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Ingress and Egress

Explore ingress and egress in Canadian real estate — why legal access matters for commercial use, safety, and site design.

Ingress and Egress

June 09, 2025


What is Ingress and Egress?

Ingress and egress refer to the legal rights of access into (ingress) and out of (egress) a property, particularly important in commercial real estate and site planning.

Why Ingress and Egress Matter in Real Estate

In Canadian real estate, clear ingress and egress are essential for safety, usability, and legal compliance—especially for retail, office, or industrial properties.



Considerations include:
  • Driveway and road access
  • Emergency exits
  • Shared access rights (e.g., easements)
  • Parking lot design and flow



Restrictions or unclear access can reduce a property’s value, complicate development, or lead to legal disputes.



Understanding ingress and egress is vital for buyers, tenants, developers, and municipalities ensuring accessible and compliant site layouts.

Example of Ingress and Egress in Action

Before signing the lease, the tenant confirms that the storefront has direct egress to the rear alley for deliveries and fire compliance.

Key Takeaways

  • Defines legal property access
  • Essential for safety and operations
  • Affects value and compliance
  • Includes pedestrian and vehicle flow
  • Must be verified in commercial deals

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Construction Loan

A construction loan is a short-term, interim financing option used to fund the building or major renovation of a property, with funds disbursed in. more

Certificate of Occupancy

A certificate of occupancy is an official document issued by a municipal authority confirming that a building complies with applicable codes and is. more

Bylaw Variance

A bylaw variance is official permission granted by a municipal authority allowing a property owner to deviate from local zoning or building bylaw. more

Absorption Rate

Absorption rate is a metric that measures the rate at which available properties are sold or leased in a specific market over a given period.. more

Corporate Restructuring

Corporate restructuring refers to the reorganization of a company’s operations, assets, or liabilities, often under court supervision, to improve. more

Consumer Proposal

A consumer proposal is a formal, legally binding agreement in Canada between an individual and their creditors to repay a portion of their debt over. more

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