No Doorknobs Vancouver
Let’s talk about something gripping—literally.
Vancouver, that dreamy city of mountains, sushi, and Stanley Park squirrels with attitude, made an iconic design decision that left the world both confused and low-key impressed:
They banned doorknobs.
Yes. In 2013, Vancouver gave the old round handle the boot and said, “Levers only, please.” And no, this isn’t a joke. It’s real, it’s official, and it’s so Vancouver.
TL;DR: Vancouver banned doorknobs in favor of levers to make life easier for everyone. It's practical, it's progressive, and honestly… it's kind of iconic. Now excuse us while we replace every knob in our house and pretend we live in a West Coast accessibility utopia.
Wait... Vancouver BANNED Doorknobs?
Correct. In a move that made headlines (and probably prompted at least one panicked hardware store manager), Vancouver amended its building code to require lever-style door handles instead of traditional round knobs in all new construction.
Not just for homes, but for all buildings. From luxury condos to public restrooms, it’s levers or bust.
Why the Switch?
The change wasn’t made because Vancouver has beef with antique brass or round things. The reason is universal accessibility.
Lever handles are significantly easier to use for:
The elderly
People with arthritis
Anyone carrying groceries, small children, or, you know, a much-needed latte
Levers don’t require wrist-twisting strength or tiny, knob-gripping precision. You can open one with your elbow, a cane, or the sheer force of a frustrated shoulder bump.
It’s a small tweak with a huge inclusivity payoff.
A Little Door-y History
Before Vancouver’s dramatic pivot, doorknobs had been a staple in North American homes since the 1800s, when they were patented as a luxury upgrade from the “just shove it closed and pray” method.
But by the 2000s, designers and accessibility advocates started questioning the almighty knob. And in 2013, Vancouver made the bold move to lead the charge.
This wasn’t just a whim. The city looked at studies, accessibility guidelines, and urban planning best practices. The result? A code change that made it the first major city in North America to officially ditch doorknobs.
Some Fun Knob-Free Facts
🏙️ All new buildings in Vancouver must follow the lever-handle rule. That includes private homes, condos, commercial spaces, and more.
🛠️ Old buildings and heritage homes are exempt. So don’t panic—if you're staying in a Victorian Airbnb, you might still get to twist your way into the bathroom like it’s 1899.
🧓 Canada’s population is aging, and this regulation is part of a larger trend toward “aging in place” design—basically, making sure your home doesn’t become a fortress of frustration once your joints start creaking.
But... What About Design?
Don’t worry, design snobs. Lever handles aren’t doomed to look like hospital room hardware. These days, you can find lever handles in:
Matte black minimalism
Sleek Scandi-chic brass
Even weirdly satisfying steampunk-industrial (if that’s your thing)
Form and function. It’s the Vancouver way.
Vancouver: The Unexpected Accessibility Icon
Between banning doorknobs, building bike lanes like it’s their full-time job, and trying to be the greenest city in the world, Vancouver is out here casually redefining what it means to design with purpose.
So the next time you stroll into a Vancouver café, hotel, or gallery and push down a smooth, accessible door lever, give a little nod of respect. It’s not just modern—it’s movement-friendly.