These comments and recommendations are still current, but the RBQ has already provided satisfactory explanations.

On reading the exact wording of the proposed amendments to the Proposed Regulation, however, we wish to comment on new elements that we consider essential to bring to your attention.

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To read more and explore our detailed comments and recommendations, go to the full version of the letter on our Publications page. (French language only)