The Daniels Corporation Opens Accessibility Standards to the Industry, Raising the Bar for Inclusive Housing

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, The Daniels Corporation (Daniels) – a builder, developer and leader in creating vibrant, inclusive communities across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) – is making its Accessibility Designed Program (ADP) Technical Standards Guide publicly available for the first time, providing a new industry benchmark for accessibility in housing.

Originally introduced in 2017, the ADP goes beyond Ontario Building Code (OBC) requirements with thoughtfully designed features that improve livability for people using mobility aids, those with sensory impairments, cognitive or intellectual disabilities, as well as individuals who wish to age in place. By openly sharing these technical standards, Daniels aims to inspire developers, builders, architects and designers to adopt these practices, spark industry-wide discussions and set new benchmarks beyond OBC for accessibility in housing.

“At Daniels, we believe accessibility is not an extra feature—it’s a fundamental right,” said Jake Cohen, Chief Operating Officer, The Daniels Corporation. “By making these technical standards public, we’re doing something the industry rarely does: sharing what could have been a competitive advantage. This release truly demonstrates our commitment to the collective good. Inclusivity is a shared responsibility, and real progress happens when the industry works together. A collaborative effort is key to creating a more accessible future.”

The ADP was developed to integrate accessible features into Daniels' core construction program. Designed for both in-suites and common areas, the program was created in collaboration with accessibility partners and informed by feedback from individuals with lived experiences to ensure homes are both practical and buildable. The guide offers comprehensive specifications for appliances, fixed items and plumbing fixtures. The ADP Technical Standards Guide details a wide range of accessibility-focused design elements, including roll-in showers, height-adjusted countertops, braille signage, wider doorways, grab bars and other accessibility aids.

“Daniels’ decision to release their ADP Technical Standards is a pivotal moment in the push for more accessible housing in Canada,” said Heidi Green, Co-Chair of the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition and Director of Development at RioCan. “By sharing this invaluable resource, Daniels is not only raising the bar for accessibility in housing but also empowering industry peers to join the movement toward more inclusive communities. This step exemplifies the leadership and collaboration needed across our industry to make accessible housing a cornerstone of Canada’s future.”

The development of the ADP Technical Standards would not have been possible without the contributions of key accessibility advocates and design leaders.

“We’re honoured to have collaborated with The Daniels Corporation to bring the Accessibility Designed Program Technical Standards to life,” said Laura Jones, Principal at HOK. “Inclusive design is at the core of our philosophy and these standards set a new benchmark for accessibility in housing. By making this knowledge available to the industry, Daniels is leading the charge in creating spaces that are not only functional but equitable, ensuring more people can thrive in the communities they call home.”

This initiative aligns with the mission of the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition (AAC), where Daniels, as a founding member, works with leaders across real estate accessibility, civic and education sectors to advance accessible housing in Canada. Now available for download, the Technical Standards Guide provides industry professionals with a practical blueprint to implement meaningful change—whether by adopting these standards directly or using them as a foundation for their own.

About The Daniels Corporation

The Daniels Corporation is one of Canada’s pre-eminent builders/developers, building nearly 40,000 new homes across the Greater Toronto Area for over 40 years. Daniels is the developer of TIFF Lightbox in Toronto’s Entertainment District and the City of the Arts community on Toronto’s East Bayfront. Among its many initiatives, Daniels partnered with Toronto Community Housing to revitalize 53 of the 69-acre Regent Park community in Toronto. Regent Park is home to the World Urban Pavilion, a collaboration between the Urban Economy Forum, UN Habitat, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Daniels. Understanding that quality of life is created by much more than physical buildings, Daniels goes above and beyond to integrate building excellence with opportunities for social, cultural and economic well-being.