How Can Modern Security Turnstiles Exceed Toronto’s Accessibility Design Guidelines?

The City of Toronto’s 2021 Accessibility Design Guidelines have transformed how organizations approach entrance security. These comprehensive standards ensure barrier-free access for all people, particularly those with disabilities, while maintaining the security requirements that modern facilities demand. For businesses and institutions across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), understanding and implementing these guidelines isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating inclusive environments that welcome everyone.

What Are Toronto’s 2021 Accessibility Design Guidelines?

Toronto’s accessibility guidelines represent a significant step forward in universal design standards. Since their publication, these requirements have been widely adopted not only by public organizations but also by private companies throughout the GTA and surrounding municipalities. The guidelines address various aspects of building design, with a specific focus on entry control systems that can significantly impact the accessibility experience.

What Are the Accessibility Requirements for Turnstiles in Toronto?

The guidelines establish clear criteria for entrance control systems, focusing on four critical areas:

• 950mm minimum clear width – ensures wheelchairs, mobility devices, and users requiring personal assistance can pass through comfortably
• Break-away design for emergency egress – allows safe exit during emergencies without being trapped by security barriers
• Vision panels with color/brightness contrast – provides visual cues to help visually impaired users navigate entrance points safely
• Controls operable with closed fist – accommodates users with limited dexterity without requiring tight grasping, pinching, or wrist twisting

Why Do Legacy Turnstile Systems Fail Accessibility Standards?

The harsh reality is that most existing turnstile installations create exclusionary barriers rather than secure access points. Traditional narrow-lane turnstiles, designed decades ago with 24-30 inch (610-762mm) openings, physically prevent wheelchair users from entering—falling short of the 950mm requirement by as much as 300mm. These outdated systems exacerbate the problem by requiring users to navigate card readers, punch keypads, or maneuver through awkward turnstile mechanisms that are inaccessible to anyone with limited hand mobility or dexterity challenges.

The situation becomes even more problematic when facilities attempt retrofits. Organizations discover that simply widening existing lanes compromises the very security these systems were meant to provide, creating dangerous gaps in protection. This leaves facility managers facing an impossible choice: maintain security effectiveness while excluding portions of their community or achieve compliance while potentially compromising safety. It’s a lose-lose scenario that highlights why purpose-built accessible security solutions aren’t just preferable—they’re essential.

How Wide Should Accessibility Turnstile Lanes Be?

Contemporary turnstile systems provide lane widths ranging from 1000mm to 1200mm (39.4″ to 47.24″), significantly exceeding the 950mm requirement. Smarter Security’s wider lane portfolio accommodates:

• Standard wheelchairs and mobility scooters
• Oversized wheelchairs and medical equipment
  • Users with personal assistance or service animals
• Delivery personnel with equipment
• Emergency responders with gear

Available Models:

• Glassgate 150 Plus – 1000mm lane widths with windowless beam matrix
• Glassgate 400 – 1000mm lane widths with four barrier height options
• Glassgate 155 – 1200mm lane widths with waist-height barriers
• Glassgate 400 Plus – 1200mm lane widths with four barrier height options

What Should You Consider When Installing Accessible Turnstiles?

Successfully implementing accessible entrance control requires careful planning:

Space Planning:

• Wider lanes require more physical space, but often reduce the total lanes needed
• Professional assessment optimizes layouts for accessibility and space utilization
• Integration with existing architectural elements
• ADA-compliant pathways and signage

System Integration:

• Compatibility with existing access control infrastructure
• Integration with current card readers, databases, and security protocols
• Seamless transition and operation
• Backup systems for redundancy

Staff Training:

• Security personnel training on accessibility features
• Appropriate assistance protocols for users with disabilities
• Understanding when and how to provide help
• Emergency procedures for accessible systems

Maintenance Planning:

• Regular maintenance schedules for advanced detection systems
• Qualified service providers identified before installation
• Preventive maintenance to avoid operational disruptions
• Performance monitoring and optimization

How Much Do Accessible Security Turnstiles Cost?

While initial investment in advanced accessible turnstiles may be higher, they often deliver lower total cost of ownership:

Cost Benefits:

• Reduced maintenance needs with advanced systems
• Fewer false alarms reduce operational costs
• Improved efficiency reduces staffing requirements
• Future-proofing prevents costly upgrades

Risk Mitigation:

• Exceeding minimum requirements provides a regulatory buffer
• Reduces liability risks from accessibility incidents
• Confidence during accessibility audits and inspections
• Protection against future compliance costs

What’s Next for Accessible Security Technology?

As technology continues advancing, the future of accessible security includes:

• Enhanced AI recognition for different mobility devices
• Integration with building management systems for personalized assistance
• Voice-activated controls for users with limited mobility
• Advanced materials that improve visibility and durability
• IoT connectivity for predictive maintenance and performance monitoring

Setting New Accessibility Standards

Toronto’s Accessibility Design Guidelines have established important minimum standards, but leading organizations are choosing to exceed these requirements significantly. Modern security turnstiles prove that accessibility and security are not competing priorities—they’re complementary goals that can be achieved simultaneously.

By implementing solutions like Smarter Security’s wider lane portfolio that provide 1200mm lane widths, contactless operation, and intelligent detection systems, organizations create environments that welcome everyone while maintaining the highest security standards.

The investment in accessibility excellence pays dividends through:

• Improved user experiences for all visitors
• Enhanced operational efficiency and reduced costs
• Strong organizational reputation for inclusion
• Future-proof compliance with evolving standards

For organizations in the GTA ready to transform their entrance experience, modern turnstile solutions offer the perfect combination of accessibility, security, and efficiency. The question isn’t whether to meet accessibility standards—it’s how far to exceed them.

 

This article was reviewed for accuracy by Colin Wright, the President of Integracom Management Consultants Inc., and Sales Channel Development at Smarter Security. 

Colin Wright is the President of Integracom Management Consultants Inc. with over 30 years of experience in management consulting, specializing in business architecture, strategic planning, and innovative security solutions, including patented drone technology and solar-powered perimeter detection systems. His extensive career spans leadership roles across telecommunications, government IT planning, and security industry business development.