Oakville Universal Design Standards

The Town of Oakville is committed to providing accessible facilities, programs and services and to be the most livable town in Canada. The Oakville Universal Design Standards (OUDS) was developed to help staff realize this commitment and provides an innovative and detailed approach for the design of barrier free and accessible facilities. A made-for Oakville standard, it replaces the town’s previous Oakville Universal Design Standard Version 1.0 with a new and updated OUDS Version 2.0.

The updated OUDS Version 2.0 includes the addition of screen reader user tips, definitions for extensive renovations, minor renovations, Protected Heritage Properties including Heritage attributes, and the removal of renovation permissions.

Revisions were made to sections:

  • 8. Tactile Walking Surface Indicators – Attention and Direction
  • 10. Lighting, Light Sources and Glare
  • 12. Materials and Finishes
  • 24. Universal Washroom
  • 27. Universal Change Room
  • 35. Fire and Life Safety Systems
  • 39. Curb Ramps and Depressed Curbs
  • 47. Public Swimming Pools, Spas and Saunas

Its use is mandatory for all construction projects at town owned facilities or leased premises and includes new construction, additions, renovations and capital replacements.

When conflict arises between OUDS and other municipal, provincial, or federal legislation, the requirements that will result in the most accommodating environment shall be used but never less than the minimum requirements in the current Ontario Building Code (OBC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Design of Public Spaces Standard.

Please review the Oakville Universal Design Standards Version 2.0 (pdf).