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Inclusive washroom guidelines
Learning Space Design Guidelines
UBC Technical Guidelines
Policies & Guidelines View
Inclusive washroom guidelines
Learning Space Design Guidelines
UBC Technical Guidelines

Inclusive washroom guidelines

Inclusive washrooms are washrooms that can be used safely, accessibly, and comfortably by all members of the UBC community and visitors to the UBC Vancouver (Point Grey) and Okanagan campuses. They help create a welcoming environment for people who may not feel safe or respected in washrooms designated solely for men or women, including many trans, Two-Spirit, and non-binary individuals.  

Washrooms that are shared by all people regardless of gender (often referred to as all-gender washrooms) can reduce anxiety and fear by lowering the risk of negative or traumatic experiences, such as physical assault, verbal abuse or other disrespectful behaviours.  

While gender is often the focus of discussion about washroom design, the importance of supporting individuals with both visible and invisible disabilities, diverse religious practices, and those who have experienced violence in these spaces is also recognized. At UBC, inclusive washrooms are intended to expand choice, not replace existing options. UBC will not eliminate gender-specific washrooms, but rather, ensures a range of washroom options are accessible to meet diverse needs and preferences.

This work is complex and extends beyond design considerations. It involves collaboration and multiple partners across the university, as well as the review and evolution of technical guidelines and operational processes. These Guidelines are published as version 1.0, with the understanding that best practices and research in this area will continue to grow over time. 

The Guidelines

The UBC Inclusive Washroom Design Guidelines outline strategies and considerations when planning new accessible and inclusive washrooms, as well as modifying existing spaces on campus where the opportunity arises. The Guidelines also establish shared language and a set of concepts to support meaningful collaboration among community members, consultants, and project teams.  

The Guidelines were developed in partnership with UBC Equity & Inclusion Office, informed by earlier consultation work with TransFocus Consulting Inc, and shaped ongoing insights and feedback from our partners and the broader UBC community. HCMA architecture + design prepared the initial Guideline document and contributed expertise on industry best practice. Within UBC Facilities, teams in Building Operations, Technical Review Team, and Custodial Services provided valuable feedback. Campus & Community Planning’s Sustainability team was also consulted. 

The Guidelines are intended to be used in consultation with planning professionals and technical experts, in combination with other reference documents at UBC, including the Technical Guidelines and the Accessible Building Guidelines (anticipated release in late 2026).  

Inclusive washroom upgrades and renovations are currently client-funded. For requests of this nature, please connect with your Building Administrator to submit a Service Request.    

View the Inclusive Washroom Guidelines [PDF]

Our commitment

The Inclusive Washroom Project began in 2019, following direction from the Office of the Provost & Vice-President Academic. A team was formed with representatives from UBC Facilities and the Equity & Inclusion Office along with external consultants to lead a campus-wide consultation on inclusive washrooms across UBC Vancouver (Point Grey) and Okanagan campuses. This work aligned with UBC’s broader commitment to inclusion, and specifically with Goal 2.0: Systems Change, H. Inclusive Infrastructure in the Inclusion Action Plan.  

Inclusion is a core part of UBC’s strategic commitments, and inclusive washroom facilities are one important element of this work. We take our responsibility to advance accessibility and inclusion seriously and will continue to evolve the Guidelines as we learn from experience, engagement, and emerging practices. 

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