Cochrane's largest infrastructure project to date, the much-anticipated Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge, recently had its grand opening, which was marked by a low-key, physically distanced celebration and plenty of fireworks.

Now that the phrase "go home and stay home" has become 2020's mantra, the importance of affordable housing in Calgary is greater than ever. After all, what does "stay home" mean for those do not have a home or live in unhealthy conditions?

Calgarians are seeing the value of universally designed spaces and inclusive communities. In fact, those close to the issue say that is the key – recognizing that intentional accessibility built in at the initial design phase is the most economical, adaptable and seamlessly integrated approach, rather than including it as an afterthought.

Most homes are not designed to accommodate the needs of someone who uses a wheelchair. This creates challenges when it comes to entering, turning and even using the features within a room.

However, there are several additions or renovations that can reduce or eliminate the barriers people who use a wheelchair face within the home.

If you feel that stairs are overrated and basements are underused, a bungalow might be your ideal home style. Apart from the added convenience single-level living provides for those with mobility issues, bungalows offer flexible living arrangements and definite "aging in place" potential.

The city of Calgary is home to more than 1,000 playgrounds that families can choose from for a fun-filled outing.

"What I love most about Calgary is there are so many options here," said Dana Wheatley, founder of Calgary Playground Review and mom to three children.

Visitable housing offers more than accessibility for disabled individuals; it could be the future of single family homes in an increasingly aged society. So why isn't it catching on?

Carla Berezowski looks at many of Calgary's new neighbourhoods from the last decade and sees missed opportunities.

A specialist in barrier-free design, the consultant works mostly with aging Calgarians, retrofitting their homes to accommodate mobility needs.

"People are usually reacting to a situation like, 'My mom fell' and they want to make their house accessible to accommodate aging parents," said Berezowski, owner of Aging in Place Calgary.

New building codes on the horizon

The national standards that inform provincial building codes have received their twice a decade overhaul, however some of the changes may not take effect in Alberta for a awhile.

Every five years, Codes Canada (formerly the National Model Construction Codes), under National Research Council Canada, is updated to reflect changing needs and demands in residential and building construction. The 2015 edition includes approximately 600 changes to building, fire and plumbing codes.

Among the major changes to building codes is an increase in the minimum run dimension on interior stairs (the depth of the step) from 210 mm to 254. André Laroche, manager of regulatory solutions for Codes Canada, says this increase may reduce falls by as much as 64 per cent.

Startup aims to improve accessibility for all Calgarians

A new company founded by a familiar face is developing a game plan on how to improve accessibility of all city-owned buildings.

Darby Lee Young sat on the City of Calgary's advisory committee on accessibility for nearly five years – more than two of those years as the chair – before launching, earlier this year, the universal design consulting company Level Playing Field.

The Calgary-based firm will be auditing about 1,000 city-owned structures, including the Municipal Building, to determine improvements that need to be made to make the facilities accessible to people of all abilities.

When home becomes an obstacle course

Home is where many Calgarians seek refuge, rest and relaxation. Yet for people with limited mobility, home can become a stressful obstacle course where everyday tasks are nearly impossible.

"People don't know that their neighbour three houses over is trapped in their home, and with an aging population, I think we're going to see it all the more," said Jeff Dyer, executive director of Accessible Housing Calgary.

"The need (for accessible housing) is really great. It's a very hidden problem."