Daniels Leads Industry in Accessible Housing

Daniels Corporation

Accessibility Designed Program creates inclusive living spaces for people using mobility devices

Toronto, ON – Oct 3, 2017

The Daniels Corporation announced a new program offering condominium suites designed specifically for purchasers who use mobility devices. Called ‘Accessibility Designed Program’ (ADP), suites within this innovative program will exceed Ontario Building Code (OBC) requirements by including features such as roll-out/low-threshold balconies with a swing door and large roll-in showers with mosaic tile flooring as standard, at no extra cost.

With the goal of making the entire condominium environment as inclusive as possible, Daniels’ ADP also incorporates mobility aids in the amenities and common spaces, as well as the building entrances. These features include items such as lowered concierge desks, accessible kitchens in the party rooms, larger turning radii, and waste chutes with automatic door openers, all of which exceed OBC requirements.

The ADP is being launched this fall at two of Daniels’ communities: DuEast Condominiums, the newest residential offering within the 69-acre Regent Park revitalization, and Wesley Tower at Daniels City Centre in the company’s 23-acre master-planned community in Mississauga’s City Centre. ADP purchasers can select from one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts, many located on the ground floor.

The launch of this program is timely, as over 15 per cent of Ontario’s population, or approximately one in seven people, have a disability, including more than 40 per cent of people over the age of 65.

“Until now, there has been a significant lack of new residences designed for people with mobility needs,” said Jake Cohen, Daniels Vice President of Project Implementation. “Daniels is committed to creating vibrant and inclusive communities that offer homes to the broad spectrum of the market, including people who find mobility difficult in traditional layouts. These buyers should be able to choose from designs that are both functional and contemporary, with the most up-to-date finishes. Rather than retrofitting existing layouts, we have raised the bar and set a new industry standard by designing for inclusion at the outset. For Daniels, offering all residents of our communities the opportunity live, work, play and thrive is key to our corporate philosophy.”

Over and above the standard ADP suite designs, purchasers will be offered the opportunity to further tailor their suite to meet their individual needs. The alternate kitchen upgrade, for example, includes under-sink clearance and lowered counter heights.

The ADP is designed with the principles of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act in mind: independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity. Daniels’ ADP design team worked with Accessibility Advantage, one of Ontario’s leading accessibility consultants; Quadrangle Architects, a leader in universal accessibility design; and Luke Anderson, notable universal design advocate and Founder of the StopGap Foundation, a charitable organization that designs and distributes ramps to stepped storefronts.

“It’s not us that have disabilities, but it’s the places that we live, work and play in that are disabling,” Luke Anderson said. “Daniels’ ADP initiative is a milestone in working toward a totally inclusive society.”