Accessible entrances.
Planned for British Columbia.
A practical overview for architects, contractors and property teams planning power-operated doors, barrier-free entrances and accessible washroom systems in British Columbia.
FASTNET SYSTEMS · BRITISH COLUMBIAAccessibility starts at the building entrance.
British Columbia’s building requirements establish minimum accessibility standards for many projects. The Province states that, effective March 8, 2024, new commercial and public buildings and their common spaces must have power-operated doors at building and accessible washroom entrances. Review the current information on the Government of British Columbia accessibility page .
More than an operator.
A coordinated entrance.
An automatic operator is one part of the entrance. The door, frame, hinges, activation, safety equipment, electrical supply, locking hardware and intended sequence must be considered together.
- Commercial automatic swing-door operator
- Accessible push-to-open activation
- Touchless wave switches
- Safety and presence sensors
- Electric strikes or compatible locking hardware
- Access-control and intercom integration
For commercial, institutional
and public-facing buildings.
Fastnet supports new construction and existing-building accessibility upgrades for contractors, property managers and building owners.
- Healthcare and medical facilities
- Schools, universities and daycare facilities
- Municipal and government buildings
- Restaurants and hospitality properties
- Strata and multi-residential common areas
- Recreation, retail and commercial facilities
Every control follows the intended sequence.
Accessible washrooms may require an automatic operator, exterior activation, interior privacy controls, electric locking, occupied/vacant indication, emergency release and compatible assistance devices. The exact equipment is determined from the project design and applicable requirements.
Coordinate early.
Reduce gaps between trades.
Fastnet can review relevant drawings, door schedules, hardware sets and the required sequence of operation, then coordinate the automatic-door scope with the project team.
- Automatic-door equipment selection
- Construction drawing and hardware review
- Project-specific quotations
- Installation and trade coordination
- Setup, adjustment and functional testing
- Commissioning and facilities-team orientation
Apply the requirements to the actual project.
Requirements can vary with the building type, scope, permit date, location and applicable code provisions. Fastnet provides automatic-door expertise and works with the project team; final code interpretation and approval remain with the project professionals and authority having jurisdiction.
Clear answers before the service call.
Do new commercial and public buildings in BC require power-operated entrance doors?+
The Province states that, effective March 8, 2024, new commercial and public buildings and their common spaces must have power-operated doors at building and accessible washroom entrances. The applicable requirements should be confirmed for each project.
Can an existing manual door be upgraded for automatic operation?+
Often, yes. The door, frame, hinges, hardware, electrical requirements, mounting conditions and intended operating sequence must be assessed first.
Does an automatic operator alone make an entrance compliant?+
No. Accessibility depends on the complete entrance design, including clearances, hardware, activation, safety functions and the applicable project requirements.
Can Fastnet review construction drawings?+
Yes. Send the relevant plans, door schedule, hardware set, specifications and project milestones for an automatic-door scope review.
Tell us about the door or project.
Include the property location, operator brand, problem or project scope. Photos and drawings help us respond faster.
604.518.5490