ADA Compliance in Canada: How Automatic Doors Keep Your Business Accessible (and Avoid Fines)

Is Your Business Accessible? Here’s Why It Should Be

In today’s world, accessibility isn’t just a courtesy—it’s the law. If your commercial space doesn’t meet accessibility standards, you risk hefty fines and potential legal action.

While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets accessibility guidelines in the U.S., businesses in Canada must comply with provincial laws, such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). For businesses in Toronto and across Ontario, ensuring accessible commercial doors is a key requirement.

So, how can you make your business compliant while enhancing customer experience? Installing automatic doors is one of the simplest and most effective solutions. Let’s break down the requirements and benefits.

What Are AODA Automatic Door Requirements?

In Ontario, the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) requires that public spaces be barrier-free, including doorways.

Here’s what you need to know about AODA automatic door requirements:

• Minimum Door Width – Accessible doors must be at least 860mm (34 inches) wide when open to accommodate /for mobility devices.
• Automatic Door Installation – Buildings must have at least one power-operated door at the main entrance for easy access.
• Push-Button or Sensor Activation – Doors should feature automatic door openers activated by push buttons, wave sensors, or motion detection.
• Proper Signage & Contrast – Doors should have high-contrast colors and clear signage to assist individuals with visual impairments.
• Smooth & Delayed Closing –Doors should take at least 3 seconds to close, providing ample time for safe entry.

If your Toronto business lacks accessible commercial doors, you may be non-compliant, facing fines of up to $100,000 per day for corporations under AODA regulations.

Who Needs to Install Automatic Doors in Canada?

According to ADA door compliance in Canada and AODA standards, the following businesses must install automatic doors:

• Retail stores and shopping centers
• Medical offices, clinics, and hospitals
• Hotels and hospitality businesses
• Office buildings and corporate spaces
• Schools, colleges, and universities
• Government offices and public facilities

Even if not legally required, installing automatic doors enhances your business’s reputation, customer experience, and overall accessibility.

Benefits of Installing Accessible Commercial Doors in Toronto

Beyond legal compliance, installing accessible commercial doors offers significant benefits:

• Legal Protection – Avoid lawsuits and fines for non-compliance.
• Better Customer Experience – Make your business more welcoming, leading to higher customer engagement. 
• Increased Foot Traffic – Ensure seamless entry for all visitors, including seniors and individuals with disabilities.
• Modern Aesthetic & Convenience – Automatic doors enhance the look of your business while improving energy efficiency.
• Higher Property Value – Buildings with ADA-compliant doors tend to appreciate in value and attract more tenants and customers.

How to Upgrade Your Business for ADA Door Compliance in Canada?

If your business is missing automatic doors, now is the time to take action. Door Doctor specializes in accessible commercial doors in Toronto, offering AODA-compliant automatic door solutions tailored to your business needs.

Here’s How We Can Help

• Professional Consultation – We assess your current doors and recommend the best ADA-compliant solutions.
• Installation of High-Quality Automatic Doors – Choose from touchless, sensor-based, or push-button automatic doors.
• Ongoing Maintenance & Repairs – Keep your doors functioning smoothly with expert repair services.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!

AODA non-compliance fines are steep, but the solution is simple. By installing automatic doors, you can:

• Avoid legal trouble and potential lawsuits
• Enhance accessibility for customers and employees
• Improve the overall customer experience.

Ready to upgrade? Contact Door Doctor today for expert installation and maintenance of accessible commercial doors in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Kingston.