Presented is evidence on the increasing need to plan for the accommodation of the physically handicapped in the design and construction of present and future public buildings and transportation facilities in Canada. Terms such as "architectural barriers" and "disability" are defined. Statistics on disability incidence in Canada (one out of seven persons) are presented and reasons for the increase such as improved medical care and motor vehicle accidents are suggested. Psychological effects of architectural barriers are seen to include an increased sense of isolation and dependency. Recreation is thought to play an important role in the social life of the handicapped and to require more accessible facilities. Negative effects of architectural barriers on the economy are illustrated by hospital and housing costs and employment cost benefit figures for vocational education. Existing legislation on architectural barriers in Canada, Britain, and the United States is summarized and critiqued. A survey of public and private transportation problems of the physically disabled is reported. The major recommendation of the report is the need for a government affiliated coordinating authority with functions such as revising relevant legislative standards, conducting cost feasibility studies on elimination of architectural barriers, serving as a central source of information, and counseling individuals and organizations on accessibility features. Appended are a bibliography of 121 items and examples of pertinent forms. (DB)