Accessibility is not just a rule you follow. It’s a way of showing respect for everyone who visits your property.
Most people in Canada pay little attention to the short walk from their car to the building. For people like Emma, who is blind, that walk feels very different. She used to worry about missing a curb or stepping into traffic. One day, she almost walked right in front of a moving van in a busy parking lot. Emma’s story is common, but it also inspired a change.
The building’s owner then added tactile indicators to each crossing and pathway. These guiding tiles and warning domes soon made the lot safer for Emma and her neighbours. Since then, there have been no close calls or accidents at all.
Emma’s daily walks to work are now easier. Tactile solutions really do turn cold, open parking lots into places that feel welcoming and safe. Every day, more people notice the value these details bring, both for compliance and real peace of mind.
Many owners and contractors install tactile products because the law says they must. In reality, tactile indicators are about more than rules or paperwork. They help people, improve property value, and make daily life better for all visitors.
When building or fixing up a parking lot, always focus on these:
Your project needs to follow all these rules. If it does not, you might face fines, be forced to redo work, and upset visitors who should feel welcome. Using proper tactile products from a trusted supplier helps avoid all that trouble.
Tactile indicators are simple tools that keep people safe. They help those who are blind or have low vision recognize changes in their space.
Products like Access Tile or Armor Tile last through Canadian outdoors and indoors. They do not get slippery and stay easy to see and feel, even after years of weather and use.
Building a safe parking lot is about more than lines or signs. Each section should help people move safely and easily, no matter their ability.
Not all tactile products are the same. In Canada, parking lots can see hot summers, tough winters, and heavy traffic. Choose based on your real needs:
Get the right match for your surface and weather, and always check that you meet local codes.
Set yourself up for success from the start:
When you plan ahead, you avoid the rush and stress of last-minute changes before an inspection.
After adding tactile indicators to their parking lots, many owners see these outcomes:
Emma, the woman from earlier, said it best: “The new tiles mean I don’t have to worry. For the first time, I feel like I belong here.” Many others share her view.
AODA, CSA B651, NBC, and local rules must all be followed for new or updated lots.
Use cast iron, stainless steel, or top-grade polymer tiles with anti-slip features for lasting safety in harsh Canadian weather.
Yes. Many tiles bond well using recommended glues or hardware made for tough outdoor use.
Every Canadian property tells a story about who is welcome, about the values that guide its caretakers. The welcoming handshake a property offers starts in the parking lot, not at the front desk.
By embedding tactile indicators in parking lots, you aren’t just chasing compliance; you’re creating inclusive, forward-thinking environments that say, “everyone belongs here.” That’s a story worth telling, and a legacy worth building.
So, next time you walk across a parking lot, pause and look down. The change starts underfoot.
For tailored guidance on choosing, installing, or upgrading tactile solutions for any Canadian parking facility, consult our digital solution finder or reach out to our team - wherever you are in Canada, we're always close at hand. Let’s create accessible paths to opportunity, together.
