Creating Barrier-Free Access: A Guide for Calgary Property Managers

As a property manager in Calgary, ensuring accessibility is more than a legal requirement—it's a way to improve safety, expand your tenant base, and create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

But how do you actually make your building barrier-free in a way that meets Alberta code and works for real-world users?

This guide walks you through the key components, accessibility upgrades, and common mistakes to avoid—whether you're managing a commercial storefront, office building, or multi-unit property.

What Is Barrier-Free Access?

Barrier-free access means removing physical obstacles that could prevent individuals with mobility challenges, vision or hearing impairments, or other disabilities from accessing or using a space safely and independently.

In Alberta, this includes:

• Entrances and exits
• Elevators and stairwells
• Restrooms and common areas
• Pathways and parking lots

The Alberta Building Code and CSA B651 standards outline what’s required for commercial and public properties. But implementing those requirements in a way that’s practical and future-proof often falls on you, the property manager.

Key Feature: Automatic Door Systems

One of the most important features in a barrier-free building is the automatic entry door.

Benefits:

• Enables independent access for wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and carts
• Prevents bottlenecks and safety issues at high-traffic doors
• Reduces the need for staff to assist or manually open doors

Modern automatic doors in Calgary come in a range of styles:

• Sliding glass doors (great for retail and offices)
• Swinging aluminum doors with motion sensors
• Low-energy swing doors for smaller commercial spaces

Explore our Calgary automatic door installation services

Add-On: Handicap Door Buttons

Handicap-accessible push buttons (aka push-to-open switches) are required on most barrier-free entrances.

They allow users to:

• Open doors from a distance
• Use elbows or mobility devices to activate
• Operate doors without needing grip strength or dexterity

Options include:

• Wall-mounted push plates
• Post-mounted buttons
• Wireless or hardwired systems

Don’t forget: All push buttons must be placed at accessible heights and clear of obstructions to comply with local codes.

View our handicap button installation services

Motion Sensors & Touchless Upgrades

Today’s accessibility upgrades go beyond the basics.

Motion sensors and touchless systems add:

• Convenience for all users
• Improved hygiene (especially in healthcare, food, or public-facing buildings)
• Hands-free entry for users carrying bags, pushing carts, or using walkers

Upgrade your doors with motion sensors or touchless entry

Repair or Replace? Keep Systems Up to Code

As a property manager, it’s your responsibility to ensure systems:

• Function reliably
• Comply with current accessibility standards
• Are safe for all users

If your existing automatic door system:

• Fails to open consistently
• Has broken sensors or buttons
• Closes too quickly or forcefully
• Doesn’t respond to push plates

…it may be time to repair or replace your automatic doors.

Tips for Property Managers Planning an Upgrade

• Start with a walkthrough: Identify physical barriers at every entrance and exit
• Prioritize compliance first: Meeting legal standards avoids future liability
• Think long-term: Choose systems with reliable parts, battery backups, and weatherproof components
• Budget realistically: Some upgrades qualify for grants or tax deductions
• Work with local professionals: Every city may enforce accessibility slightly differently

We Serve Calgary & Surrounding Areas

From downtown office towers to suburban retail plazas, our team installs and services barrier-free entry systems throughout:

• Calgary
• Airdrie
• Okotoks
• Cochrane
• Chestermere
• And surrounding regions

FAQ: Barrier-Free Access in Alberta

Q: Are automatic doors required by law in Alberta?
A: While not every door must be automatic, barrier-free access is legally required in most commercial and public buildings. This often includes automatic door systems or low-resistance manual doors with accessible hardware.

Q: Can I just install a push button and call it a day?
A: Not quite. Buttons must be easy to access, installed at proper height, and the door must operate safely (correct speed, resistance, etc.). Full compliance matters.

Q: What’s the difference between low-energy and full-power automatic doors?
A: Low-energy doors move slower and are often activated by buttons, while full-power systems open via motion sensors or access controls. Each has its use case depending on traffic flow and space.

Final Thoughts

Barrier-free access is about more than compliance—it’s about creating an inclusive, welcoming, and safe space for everyone who enters your building.

As a Calgary property manager, investing in automatic doors, handicap buttons, and touchless entry systems isn’t just smart—it’s essential.