Businesses in Winnipeg must have accessible bathrooms, with requirements varying based on their status as a public-facing establishment versus an employer. Under Manitoba’s Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA), private businesses and non-profits are required to be accessible and must comply with new accessibility standards for 2025 and beyond (reference here). Beyond abiding by regulatory requirements, a number of thoughtful business and commercial property owners are considering accessible bathroom installation beyond the bare minimum, to feature more than the required facilities per square footage. The added benefits (beyond compliance) of doing so include the following:
- Access tax incentives: Businesses may be able to take advantage of tax credits and deductions offered for making their commercial spaces more accessible, which can help offset renovation costs.
- Increase property value: Accessible features are a desirable and long-term asset that can increase a commercial property’s overall market value. This is important should you desire to attract investors or lease/sell the property in the foreseeable future.
- Expand customer base: Where applicable (i.e. retail businesses) a more accessible business opens its doors to a wider consumer demographic, including people with disabilities, the elderly, families with strollers, and even those with temporary mobility issues. Statistics Canada reports that over 3.1 million Canadians aged 15 and over, or 10.6% of the population in that age group, have a mobility disability. The province of Manitoba as a whole (Winnipeg included) has a slightly higher overall disability rate than the national average, so the investment is certainly worthwhile on this benefit alone.
- Fosters customer and client loyalty: Where applicable (i.e. retail businesses), when customers and clients feel their needs, and those of others, are considered and respected, they are more likely to have a positive impression of the business. This often leads to repeat visits and strong word-of-mouth referrals.
- Enhances brand image: Greater on-premises accessibility signals that a business is inclusive and socially responsible, which builds a positive reputation among customers, clients, and the community as a whole. For many consumers, a company’s commitment to inclusivity is a factor in consumer purchasing decisions, where applicable.
- Improves customer, client, and guests experiences: Where applicable (i.e. retail businesses), more accessible bathrooms contribute to a smoother and more convenient experience for all visitors.
- Foster a more inclusive and positive workplace: Providing more accessible facilities ensures that all members of the team, regardless of ability, feel valued and accommodated. This creates an inclusive environment which studies have shown will lead to higher job satisfaction, better productivity, reduced turnover, and will serve to attract top talent for future hires.
- Reduce workplace injuries: Exceeding accessible design standards improve safety for all team members and users. This can significantly reduce the risk of injuries sustained from slips, falls, and other accidents.
The tangible and intangible (but no less important) return on investment is undeniable. Recognizing this, you’re ready to move forward with a consultation. You can call Vulcan Construction right now at 204-201-3455 to schedule an inspection of your commercial space and get a FREE quote on the project, or read ahead first from more information.
What to Know When You Want to Install an Accessible Bathroom to Your Commercial Business in Winnipeg (and why choose Vulcan Construction)
Interior Space Requirements?
Generally, an accessible bathroom installation in Winnipeg requires a minimum door-swing space of 60-inches by 56-inches and a clear floor turning space of at least 30 inches by 48 inches in front of fixtures. You can get all of the specs on the City of Winnipeg accessibility plan resource page here. However, your concern about square footage likely extends beyond the minimum requirements of a given room/space. For instance, what if you don’t have an old storage room, utility room, or changing room (etc.) for a conversion? With Vulcan Construction, you can leverage practically any empty space for an accessible bathroom installation. In the featured image above (also on Instagram) we show the Before & After of a recently completed accessible bathroom installation for a Winnipeg commercial property. We took an empty and unconfined open interior space and created a vibrant, spacious, and fully functional accessible bathroom for staff and visitors to use. We created something where there was absolutely nothing, and the client was beyond pleased with the result!
Cost to Add an Accessible Bathroom to Your Business
Logically, the cost of installing a new bathroom to your commercial property is dictated by a variety of other factors. These factors generally include the following:
- Size and complexity of layout.
- Existing vs new plumbing requirements.
- Whether or not the space is below the main sewer line, which (if so) would require a pump to move wastewater.
- Whether or not the breaking-up of a concrete floor is required to install plumbing or drains.
- Building owner desires for budget-friendly or premium toilets, sinks, lighting, and associated hardware.
- Building owner desires regarding flooring, paint, and other decorative elements.
- Whether or not extra waterproofing is required.
- Whether or not radon testing and mitigation is required.
- Whether or not the City of Winnipeg imposes local regulations that dictate the need for permits and inspections.
Ultimately, it’s a disservice for any commercial renovation contractor to provide an estimate on adding an accessible bathroom to a space without visiting your business for an inspection, or at the very least discussing the project with you on the phone beforehand. The good news, if that Vulcan Construction offers a FREE initial consultation and subsequent estimate. All that you need to do is click or tap the link below to initiate contact ad we’ll walk you through the rest.
The team behind Vulcan Construction has decades of collective experience and expertise in accessible bathroom installations. The featured image above is just one of many examples of the great work that our team does. Let’s get started on your new project with a quick call or email to schedule an inspection and FREE quote.
FREE QUOTE ON AN ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM ADDITION TO YOUR BUSINESS
(Winnipeg Area)