Accessibility Successes - Osgoode Hall

Osgoode Hall is one of a number of Ontario government buildings undergoing renovations designed to remove barriers to access for people with disabilities. Osgoode is home to the Supreme Court of Ontario and is inarguably one of Ontario’s most majestic historical buildings.

The ORC has worked diligently with internal and external stakeholders, with full sensitivity to the heritage character of the building. A design committee comprised of heritage, security and accessibiltiy specialists worked together from January to March 2008 to identify the best possible design option to achieve the goal of front door accessibility.

At the root of the problem are the stairs as shown in the photograph below. A grade difference of twenty-two inches renders the front door inacessible for people with a variety of disabilities. Other barriers identified on the Osgoode Hall site include a historic but inaccessible cow gate, the lack of a passenger drop off area and the weight of the heavy front entrance doors.

The ORC retrofit project involves the installation of an accessible gate adjacent to the historic cow gate, the creation of symetrical sloping sidewalks and an enlarged entrance podium that can accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. Power assist operators are also planned for installation on the front door. The design uses colour, texture and lighting to provide visual clues and assist in way finding to the front door. This landmark project will serve to protect the dignity of all individuals wishing safe, independent and equitable entry to Osgoode Hall.