1. VisitAble Housing From Concept to Reality: Policy Change Directions
Presentation by
Kitchener-Waterloo Task Force
March 23, 2016

2. Local VisitAble Housing Task Force
Develop awareness and commitment to
implementing VisitAble Housing
in Waterloo Region
Local Task Force is one of six (6) across Canada working with
Canadian Centre on Disabilities Studies (Winnipeg, Manitoba)

3. Local Task Force Members reflect different perspectives Role:
Planning stakeholder engagement
Input and testing of research and education materials
Engagement stakeholder groups e.g. making presentations

4. Policy Change Directions
Building Code – specific definition of visit-able housing features as a basic standard
Ontario’s growth plan to increase intensification and the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act and Standards – these could be competing visions
Federal, Provincial and Regional affordable housing investments – this is one area that could require visit-able housing as a standard to qualify for funds which could be included at any or all orders of government

5. Local Policies and Guidelines
Municipal official plans – all in Waterloo Region have language that would encourage visit-able features– City of Waterloo encourages visit-able homes: we ask that this language be strengthened to acknowledge VisitAble features as a basic standard for accessibility
Technical guidelines for less well known no step entrance solutions – provide assistance to builders and work with builders and developers to provide consistent support
Zoning Bylaws – simplify these and harmonize across municipalities and identify areas where there is potential conflict or not well known designs – tie this to the technical guidelines
Ask all site and development plan submissions to identify if these include VisitAble features so these can be highlighted during the assessment of applications

6. For more information about the local VisitAble Housing work:
Thank You
For more information about the local VisitAble Housing work:
Trudy Beaulne, Executive Director, Social Development Centre Waterloo Region
Phone: X *3006
Thank you for the opportunity to bring this information and invitation to you.