Real Estate Firms Honoured for Accessibility
Three commercial property leaders received recognition for their commitment to building accessibility during the 2025-2026 challenge.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Commercial
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During the 2025-2026 period, GWL Realty Advisors, QuadReal Property Group, and Colliers were honoured for their leadership in building accessibility. The awards were presented at the national BOMEX conference.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights organizational commitments to advancing inclusive infrastructure across properties they own or manage. These efforts serve to identify and mitigate physical and sensory barriers in the built environment.
The awards highlighted achievement across 4 specific areas of accessibility. The Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification measures building performance for mobility, vision, hearing, and neurodiversity needs.
The players
Rick Hansen Foundation
This organization promotes the physical and social integration of people with disabilities through various awareness and accessibility initiatives.
BOMA Canada
This is a national association that represents the commercial real estate industry and supports the Building Without Barriers Challenge.
GWL Realty Advisors
This firm manages a diverse portfolio of office, retail, industrial, and residential properties across Canada.
QuadReal Property Group
This global real estate investment, operating, and development company manages assets on behalf of the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation.
Colliers
This diversified professional services and investment management company operates in the commercial real estate sector worldwide.
The details
The Building Without Barriers Challenge, supported by BOMA Canada, utilizes the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification to assess and address barriers within commercial spaces. Participating organizations undergo training to build the necessary knowledge and capacity to improve accessibility standards.
Timeline
The Building Without Barriers Challenge took place throughout 2025-2026.
Culture Shift
The widespread adoption of the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification reflects a broader societal move toward universal design in commercial infrastructure. This trend signals a transition where accessibility is becoming a core performance metric for major property developers rather than a peripheral consideration.
For building occupants and visitors, these standards mean improved navigation for those with mobility, vision, or hearing needs. Tenants may see increased building utility and long-term improvements in workspace inclusivity within these managed properties.
The takeaway
Commercial property managers are increasingly using standardized certification programs to audit and improve the accessibility of their buildings. Owners and tenants can look to these verified frameworks when evaluating the inclusivity of their own physical spaces.
Further reading
Learn more about industry developments at Canada Commercial.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Construct Connect.
Live Poll
Should commercial property owners prioritize universal accessibility features in the buildings they manage?
