Accessible washrooms and bathrooms for people with disabilities
An accessible washroom has a door you can open and lock on your own, enough room to turn a wheelchair, securely anchored grab bars and controls that are easy to reach. We renovate the whole room or adapt whatever is getting in the way.
What usually gets in the way.
The wheelchair can't turn
The room is too small or badly laid out for a wheelchair user to get in, close the door and transfer.
A door and lock that are hard to use
A door that swings inward, a lock with a small thumb turn: two common obstacles.
No grab bars
Without solidly anchored bars, moving from the wheelchair to the toilet becomes risky.
Nobody can tell if it's occupied
Without an indicator, customers knock or pull on a locked door.
How we remove these obstacles.
Automatic opening
An operator on the washroom door, with a button outside and inside.
Accessible locking
An easy-to-press lock button, linked to the operator and to a vacant/occupied indicator.
Emergency release
Staff can open the door from outside when needed.
Full renovation
Demolition, relocated fixtures, flooring, grab bars, sink and accessories at the right height.
Automated washroom systems
- Automatic opening
- Accessible locking
- Vacant/occupied indicator
- Emergency release
Layout and fixtures
- Grab bars
- Sink with clear space underneath
- Accessible controls and accessories
- Full room renovation
Brands and models are chosen for your door and how it is used. REFEXCO is not the exclusive dealer of any manufacturer.
Done by the rules.
- In a commercial building, the layout follows the barrier-free design section of the Code de construction du Québec (Quebec Construction Code); the CSA B651 standard is the reference for the details.
- Reconfiguring a commercial washroom often requires a municipal permit: we check with your municipality before the work starts.
- REFEXCO (RBQ licence: 5683-0334-01) installs the door openers and coordinates the job. The electrical supply is handled by an electrical contractor who is a member of the CMEQ, and the plumbing by a contractor who is a member of the CMMTQ.
Programs that can cover part of the cost.
Status and conditions come from official sites. No amount is guaranteed: the program confirms eligibility.
Open · Businesses located in the Montréal agglomeration (agglomeration by-law RCG 17-011).
Programme d'aide à l'accessibilité des commerces (PAAC) – Subvention pour l'accessibilité universelle aux commerces
City of Montréal (Service du développement économique)
Official source (opens in a new tab)Open · Tourism establishments anywhere in Québec.
Programme d'accessibilité des établissements touristiques (PAET) 2024-2027
Ministère du Tourisme du Québec, with program management entrusted to Kéroul
Official source (opens in a new tab)Open · All of Québec, except Indian reserves.
Programme d'adaptation de domicile (PAD) – Volet I, Option 1 – Accompagnement professionnel
Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ), with partner municipalities and regional county municipalities (MRCs)
Official source (opens in a new tab)Open · All of Québec, except Indian reserves.
Programme d'adaptation de domicile (PAD) – Volet I, Option 2 – Besoins et travaux autodéterminés
Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ)
Official source (opens in a new tab)Open · Targeted areas only: the downtown area and the Cap-de-la-Madeleine area (Schedule I of the by-law).
Programme d'accessibilité universelle des établissements de commerce et de services de Trois-Rivières
City of Trois-Rivières (Direction de l'aménagement et du développement)
Official source (opens in a new tab)Open · Buildings used for commercial or service purposes located in Victoriaville.
Victoriaville ville inclusive – volet commercial (Adaptation de bâtiments)
City of Victoriaville
Official source (opens in a new tab)
Frequently asked questions
How do you make a washroom wheelchair accessible?
It needs a door that's easy to open and lock, clear space to turn around, grab bars near the toilet and a sink with clear space underneath. REFEXCO measures the room and tells you whether it can be adapted or has to be reconfigured.
Can a public washroom door be made automatic?
Yes. An operator, a button outside, a lock button inside linked to a vacant/occupied indicator, and an emergency release for staff.
Do I need a permit to reconfigure a washroom in a business?
In many municipalities, yes, especially when walls or plumbing are moved. We check your municipality's rules before starting.
Services that go with it.
Can your washroom be made accessible?
Send a photo of the door and the room, with its approximate dimensions. We'll tell you what's possible.