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

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Public realm improvements are enhancements to public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, plazas, and streetscapes, often funded or contributed by. more

Mortgagee in Possession

A mortgagee in possession is a lender who takes control of a property after borrower default, but before foreclosure or power of sale. The lender. more

Lease Surrender Agreement

A lease surrender agreement is a negotiated contract between a landlord and tenant that ends a lease before its scheduled expiration. Terms may. more

Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure refers to natural or engineered systems that manage stormwater, reduce heat, and improve sustainability in developments.. more

Escrow Holdback

An escrow holdback is a portion of funds withheld at closing and held in escrow until specific conditions are met, such as completion of repairs,. more

Underused Housing Tax

The Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is a federal annual 1% tax on the value of vacant or underused residential property owned by non-resident,. more

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