The Ontario Building Code | Water Closets
3.8.3.9. water Closets
(1) A water closet described in Clause 3.8.3.8.(1)(c) or (10)(c) or 3.8.3.12.(1)(d) shall,
(a) be equipped with a seat located at not less than 430 mm and not more than 485 mm above the finished floor,
(b) be equipped with hand-operated flushing controls that are easily accessible to a wheelchair user or be automatically operable,
(c) be equipped with a back support where there is no seat lid or tank, and
(d) not have a spring-activated seat.
(2) Hand-operated flushing controls required by Clause (1)(b) shall be operable using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N.
In Plain Language
A barrier-free water closet must have a seat set within a specific height range, hand-operated or automatic flushing controls that are easily reachable, and a backrest, tailoring the fixture for accessible use.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.