 |  |  |  |  |
| Contact Alek Antoniuk, the author of this site, by phone at: +1-416-856-0241 | CodeNews.ca
is pleased to introduce De Lint Consulting (DCI) to our readers. Visit the website of our Toronto-based affiliate. | Visit the CodeNews Articles page for opinions and other useful information. | ONTARIO BUILDING CODE HISTORY new...! Historic documents detailing the development of the OBC. | CodeNews.ca opposes those who work to destroy our freedom, our economy, our culture and our civilization. |
DATE |
PROVINCE OR JURISDICTION |
NEWS |
| 16-SEP-2021 | ALBERTA 2015 National Plumbing Code of Canada STANDATA Plumbing Bulletin Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice STANDATA Private Sewage Bulletin | Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on September 16, 2021, that that the following STANDATA are now available: The
purpose of this bulletin is to inform the plumbing industry of
requirements for installations where the sewage from a plumbing system
is discharged into a municipal sewage collection system. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide clarity on the alarm requirement for on-site wastewater treatment systems. |
| 14-SEP-2021 | ONTARIO Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Building and Development Branch | Ontario's
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced to its staff on
September 13, 2021 that a new Planning and Growth Division will be
created on September 20, 2021 to integrate policy portfolios related to provincial, regional,
and municipal land use planning, as well as buildings and construction. The Planning and Growth Division will consist of:
|
| 13-SEP-2021 | ALBERTA 2018 Canadian Electrical Code STANDATA Electrical Bulletins STANDATA Electrical Variance 2019 Alberta Building Code 2019 Alberta Fire Code STANDATA Fire Variance | Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on September 13, 2021, that that the following STANDATA are now available: |
| 08-SEP-2021 | ONTARIO 2012 Building Code Public Consultation on "Tiny Homes" and Remote Inspections | The
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario
CodeNews e-bulletin #316, dated September 8, 2021, to announce a
public consultation on proposed changes to the Ontario Building Code
related to building permits and inspections for Tiny Homes and to
clarify the requirements for remote inspections. The announcement was posted on Ontario's Regulatory Registry on September 8, 2021. Comments are due by October 23, 2021. Download a discussion paper titled "Discussion Paper – Proposed Changes to the Building Code for Tiny Homes and Remote Inspections - August 2021" |
| 07-SEP-2021 | ONTARIO 2012 Building Code Building Code Guides | The
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario
CodeNews e-bulletin #315, dated September 7, 2021, to announce that the
following three updates guides, that reflect changes to the 2012
Building Code Compendium amended December 16, 2020, are now available:
All guides are available for purchase at the Publications Ontario web site. |
| 02-SEP-2021 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code STANDATA Building Code Interpretation Fire Code Interpretation | Paul Chang, Alberta Municipal
Affairs Provincial Building Administrator, has graciously advised
that the following joint STANDATA Building/Fire Interpretation is
now available: The purpose of this Interpretation is to clarify the applicable requirements of the National Fire Code-2019 Alberta Edition and the National Building Code-2019 Alberta Edition for occupancies licensed to provide overnight childcare services. |
| 02-SEP02021 | ONTARIO 2012 Building Code Transit Corridor Lands | The
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario
CodeNews e-bulletin #314, dated September 2, 2021, to announce that Order in Council 690/2021, designating the transit corridor lands for the Ontario Line in the City of Toronto, came into force on June 3, 2021. Properties that fall on, or within 30 meters of, the designated transit corridor lands for this project are subject to certain conditions set out in the Building Transit Faster Act, 2020. This includes the requirement to obtain a corridor development permit from Metrolinx to build, alter, or place a building or other structure on designated transit corridor lands, in addition to any required municipal permits, licences and/or approvals before work can proceed. As of June 3, 2021, corridor development permits are applicable law under the Ontario Building Code for any building permit application on, or within 30 metres of, the designated transit corridor lands for the Ontario Line in the City of Toronto. Background: On December 16, 2020, the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing made Ontario Regulation 762/20, to amend Ontario’s Building Code to update the list of applicable laws to align with the Building Transit Faster Act, 2020. On March 12, 2021, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation delegated certain functions, including the administration of corridor development permits, in the Building Transit Faster Act, 2020 to Metrolinx. This delegation of functions was intended to streamline project delivery and support accelerated completion of priority transit projects. For more information:
|
| 26-AUG-2021 | QUÉBEC La Régie du bâtiment du Québec | On August 26, 2021, the Régie du Building du Québec (RBQ) announced the following new measures to protect the public and enhance quality in the construction industry:
As
of April 1, 2022, construction supervisors will have to complete a
minimum of 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years. This
requirement will affect more than 21,000 companies. The RBQ is setting up unique, updated, computerized exams, which will allow for accelerated marking, a rigorous validation of skills and the faster issuance of licenses.
The
RBQ plans to increase its presence in the field by hiring almost
130 new staff by 2022. Of these, more than 70% will focus on
inspections and investigations.
The
RBQ plans to provide more information to consumers to help them make
informed choices concerning their contractors. The complaint process
will also be revised as well as the protection offered to the public. |
| 26-AUG-2021 | QUÉBEC Le Bureau de normalisation du Québec | On June 20, 2021, the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) announced
the publication of the first reference standard for the
investigation and rehabilitation of buildings contaminated by dry rot.
The Régie du Building du Québec collaborated on the work as a
member of the standardization committee. Dry rot is a fungus that feeds on wood and destroys it. It is a destructive and hard-to-control fungus that frequently attacks houses in Quebec. Download a free copy of BNQ Standard 3009-610, "Dry Rot Contamination of Dwellings - Investigation and Rehabilitation of the Building" contains information concerning best practices for decontamination work, corrective work and communication with the customer. This publication is only available in the French language. |
| 03-AUG-2021 | QUÉBEC Le Bureau de normalisation du Québec | Le Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) is holding a public consultation on a draft standard, BNQ 3009-500 - "Practices for the Inspection of a Residential Building",
which is intended to be a consensus standard to establish and
standardize building inspection practices for housing and would be
applicable to all categories of residential building in Québec. The consultation, in the French language, commenced on July 5, 2021 and will end on October 3, 2021. To comment on the proposed standard, visit the BNQ Consultation web site. |
| 03-AUG-2021 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code STANDATA Errata to the Building Code | Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on August 3, 2021, that that the following Building Code STANDATA is now available: The purpose of this STANDATA is to correct an error in section 3.8 of Div. B of the National Building Code-2019 Alberta Edition related to accessible examination and treatment rooms. |
| 21-JUL-2021 | CANADA National Research Council of Canada National Guide for Wildland-Urban Interface Fires | The National Research Council of Canada has published the 2021 National Guide for Wildland-Urban Interface Fires. The Guide is intended to mitigate the growing risk of damage and loss due to Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) fires by improving the resilience of buildings, infrastructure and communities to wildfire. This 162 page Guide provides support for diminishing the risk in the WUI areas of Canada and includes information on: • hazard and exposure assessment • vegetation management and construction measures • community planning and resources • emergency planning and outreach The Guide is a comprehensive resource for anyone working towards minimizing the impact of WUI fires on buildings, infrastructure and communities and improving their resilience, including local governments and authorities, planners, emergency managers, developers, insurers, and property owners. |
| 13-JUL-2021 | BRITISH COLUMBIA 2019 Vancouver Plumbing By-law Revision 2 | The
revised sections of the 2019 Vancouver Plumbing By-law (Book II),
effective as of June 1, 2021 have now been published on the BC Publications website. The consolidated edition of the 2019 Vancouver Plumbing By-law (including Revision 2) is posted here. A “Point in time” folder has been created which allows you to view the content as it read prior to June 1, 2021. The “Point in time” folders are accessible within each Part (if applicable). Amendments to the 2019 Vancouver Building By-law (Book I) effective as of June 1, 2021 will be published later this year. Also, the Chief Building Official of Vancouver had advised earlier, on June 1, 2021, that Section D-2.11. in Appendix D of the January 1, 2021 consolidation of the Vancouver Building By-law amendments was not correctly updated along with the rest of the online Building By-law amendments. This omission has now been corrected, and consolidated text matching the enactment of Building By-law #12715 has now included removing the discrepancy between this and other versions. |
| 02-JUN-2021 | CANADA Canadian Free Trade Agreement | Joe
Rogers P.Eng, Building Code Coordinator, NS Office of the Fire Marshal,
Department of Municipal Affairs, has kindly advised that the Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table (RCT) established under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) has published the full text of the Reconciliation Agreement on Construction Codes that was signed by all federal, territorial, and provincial governments. The Agreement is intended to:
|
| 31-MAY-2021 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code STANDATA Building Code Variance | Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on May 31, 2021, that that the following Building Code Variance is now available: The purpose of this variance is to allow the use of Structural Insulated Panels in buildings constructed under Part 9 of the National Building Code – 2019 Alberta Edition. |
| 24-MAY-2021 | CANADA 2017 National Energy Code for Buildings. | Codes
Canada announced on May 21, 2021 that Natural Resources Canada,
the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and CSA Group have worked
together to develop training courses to help users apply the National
Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2017 (as well as videos)
targeted to contractors, designers and building officials. The following NECB 2017 on-line training courses are self-paced and interactive:
These training materials complement the NECB 2017, which is available in print format in the NRC Virtual Store, and in free electronic format from the NRC Publications Archive. |
| 18-MAY-2021 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code STANDATA Building Code Variance | Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on May 18, 2021, that that the following Building Code Variance is now available: This variance covers the use of steel rung-type ladders or “ship’s ladders” / “fixed industrial stairs” as an alternative for interior stairways for accessing rooftop HVAC equipment. |
| 12-MAY-2021 | ALBERTA Alberta Private Sewage Systems SOP | On May 12, 2021, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced the availability of the following guidance document: Due to the temporary nature of work camps, it is difficult to apply the Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice (SOP) to this industry. Alberta Municipal Affairs has developed this guidance document to clarify existing and new requirements for sewage treatment and disposal systems in the work camp industry. This guidance document applies to daily sewage effluent volumes of less than 25 m3 (5500 Imperial gallons). Greater effluent volumes (more than 25 m3) are under the jurisdiction of Alberta Environment and Parks. The guidance document applies to existing work camp variance holders, new variance applications, and management plans. These guidelines ensure consistent requirements are maintained and enforced throughout the work camp industry. |
| 06-MAY-2021 | CITY OF VANCOUVER 2019 Vancouver Building and Plumbing By-laws | On May 6, 2021, BC Publications announced that the
consolidation of amendments to the 2019 Vancouver Building By-law (Book
I and Book II) effective as of January 1, 2021 has now been published
onlinein its Public Library. A “Point in time” folder has been created which allows viewing the content as it read prior to January 1, 2021. The “Point in time” folders are accessible within each Part if applicable. For users of the binder versions of the By-laws, the revised sections of the By-laws may be downloaded from: |
| 28-APR-2021 | ONTARIO TSSA Gaseous Fuels Code Adoption Document Propane Code Adoption Document Oil and GasPipelineSystems CodeAdoption Document | Zenon
Fraczkowski, P.Eng, Manager of Fuels Engineering, Program
Administration, Technical Standards & Safety Authority advised on
April 28, 2021 that the TSSA Director has amended the Gaseous Fuels
Code Adoption Document (CAD). CAD FS-255-21
was published on March 1, 2021 and becomes effective on May 1,
2021. This CAD amendment supersedes CAD FS-225-17 (dated April
10, 2017). However CAD FS-225-17 will continue to apply until May
1, 2021. Significant changes made by this new CAD amendment include:
The major changes implemented in CAD FS-254-20 were:
|
| 13-APR-2021 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code STANDATA Building Code Interpretation Building Code Variance Building Code Bulletin | Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on April 13, 2021, that the following 3 Building Code STANDATA are now available: The
purpose of this interpretation is to provide clarification when
manufactured engineered components need not be designed by a registered
engineering professional. The
purpose of this variance is to recognize
the acceptability of CSA A277 certification in
place of the Alberta labeling program for relocatable
industrial camp buildings. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide guidance on when a building permit is required. |
| 09-APR-2021 | QUÉBEC Construction Code Chapter I.1 – Energy Efficiency of Buildings, and National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2015 (amended) | Codes
Canada Publication Sales has announced that, as of March 22, 2021, the
Quebec Construction Code, Chapter I.1 – Energy Efficiency of Buildings,
and National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2015 (amended) is
available now in print format and free electronic format through the NRC Virtual Store. This new document is published by the National Research Council of Canada on behalf of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec. The document sets out technical requirements for the energy efficient design and construction of new buildings, additions, and public swimming pools in Quebec. These requirements are expected to improve the overall energy performance of buildings by 27.9%, on average, relative to the existing energy efficiency requirements in effect in Quebec since 1983. The document contains both new Chapter I.1, Energy Efficiency of Buildings, of the Quebec Construction Code and an amended National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2015 clearly indicating the changes adopted by the province of Quebec. With its reader-friendly format, this document is an indispensable tool for building designers, energy consultants and subcontractors, construction professionals, and regulatory officials in Quebec. |
| 07-APR-2021 | CANADA National Building Code National Fire Code National Plumbing Code National Energy Code for Buildings. | Paul
Chang, Alberta Municipal Affairs Provincial Building
Administrator, has graciously advised that the Canadian
model national codes are now available for direct download. In
other words, one is no longer required to set up an account and log in
to view a document. Recent model national codes available for direct download include:
|
| 07-APR-2021 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code | Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on April 7, 2021, that its Building Codes and Standards Web Page has been updated to provide direct references to its Building Codes, Standards, Guidelines and Forms. The following Codes are listed: Codes Currently In Force in Alberta:
|
| 02-MAR-2021 | NEW BRUNSWICK General Regulation – Building Code Administration Act Barrier-FreeDesign Building Code Regulation – Building Code Administration Act | The Province of News Brunswick filed Regulation 2021-2 under the Building Code Administration Act to amend the General Regulation – Building Code Administration Act on January 28, 2021. This regulation adopts the following National Codes of Canada in New Brunswick:
Both regulations came into force on February 1, 2021. CodeNews.ca thanks: Dana Scherf, P.Eng., for alerting us to this news.Director, Code and Life Safety, Principal; Senior Code Consultant Morrison Hershfield  |
| 22-FEB-2021 | QUÉBEC Construction Code Chapter III, Plumbing | A regulation (Décret 65-2021)
amending Chapter III, Plumbing, of the Construction Code (Chapter
B-1.1, r. 2) was published in the Gazette officielle du Québec, on
February 10, 2021, to incorporate the 2015 National Plumbing Code
- Canada, along with modifications to adapt it to the specific
needs of Québec. It also retains several Québec modifications
made in previous editions. The main changes introduced by this regulation are:
|
| 22-FEB-2021 | QUÉBEC Ventilation and Transmission of COVID-19 in Schools and Care Facilities | The Québec Ministry of Health and Social Services has published a report on the ventilation and transmission of COVID-19 in schools and in care facilities. The report is titiled: "VENTILATION ET TRANSMISSION DE LA COVID-19 EN MILIEU SCOLAIRE ET EN MILIEU DE SOINS RAPPORT DU GROUPE D’EXPERTS SCIENTIFIQUES ET TECHNIQUES (JANVIER 2021)" This 38 page report was prepared by a group of scientific and technical experts along with the Régie du bâtiment du Québec and made 19 recommendations. |
| 06-FEB-2021 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code STANDATA Application for Barrier-Free Relaxation | Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on February 4, 2021, that the Application for Barrier Free Relaxation form has been updated. View the latest version of the form on the Alberta Municipal Affairs website, where you can download a .pdf version of the Application for Barrier-Free Relaxation or you can submit the application electronically. |
| 02-FEB-2021 | ALBERTA Gas Code Regulation STANDATA Gas Code Variance STANDATA Gas Safety Information Bulletin | Alberta
Municipal Affairs advised on February 2, 2021, that, Sidney Manning,
the Provincial Gas Administrator had authorized the issuance of the
following STANDATA variance: Sidney Manning, the Provincial Gas Administrator has authorized the issuance of the following STANDATA Gas Safety Information Bulletins:
|
| 02-FEB-2021 | ALBERTA Gas Code Regulation Notices | Alberta
Municipal Affairs advised on February 2, 2021, that the following gas codes adopted under the Gas Code Regulation (AR 111/2010) came into effect on February 1, 2021 under the Safety Codes Act:
The following additional Gas Code Notices were issued: |
| 28-JAN-2021 | ALBERTA Gas Code Regulation STANDATA Gas Notice | Alberta
Municipal Affairs advised on January 28, 2021, that certain gas
fireplaces manufactured by Canadian Hearth Manufacturing Inc. and Luxor
Manufacturing Inc.:
|
| 18-JAN-2021 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code 2019 Fire Code STANDATA Building Code Bulletin STANDATA Fire Code Interpretation | Alberta
Municipal Affairs advised on January 18, 2021, that:
|
| 08-JAN-2021 | ONTARIO 2012 Building Code | Amendment
Package #9 (December 16, 2020 update) to The 2012 Building Code
Compendium (Publication #: 300411) is now available for free download
from the Publications Ontario eCommerce store. The hardcopy binder insert version of Amendment Package #9 (Publication #: 300410) is expected to be available "around January 25, 2021" at a cost of $40.00, according to Publications Ontario. Download the 140 page free .pdf copy of Amendment Package #9 from the Publications Ontario eCommerce store. Amendment Package #9 contains the following amendments to the 2012 Building Code Compendium:
|
| 07-JAN-2021 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code STANDATA Building Code Interpretation | Alberta
Municipal Affairs advised on January 7, 2021, that Paul Chang,
Provincial Building Administrator, has authorized the issuance of the
following STANDATA Building Code Interpretation: The Province of Alberta’s Barrier-Free Administrator and Provincial Building Administrator are receiving barrier-free relaxation requests that they deem are either not appropriate for relaxation or that lack the required review by the authority having jurisdiction (i.e. accredited municipality or agency) during the building permit application stage. This interpretation is intended to clarify when a request for relaxation of barrier-free requirements is appropriate. |
| 06-JAN-2021 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code STANDATA Building Code Bulletin | Alberta
Municipal Affairs advised on January 6, 2021, that Paul Chang,
Provincial Building Administrator, has authorized the issuance of the
following STANDATA Building Code Bulletin: This bulletin is intended to clarify the application of Division C, Sentences 2.4.2.1.(4) and 2.4.2.1.(7) as it relates to an architect or engineer providing the services of the other. |
| 05-JAN-2021 | ONTARIO 2012 Building Code | The
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario
CodeNews e-bulletin #310, dated January 5, 2021, to announce that the Ontario Building Code was amended on December 16, 2020 [ THREE WEEKS AGO ] by Ontario Regulation 762/20 but decided not to make any announcements until now. The regulation came into force on December 16, 2020. According to the Ontario government's e-bulletin: O. Reg. 762/20 includes a number of housekeeping changes to correct minor errors and omissions. The housekeeping changes harmonize with the National Building Code (NBC) and in general:
Two spent provisions related to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act
were deleted. These amendments do not add any new technical
requirements to the Building Code or change the intended meaning of the
provisions. In addition, updates were made to the applicable law sections to align with the passage of the Building Transit Faster Act, 2020. O. Reg. 762/20 is the second amendment to the Ontario Building Code made by a Mininster's regulation. Code amendments prior to O. Reg. 762/20 and O. Reg. 511/20 had been made by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. O. Reg. 762/20 was:
If a government wants its citizens to follow the law, it should announce the law as soon as possible BEFORE the law comes into force. Ontario is quickly becoming a banana republic as far as the rule of law is concerned. |
| 30-DEC-2020 | ONTARIO 2012 Building Code | The
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario
CodeNews e-bulletin #309, dated December 30, 2020, to announce the
following revised Building Code related fees for registrations for
building practitioners regulated under the Building Code Act, 1992,
effective on January 1, 2021:
|
| 18-DEC-2020 | BRITISH COLUMBIA 2018 Building Code Building Accessibility Handbook | Andrew Pape-Salmon, P.Eng., MRM, FCAE, FCSSE, Executive Director, Building and Safety Standards Branch, B.C. Ministry of Attorney General, announced on December 18, 2020, that the new169 page Building Accessibility Handbook, which reflects the British Columbia Building Code 2018 accessibility requirements, is available for free download (9.7MB). The 2018 British Columbia Building Code is based substantially on the 2015 National Building Code. The handbook is a separate resource that provides explanatory text and illustrations to support Code users to better understand and apply the complex Code requirements to make buildings more accessible. Some key changes include:
|
| 15-DEC-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code STANDATA Building Code Variance | Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on December 15, 2020, that the following Building Code Variance is now available: The Alberta Masonry Council had commissioned Dr. Mark D. Hagel, P. Eng. to prepare a report, dated December 1, 2020, and titled: "Adhered Thin Masonry Veneer Installations to a Maximum 3.05m Above Local Grade on Part 9 Residential Units in Alberta". Dr. Hagel's report is a pre-engineered solution for adhered masonry veneers up to 10 feet above local grade on Part 9 Buildings. Variance 19-BCV-018 permits the use of Dr. Hagel's pre-engineered solution as an alternative to Forms and Letters from building envelope professionals (engineers) required for adhered masonry veneers required by the Authorities Having Jurisdiction in the province of Alberta when using the products and installation procedures found in Dr. Hagel's report. |
| 03-DEC-2020 | ALBERTA 2018 Canadian Electrical Code STANDATA Electrical Code Bulletins, Variances, and Interpretations | Kate
Davidson, Office Manager, Community and Technical Support, Alberta
Municipal Affair advised on December 3, 2020, that the following
Electrical Code STANDATA, issued by Clarence C. Cormier, P.Eng., are
now available: This
Bulletin provides clarification on which electrical safety codes apply
to an electric railway, and more specifically, the traction power
system. This Bulletin provides clarification on: Rule 26-600 - Location of panelboards Rule 26-656 - Arc fault protection of branch circuits for dwelling units (exemption for freezers from AFCI protection) Rule 26-706 - Tamper-resistant receptacles in child care facilities Rule 26-724 - Receptacles for fixed island counters in dwelling units This
Interpretation provides clarification on solar photovoltaic (PV) dc arc
fault protection and how this relates to rodent protection requirements. This
Variance to Rule 64-218(4) permits a fire alarm system that is
interconnected with a Solar PV System to initiate photovoltaic rapid
shutdown of the Solar PV System if the the fire alarm
system enters an alarm condition. |
| 18-NOV-2020 | CANADA Canadian Free Trade Agreement | The Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table (RCT) established under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) has published an overview of the Construction Codes Reconciliation Agreement that was signed by Ontario and several other Canadian provinces. The RTC believes that, once all parties implement the Construction Codes Reconciliation Agreement, the agreement will result in:
In September, 2020, CodeNews.ca requested the Ontario Building and Development Branch to provide a copy of the Agreement, so that CodeNews readers can acquaint themselves with the Agreement. |
| 11-NOV-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code STANDATA Building Code Variance | Alberta
Municipal Affairs advised on November 6, 2020, that the following Building Code Variance is now available: This variance provides an alternative solution, using an intumescent coating on a vented fiberglass or metal substrate, for the protection of soffits where typical vented soffit materials are otherwise not permitted. The variance applies to Part 9 buildings in which there is a requirement for solid (unvented) soffits constructed of specific materials, due to roof or floor projections being in areas of concern –typically, proximity to property line. On November 10, 2020, Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs, clarified that item b) located at the top of page 3 of the Variance should read as: b)
not less than 12.7 mm thick gypsum soffit board or gypsum board
installed according to CSA A82.31-M, “Gypsum Board Application,” Intumescent coatings on a vented fiberglass or metal substrate are produced in Alberta by Genics Inc. |
| 04-NOV-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code STANDATA Private Sewage Bulletin | Alberta
Municipal Affairs advised on November 3, 2020, that the previously
issued Private Sewage Information Bulletin 20-PSB-001has been updated and the revised Bulletin is now available: |
| 30-OCT-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code STANDATA Private Sewage Bulletin | Alberta
Municipal Affairs advised on October 30, 2020, that the following Private Sewage Information Bulletin is now available: The next version of the Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice, as amended from time to time,is projected to be proclaimed in 2021 and be in force in 2022. Private sewage installers and safety codes officers must complete update training within one year of the in force dateof the amended Standard of Practiceto maintain their certificate of competency. The Provincial Administrator for Private Sewage has identified the following training courses, provided by the Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association, as acceptable for successful candidates to be issued a certificate of competency:
|
| 26-OCT-2020 | NOVA SCOTIA 2017 Building Code | Joe
Rogers, P. Eng., Building Code Coordinator for the Province of Nova
Scotia, announced on October 26, 2020 that, effective on October 31,
2020, the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations will be changing as a result of N.S. Reg. 148/2020. The Honourable Chuck Porter, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for the Province of Nova Scotia, amended the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations to add that the accessibility provisions will apply to an existing building if there is a change of its use into a restaurant, in the manner set forth in Schedule “A” of N.S. Reg. 148/2020. Earlier, on October 1, 2020, the Governor in Council had made N.S. Reg. 138/2020 to add the definition of a "restaurant" in Section 2 of the Food Safety Regulations. |
| 15-OCT-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code 2019 Fire Code STANDATA Variance User's Guide | Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta
Municipal Affairs, advised on October 15, 2020, that Alberta's 12-Storey Encapsulated Mass Timber Construciton Users Guide is now available for free download. This 106 page user's guide incorporates Standata Variance 19-BCV-014 / 19-FCV-019 and applicable excerpts from the National Building Code – 2019 Alberta Edition and the National Fire Code – 2019 Alberta Edition. In order to advance the use of encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC) in Alberta, the Variance permits EMTC up to 12 storeys in building height anywhere in Alberta provided the conditions in the Variance are complied with. A Variance provides an alternative solution of approximately equivalent or greater safety performance to the prescriptive requirements of the codes. Construction that complies with this Variance is permitted just as if the building were constructed under code requirements. |
| 08-OCT-2020 | ONTARIO TSSA Fuel Oil Regulation O. Reg. 213/01 Fuel Oil Distributor Audit Program | John Marshall, Statutory Director, Fuels Safety Program, TSSA, issued Fuels Safety Advisory # FS-247-19R1 “Introduction of TSSA’s Fuel Oil Distributor Audit Program” issued on October 5, 2020. The TSSA intends to introduce a fuel oil distributor audit program on November 1, 2020. The program will require distributors to demonstrate compliance with Fuel Oil Regulation, O. Reg. 213/01. This new program was developed in response to a recommendation from the Auditor General of Ontario for TSSA to have greater oversight of the risks with fuel oil tanks. |
| 03-OCT-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code Building STANDATA | Alberta
Municipal Affairs announced on September 30, 2020 that the following Building
STANDATA is now available: This bulletin provides guidance for an Engineering Judgement for Firestop Systems as an acceptable solution under Division B or as an alternative solution under Division A of the National Building Code-2019 Alberta Edition. |
| 28-SEP-2020 | ONTARIO 2012 Building Code 2007 Fire Code | The
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario
CodeNews e-bulletin #307, dated September 25, 2020, to announce that
Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with
responsibility for Ontario’s Building Code, and the Solicitor General,
with responsibility for Ontario’s Fire Code, signed the Reconciliation
Agreement on Construction Codes under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement
on August 27, 2020. Key elements of the Agreement include:
While signing the Agreement means that the technical content of Ontario’s Building and Fire Codes will begin to more closely reflect that of the National Construction Codes and Codes across the country, Ontario intends to maintain certain variations and exceptions in its Building Code and Fire Code that will differ from the National Construction Codes. CodeNews.ca has requested the Ontario Building and Development Branch to provide a copy of the Agreement, so that CodeNews readers can acquaint themselves with the Agreement. |
| 24-SEP-2020 | CITY OF VANCOUVER 2019 Vancouver Building and Plumbing By-laws | On September 22, 2020, the City of Vancouver announced that a temporary preview "snapshot" of amendments to the 2019 Vancouver Building By-law from the originally published version dated July 1, 2020 is now available. The link to the "snapshot" of these documents is provided as courtesy to users of the Vancouver Building By-law wishing to familiarize themselves with the general substance of changes of the By-law (General & Plumbing Systems). These are transitory documents provided “as is”, that will neither be supported nor updated, and will be superseded by the final published documents. The link to the temporary preview "snapshot" will be deactivated once the amendments have been finalized within the consolidated online Building By-law. By-law development can occur quickly, and users should contact the City of Vancouver for the latest information. |
| 21-SEP-2020 | ONTARIO 2012 Building Code | The
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario
CodeNews e-bulletin #306, dated September 21, 2020, to announce that,
Clause 1.4.1.3.(1)(a) of Division A of the Ontario Building Code had
been amended by O. Reg. 511/20. The Regulation was made on September 15, 2020 and was filed on September 18, 2020 and comes into force on the later of the day section 1 of Schedule 17 to the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020 comes into force and the day the Regulation is filed. Recent changes to the Planning Act through Bill 197, COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020 had given municipalities the authority to establish by-laws to impose community benefits charges for the development or redevelopment of land that is greater than 10 residential units or for buildings or structures with more than five storeys. The community benefits charges are intended to fund municipal infrastructure for community services, such as land for parks, affordable housing and child care facilities. O. Reg. 511/20 added the new requirements for community benefits charges to the definition of “applicable law” in the Ontario Building Code to ensure that building permits are not issued until the Chief Building Official receives, with the building permit application, confirmation that the building permit applicant has paid community benefits charges to the municipality, provided any required facilities, services or matters, or arrangements have been made for such payments or facilities. This does not apply to conditional building permits. |
| 16-SEP-2020 | CANADA National Building Code National Fire Code National Plumbing Code National Energy Code for Buildings. |  It had been anticipated that the next editions of the model National Codes would be available in 2020. Codes Canada has announced that the publication date of the updated National Model Codes has been extended. The next editions are anticipated to be available in December 2021. The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC), in collaboration with the provinces and territories, continues to work on addressing feedback from the fall 2019 and winter 2020 National Codes public review processes, to ensure that all comments are carefully considered. The committees of the CCBFC are currently finalizing updates to the National Building, Fire, and Plumbing Codes, and the National Energy Code for Buildings. |
| 31-AUG-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Fire Code Fire STANDATA | Kate
Davidson, Office Manager, Community and Technical Support, Alberta
Municipal Affairs announced on August 31, 2020 that the following Fire
STANDATA is now available: |
| 22-JUL-2020 | ONTARIO Building Code Act | The
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario
CodeNews e-bulletin #304, dated July 22, 2020, to announce that the Protecting Tenants and Strengthening Community Housing Act, 2020 received Royal Assent on July 21, 2020. The Protecting Tenants and Strengthening Community Housing Act, 2020 amends the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, the Housing Services Act, 2011, the Building Code Act, 1992 and repeals the Ontario Mortgage and Housing Corporation Act. The Act amends the Building Code Act, 1992 by enabling the future creation of an administrative authority. The changes are enabling in nature and allow for the administrative authority to deliver delegated services. These amendments will come into force at a later date, upon proclamation. While no decisions have been made about what specific services a future administrative authority would deliver, based on consultation feedback, the government has decided not to pursue the development of a framework to enable the use of certified professionals. The government has announced that the province will continue to engage stakeholders on the governance and accountability requirements a future administrative authority would have to adhere to, how it would fund its operations, and the services it would deliver. Transforming and modernizing the delivery of building code services also responds to the public health and safety recommendations from the Elliot Lake Commission of Inquiry. |
| 14-JUL-2020 | ALBERTA Safety Codes Act Ministerial Order  | Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta
Municipal Affairs, advised on July 14, 2020, that Kelechi Madu, Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs, made Ministerial Order No. TCS:003/20, dated July 7, 2020, to temporarily suspend or modify a selection of requirements under the Safety Codes Act. The temporary changes include:
|
| 09-JUL-2020 | ONTARIO Building Code Act | Recognizing
that the Canadian and Ontario governments' responses to
the COVID-19 scamdemic has created significant hardship for
individuals, families and businesses and they need help to bounce back
from the serious health and economic impacts, on July 9, 2020,
the Hon. Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and
Housing, introduced the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020,
part of a made-in-Ontario plan to help boost the province's economic
recovery, create thousands of jobs, put more opportunities within reach
of businesses, get infrastructure projects built faster, and improve
the quality of life in every community across the province. Schedule 1 of the Act proposes to amend the Building Code Act, 1992 to transfer the power to make Building Code regulations, from the Lieutenant governor in Council to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Schedule 1 also makes a number of other changes to the Building Code Act, 1992. |
| 09-JUL-2020 | ONTARIO Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 Elevating Devices O. Reg. 209/01 | The Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services posted Proposal Number 20-MGCS012 on Ontario's Regulatory Registry on July 2, 2020 to announce that it has posted a Consultation Survey
on proposed changes to enhance elevator safety and
availability by implementing relevant unproclaimed provisions in the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 and put forward regulatory changes to:
You may use the Feedback Form to submit comments by August 4, 2020. |
| 07-JUL-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Fire Code Fire STANDATA | Alberta Municipal Affairs, advised on July 7, 2020, that the following Fire STANDATA is now available: This interpretation provides clarity for inspections of storage tank systems, as related to Part 4, and storage tank registration (inventory control), as related to Division C of the NFC(AE). |
| 02-JUL-2020 | QUEBEC Construction Code Chapter I.1, Energy efficiency of buildings  | Chapter I.1, Energy efficiency of buildings,
was added to the Construction Code of Québec, by a regulation which was
published in the Gazette officielle du Québec on May 13, 2020. The regulation aims to improve the energy performance of commercial, institutional and industrial buildings as well as large residential buildings and the new chapter is set to come into force on June 27, 2020. However, a transitional period of 18 months provides for the regulation to take full effect on December 27, 2021. For more information, see:
Over the next few months, the RBQ, in collaboration with Energy Transition Quebec (TEQ), will publish various tools to help construction professionals understand and apply the new requirements. To make it easier to locate, the RBQ has created the Energy Efficiency Web section. In addition to including all the information relating to the new regulations, this section also groups together the regulatory provisions relating to the energy performance of small residential buildings in force since 2012. Congratulations to the Régie du bâtiment du Québec for increasing the cost of construction during the greatest economic depression of the last 100 years - you guys deserve the Order of Stalin medal. |
| 02-JUL-2020 | NOVA SCOTIA 2017 Building Code | Joe
Rogers, P. Eng., Building Code Coordinator for the Province of Nova
Scotia, announced on June 27, 2020 that amendments to the Nova
Scotia Building Code Regulations (the Building Code) made pursuant to
the Building Code Act, Chapter 46, of the Acts of 1989 are anticipated
to be prescribed by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to
come into effect throughout the Province of Nova Scotia on or after
September 30, 2020. The proposed amendments will require any new restaurants (as defined within the Food Safety Regulations made under Section 105 of the Heath Protection Act), including spaces within existing buildings, to be completely constructed in accordance with the barrier-free requirements contained in the Nova Scotia Building Code. This would include an accessible path of entry into the restaurant from the exterior of the building and access to barrier-free washroom facilities. This will align the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations with the decision by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Tribunal regarding accessibility within restaurants. Written comments on the proposed amendments to the Regulations are welcome on or before August 12, 2020 and should be forwarded to: Joe Rogers Building Code Coordinator Office of the Fire Marshal P.O. Box 231 Halifax Central Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2M4 These changes are identical to the changes sent out in March, however due to the COVID-19 situation, it was felt true public notice had not been given. See the News at CodeNews entry for 09-MAR-2020 below. |
| 26-JUN-2020 | ONTARIO 2020 Guide for Maintaining Building Plumbing After an Extended Vacancy QUEBEC 2020 Guide de recommandations pour las remise en service des réseaux d'eau des bâtiments inoccupés | The
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario
CodeNews e-bulletin #302, dated June 26, 2020, to announce that the
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has published the "Guide for Maintaining Building Plumbing After an Extended Vacancy",
which outlines the procedures building owners and managers should
take to ensure the water in their building is safe. The guide is
available in English and French. Two months earlier, the Régie du bâtiment du Québec had produced a "Guide to Recommissioning Water Distribution Systems in Unoccupied Buildings", in association with:
|
| 11-JUN-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code 2019 Fire Code Elevating Devices Codes Regulation Joint STANDATA |
Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta
Municipal Affairs, advised on June 9, 2020, that the following joint
discipline STANDATA building, fire, elevating devices and electrical
interpretation is now available: Changes to the Elevating Devices Code have resulted in some confusion between the Elevating Devices Code, the National Building Code – 2019 Alberta Edition (NBC(AE)) and the National Fire Code – 2019 Alberta Edition (NFC(AE)) related to upgrading existing elevators when installing new Elevator Recall Control Supervisory Panels. The interpretation was issued jointly by:
Alberta has ONE single body overseeing all construction. Joint multidisciplinary interpretations are easy in Alberta. |
| 27-MAY-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code Safety Tips  |
Paul
Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs has
advised that, over the past year, the Alberta Safety Codes Council has
updated the Safety Tips for users of Alberta codes. The following Safety Tips are available, in (.pdf) on the Safety Code Council of Alberta website: Updated in April, 2020:
Updated in January, 2020:
Updated in October, 2019:
Updated in July, 2019
|
| 20-MAY-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code Notice Building STANDATA |
Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta
Municipal Affairs advised on May 20, 2020, that:
|
| 12-MAY-2012 | ONTARIO 2012 Building Code |
The
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario
CodeNews e-bulletin #299, dated May 12, 2020, to announce that, on May
8, 2020, the Lieutenant Governor in Council made Ontario Regulation 209/20 and the
regulation was filed on May 11, 2020. The Ministry states that:
|
| 08-MAY-2020 | ALBERTA 2021 Gas Codes CSA-B149.1-20 CSA-B149.2-20 CSA-B149.3-20 CSA-B149.5-20 |
Kate Davidson, Office Manager, Community and Technical
Support, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced
on May 8, 2020 that the following gas codes will be adopted under the
Gas Code Regulation (AR 111/2010) and come into effect on February 1,
2021 under the Safety Codes Act:
|
| 08-MAY-2020 | BRITISH COLUMBIA 2018 Building Code Revision 3 |
The
British Columbia Ministry of Citizen’s Services has announced that the
BC Building Code revision effective April 30, 2020 has now been
consolidated within the online content and is now available on the BC
Publications website. A “Point in time” folder has been created which allows users to view the content of the BC Building Code as it read prior to April 30, 2020. The “Point in time” folders are accessible within each Part if applicable. Users of the binder version of the BC Building Code can download a .pdf copy of the updated pages. |
| 05-MAY-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code Building STANDATA |
On May 5, 2020, Alberta Municipal Affairs advised that
the following Building STANDATA is now available: |
| 30-APR-2020 | BRITISH COLUMBIA 2018 Building Code Revision 3 |
Andrew
Pape-Salmon, P.Eng., MRM, FCAE, Executive Director, Building
and
Safety Standards Branch, B.C. Office of Housing and Construction
Standards, has announed that Revision 3
of the British Columbia Building Code became effective on April 30,
2020, and applies to building permits applied for on or after
this date. Revision 3 is an amendment to the British Columbia Building Code 2018 to adopt the 2016 edition of the CSA Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. This change aligns with Ministerial Order No. M259 which similarly amends the Elevating Devices Safety Regulation under the Safety Standards Act. The 2016 edition includes requirements for: • Customized maintenance control programs; and • Testing of elevators and moving walkways. The online British Columbia Building Code 2018 will be updated to reflect the Revision 3 changes. Customers with binder copies of the British Columbia Building Code, will be able to print the updated code sections online at www.bccodes.ca shortly. Technical Safety BC has published a notification about this change available on its website. Questions about elevating devices, including permits, should be directed to Technical Safety BC. If you have any questions about British Columbia Building Code changes, please email: |
| 29-APR-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code 2019 Fire Code Building STANDATA Fire STANDATA |
On April 29, 2020, Alberta Municipal Affairs advised
that: The following joint
Building/Fire STANDATA Interpretations are now available:
The following Fire STANDATA are now available: |
| 23-APR-2020 | ONTARIO Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990 |
 Ontario Regulation 165/20, made
on April 22, 2020 (7:20 pm) and filed on April 22,
2020 extends and renews Emergency Orders made under the Emergency Management and Civil
Protection Act until May 6, 2020. |
| 22-APR-2020 | ONTARIO Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 |
Review
and Appeal Processes under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997: Fire Marshal's Communiqué 2020-07, dated April 9, 2020, announced that Ontario Regulation 73/20, made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act had been filed on March 20, 2020. O. Reg. 73/20 suspended the limitation periods of any provision of any statute, regulation, rule, by-law or order of the Government of Ontario for the duration of the emergency, retroactive to March 16, 2020, and in particular:
Fire Marshal's Communiqué 2020-09, dated April 14, 2020, announced that Ontario Regulation 144/20, made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, was filed and came into force on April 11, 2020. See further details in the News at CodeNews entry for 17-APR-2020. The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM) has provided further information on O. Reg. 73/20 and O. Reg. 144/20 in its e-Bulletin #003/20, dated April 17, 2020. |
| 17-APR-2020 | ONTARIO Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990 |
On March 17, 2020, at 7:30 am, the Lieutenant Governor
in Council made Ontario Regulation 50/20 to
declare an emergency, pursuant to section 7.0.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil
Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, chapter E.9, in the whole of
the Province of Ontario, in response to the outbreak of a communicable
disease, namely the COVID-19 coronavirus disease, since it was deemed
to constitute a danger of major proportions that could result in
serious harm to persons. EMERGENCY ORDERS: Subsequent Emergency Orders, made as Ontario Regulations,
O. Reg. 130/20 and O. Reg. 131/20, made on April 7, 2020, revoked the power of Ontario municipalities to prohibit and regulate with respect to noise made in connection with the following:
Exemptions for temporary health or residential facilities from the Building Code Act, the Ontario Building Code, Municipal Zoning By-laws, Interim Control By-laws, and Site Plan Control: The Ontario government recognized the urgent necessity to increase capacity and address pressures on the hospital system resulting from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, including supporting hospitals to find alternative accommodation or care for patients. The government also recognized the need to support municipalities to find alternative sleeping accommodations for individuals as part of the response to the COVID-19 coronavirus, including to help maintain physical distancing. However, certain legislative provisions are impeding the ability to quickly establish facilities for the care, welfare, safety and shelter of individuals, including emergency shelters and hospitals. Therefore, O. Reg. 141/20 was made on April 9, 2020 to exempt:
O. Reg. 141/20 requires the Architect, Professional Engineer, and the Chief Building Official to fulfill certain conditions before the facility or a part of the facility can be occupied. O. Reg. 141/20 is retroactive to March 17, 2020. Exemption for temporary health or residential facilities from certain requirements in the Fire Code: O. Reg. 144/20 was made on April 11, 2020 to exempt a temporary health or residential facility from Articles 2.1.2.2. and 2.9.1.1. and Part 9 of Division B of the Ontario Fire Code. O. Reg. 144/20 requires that an owner, or future owner, of a temporary health or residential facility shall notify the Chief Fire Official of the location of the temporary health or residential facility prior to or as soon as practicable after, (a) construction of the temporary health or residential facility begins; (b) conversion of the building or structure into a temporary health or residential facility begins; or (c) the use of the building or structure is changed to that of a temporary health or residential facility. O. Reg. 144/20 came into force on April 11, 2020 |
| 31-MAR-2020 | ONTARIO 2007 Ontario Fire Code 2015 Ontario Fire Code Compendium  |
In its Bulletin #002/20,
dated March 31, 2020, the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency
Management (OFMEM) announced that a new amendment package is now
available for the “2015 Fire Code Compendium” publication in
cooperation with ServiceOntario Publications. The amendment
package relates to the following content:
|
| 15-MAR-2020 | ONTARIO Building Code Act, 1992  |
Bill 184, Protecting Tenants and
Strengthening Community Housing Act, 2020 received First
Reading in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on
March 12, 2020. Bill 184 contains four schedules:
If the administration of any of the provisions of the Act is delegated to the administrative authority, the board of directors of the authority must appoint a director. Depending on which provisions are delegated, the board of directors may be required to appoint a chief building inspector or a licensing registrar, or both. |
| 10-MAR-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code 2019 Fire Code CSA B149.1 Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code STANDATA |
On
March 10, 2020, Alberta Municipal Affairs advised that: The following
Building Code/Plumbing Code Bulletin was issued:
The following
Building Code Interpretations were issued:
The following
Building Code/Gas Code Interpretation was issued:
The following
Building Code Interpretation was issued:
The following
Building Code Interpretation was issued:
The following joint
Fire/Building Code Variance was issued:
The following
Fire/Building Code Variance was issued:
The following Fire
Code Bulletin was issued:
The following joint
Fire/Building Code Variance was issued:
The following
Fire/Building Code Variance was issued:
The following
Building Code Interpretation/Plumbing Code Bulletin was issued:
The following
Building Code/Plumbing Code Bulletin was issued:
The following joint
Building/Gas Code Interpretation was issued:
|
| 09-MAR-2020 | NOVA SCOTIA 2017 Building Code |
Joe Rogers, P. Eng.,
Building Code Coordinator for the Province of Nova Scotia, announced on
March 9, 2020 that proposed amendments
to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations (the Building Code) made
pursuant to the Building Code Act, Chapter 46, of the Acts of 1989 are
anticipated to be prescribed by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and
Housing to come into effect on or after September 30, 2020. The proposed amendments will require any new restaurants (as defined within the Food Safety Regulations made under Section 105 of the Heath Protection Act), including spaces within existing buildings, to be completely constructed in accordance with the barrier-free requirements contained in the Nova Scotia Building Code, including an accessible path of entry into the restaurant from the exterior of the building and access to barrier-free washroom facilities. A Questions and Answers Guide has been prepared to assist code users. The proposed amendments are intended to align the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations with a decision by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Tribunal regarding accessibility within restaurants. Written comments on the proposed amendments to the Regulations may be sent on or before April 24, 2020 to: Joe Rogers, Building Code Coordinator, Office of the Fire Marshal, P.O. Box 231, Halifax Central, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2M4 |
| 02-MAR-2020 | ONTARIO 2012 Building Code |
On March 2, 2020,
Ontario's Regulatory Registry posted Proposal Number 20-MMAH004 to
advise that ERO notice number 019-1406 had
been posted. On February 28, 2020, the Ontario government had posted ERO notice number 019-1406 on the Environmental Registry, that it is holding a public consultation on several proposed regulatory matters pertaining to Community Benefits Authority under the Planning Act, the Development Charges Act, and the Building Code Act. In particular, the Ontario government is proposing to amend Ontario Regulation 332/12 (Building Code) in order to amend the list of applicable laws. It is proposed that the Building Code be amended to add the community benefits charge authority to the list of items under Article 1.4.1.3 (Definition of Applicable Law) in Division A. This amendment would establish a mechanism for ensuring the payment of community benefits charges prior to the issuance of a building permit. The consultation closes at 11:59 p.m. on March 30, 2020. |
| 20-FEB-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Building Code 2019 Fire Code STANDATA Variance |
On February 19, 2020,
Alberta Municipal Affairs advised that the
following joint Building/Fire Code Variance was
issued: The purpose of this variance is to permit the construction of buildings of up to 12-storeys in building height of encapsulated mass timber construction, as an alternative solution to the National Building Code – 2019 Alberta Edition and the National Fire Code - 2019 Alberta Edition. Many thanks to Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs for notifying CodeNews.ca. |
| 19-FEB-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Fire Code STANDATA Bulletins & Variances |
On
February 19, 2020, Alberta Municipal Affairs advised that the following
Fire Code STANDATA Bulletins and Variances, and Interpretations
were
issued:
|
| 19-FEB-2020 | ONTARIO 2012 Building Code |
On February 18, 2020, the
Ontario government posted a notice on the Regulatory Registry that it is
proposing to amend Ontario Regulation 332/12 (Building Code) in order
to amend the list of applicable
laws.
|
| 13-FEB-2020 | CITY OF VANCOUVER 2019 Vancouver Building and Plumbing By-laws |
On February 13, 2020, the City of Vancouver announced that the electronic digital versions of the 2019
Vancouver Building and Plumbing By-laws are now accessible
for on-line viewing at no cost.The Province of Ontario was the first jurisdiction in Canada to make its Building Code available for free download TWENTY YEARS AGO. In the past year, the National Research Council, the Alberta Government, and the B.C. Government have finally recognized the wisdom of Ontario's pioneering policy decision of twenty years ago: YOU CANNOT EXPECT THE PEOPLE TO OBEY THE LAW, IF THE PEOPLE HAVE TO PAY MONEY TO FIND OUT WHAT THE LAW IS. |
| 12-FEB-2020 | BRITISH COLUMBIA 2018 Building Code Information Bulletins |
On
February 12, 2020, Andrew Pape-Salmon, P.Eng., MRM, FCAE,
Executive Director, Building and Safety Standards Branch, B.C. Office
of Housing and Construction Standards, announed that
Information
Bulletins concerning Revision 2 to the British Columbia Building
Code were posted on the BC website. The following Information Bulletins were posted/updated recently: Information
Bulletin No. B19-04
Changes to the BC Building Code for Secondary Suites Dated: December 12, 2019 The Province of British Columbia is working to remove barriers to the creation of more affordable housing, including secondary suites. Previously, secondary suites could only be built in single detached homes and could not exceed a certain size. Effective December 12, 2019, the BC Building Code will allow the construction of new secondary suites in more types of houses, such as duplexes and row housing. Size restrictions for secondary suites have also been removed. This will provide local governments with more options for land use planning. This bulletin provides further information about Revision 2 of the BC Building Code 2018 (BC Code) for the design and construction of new secondary suites in more building types. Information Bulletin No. B19-05 Secondary Suites, Changes to Design and Construction Requirements British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2 Dated: December 12, 2019 The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information about Revision 2 changes to the British Columbia Building Code 2018 (BC Code) for the design and construction of new secondary suites. Changes are effective December 12, 2019 and apply to projects for which a permit is applied for on or after this date. A separate bulletin B19-04 discusses how the BC Code changes to secondary suite requirements may impact land use planning. Information Bulletin No. B19-06-R Revision 2 to the British Columbia Building Code 2018 Dated: December 12, 2019 Revised: December 18, 2019 The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information about Revision 2 changes to the British Columbia Building Code (BC Code). Changes are effective December 12, 2019 and apply to projects for which a permit is applied for on or after this date. Information Bulletin No. B19-07 New Provisions for Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2 Dated: December 12, 2019 The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information about Revision 2 additions to the British Columbia Building Code 2018 (BC Code) related to the early and localized adoption of provisions for encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC). The additions are effective December 12, 2019 and apply to projects for which a permit is applied for on or after this date. Information Bulletin No. B19-08 Changes to the BC Energy Step Code for Part 3 and Part 9 Buildings British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2 Dated: December 20, 2019 The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information about Revision 2 changes to the British Columbia Building Code 2018 (BC Code) related to the BC Energy Step Code (which forms part of the BC Code). The changes are effective December 12, 2019 and apply to projects for which a permit is applied for on or after this date within participating jurisdictions. For British Columbia Code interpretation questions, you are invited to e-mail your inquiry to the British Columbia Building and Safety Standards Branch. |
| 07-FEB-2020 | ONTARIO Building Code Commission Building Materials Evaluation Commission |
The
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario
CodeNews e-bulletin #295, dated February 5, 2020, to announce that it
has removed
the following documents from its web site:
In the future, Building Code Commisison Rulings will be available only on CanLII, the Canadian Legal Information Institute, web site. CanLII has posted 8 BCC Rulings that were issued in 2019. The only way to obtain a copy of an earlier (pre-2019) BCC Ruling is to e-mail a request to: codeinfo@mah.gov.on.ca .... and wait ....... and wait ........ and wait ........ and wait ......... and wait ...... and wait ..... Building Materials Evaluation Commission Authorizations The Ministry still publishes a list of current and valid BMEC Authorizations. However, the only way to obtain a copy of a BMEC Authorization is to:
Since Minister’s Rulings approving the use of materials, systems and designs endorsed by the Canadian Construction Materials Centre will no longer be available on-line, the only way to obtain a copy of a Minister's Ruling will be to
|
| 24-JAN-2020 | ALBERTA 2019 Alberta Building Code |
 On
January 24, 2020, Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Kaycee Madu
announced that Alberta will allow wood-building construction
for
up to 12 storeys. Alberta will become the first province in
Canada to allow the practice province-wide. The announcement was part
of Alberta's Red Tape Reduction Awareness Week.Todayville.com reported that Minister Madhu stated: “Not
only will this decision support the forestry industry and land
developers, it will provide affordability to homebuyers, bolster
employment, and give Alberta a competitive advantage. We made this
change knowing that mass timber products are safe and that these
buildings will meet all necessary standards.”
Many thanks to
Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal
Affairs for notifying CodeNews.ca. |
| 20-JAN-2020 | ALBERTA Electrical STANDATA Bulletins, Variances, Interpretations |
On
January 20, 2020, Alberta Municipal Affairs advised that the following
Electrical STANDATA Bulletins, Variances, and Interpretations
were
issued:
|
| 16-JAN-2020 | ONTARIO 2012 Building Code |
The
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario
CodeNews e-bulletin #294, dated January 16, 2020, to announce that, in
order to help provide an overview of the OBC amendments contained in O.
Reg. 88/19, a summary of these changes has been posted on the Ministry website. The summary is very factual and does not provide any background regarding the rationale for the changes. |
| 15-JAN-2020 | National Research Council
of Canada CCBFC National Building Code National Fire Code National Plumbing Code |
The Canadian Commission
on Building and Fire Codes
(CCBFC) invites code users and stakeholders to participate in the Winter 2020 Public Review of
proposed changes to the following Codes Canada publications:
The CCBFC has published a Summary of Significant Changes and a Listing of All Changes. CodeNews.ca thanks our loyal reader, Brad Smale, Chief Building Official, Township of Norwich, for alerting us to this news. |
| 15-JAN-2020 | NOVA SCOTIA Fire Safety Act Fire Safety Regulations |
Lorelei
Atkinson, Fire Code Coordinator, Nova Scotia Office of the
Fire
Marshal, advised that the Nova Scotia Governor in Council made N.S. Reg. 3/2020 on
January 14, 2020 to amend the Fire Safety Regulations to include
Revisions and Errata to the 2015 National Fire Code of Canada, along
with a few minor housekeeping items. Some of the changes include::
|
| 10-JAN-2020 | ALBERTA STANDATA 2019 Alberta Building Code Building Code Bulletins |
On January 10, 2020,
Alberta Municipal Affairs advised
that the following STANDATA Building Code Interpretations were issued: |
| 04-JAN-2020 | ALBERTA STANDATA 2019 Alberta Building Code Building Code Interpretations |
On January 3, 2020,
Alberta Municipal Affairs advised
that the following STANDATA Building Code Interpretations were issued:
|
| 03-JAN-2020 | CANADA Canadian Free Trade Agreement Reconciliation Agreement for Canadian Registration Numbers for Pressure Equipment |
La Régie du bâtiment du
Québec has announced
that decree number 1196-2019, published in the Gazette
officielle
du Québec on December 26, 2019, has ratified the Reconciliation
Agreement for Canadian Registration Numbers for Pressure Equipment,
made under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, between the
following provinces and territories:
Internal trade within Canada is a real mess. It is well known that Quebec is the least open to interprovincial trade. The Montreal Economic Institute and the Canadian Constitution Foundation have reported that interprovincial trade barriers cost between $3,500 and $9,200 per Canadian household every year. |
| 2019 | SEE 2019 NEWS ARCHIVES | Link to archives of News at CodeNews for items posted between January 1 - December 31, 2019. |
| 2018 | SEE 2018 NEWS ARCHIVES | Link to archives of News at CodeNews for items posted between January 1 - December 31, 2018. |
| 2017 | SEE 2017 NEWS ARCHIVES | Link to archives of News at CodeNews for items posted between January 1 - December 31, 2017. |
| 2016 | SEE 2016 NEWS ARCHIVES | Link to archives of News at CodeNews for items posted between January 1 - December 31, 2016. |
| 2015 | SEE 2015 NEWS ARCHIVES | Link to archives of News at CodeNews for items posted between January 1 - December 31, 2015. |
| PRIOR
TO 01-JAN-2015 |
SEE
NEWS ARCHIVES |
Link to archives of News at
CodeNews for items posted prior to January 1, 2015. |
DATE |
SEMINAR |
| Wednesday 04-DEC-2019 |
Alek
Antoniuk was a speaker at The Buildings Show 2019, which
took place at the
Metro Toronto Convention Centre. He spoke at: Session WS111 - The 2020 Ontario Building Code Updates, in Room 701A of the South Building, to an audience of over 230 persons. THIS PRESENTATION WAS SOLD OUT DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATION SLIDE DECK |
| Thursday 29-NOV-2018 |
Alek
Antoniuk was a speaker at The
Buildings Show 2018. The event took
place
on November 28 - 29 in the South and North Buildings of the Metro
Toronto Convention Centre. He spoke at Session, TS103 - Ontario Building Code Update: Three of the Most Recent Changes You Need Know, on Thursday, November 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Room 715 of the South Building. THIS PRESENTATION WAS SOLD OUT DOWNLOAD THE PRESENTATION SLIDE DECK |
| Friday 22-JUN-2018 |
Due
to popular demand, Alek Antoniuk delivered a repeat seminar on
the recent major changes to the Ontario Building Code and Act that was
delivered at the 2018 AATO Annual General Meeting and Conference.
|
| Friday 27-APR-2018 |
Alek Antoniuk delivered a seminar on the recent major changes to the Ontario Building Code and Act at the 2018 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario, on Friday, April 27, 2018, in Vaughan, Ontario. |
| Wednesday 21-MAR-2018 |
Alek Antoniuk delivered a seminar on the major
changes to the Ontario Building Code,
contained in O. Reg. 139/17, for the
Golden Triangle Chapter of the OBOA on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. The Golden Triangle Chapter has opened the presentation to designers and other code users for a nominal fee of $40 for the seminar. |
| Thursday 25-JAN-2018 |
Alek Antoniuk delivered a seminar on the major changes
to the Ontario Building Code, contained
in O. Reg. 139/17, which came into effect on July 1, 2017, as well
as the changes that will
come into effect on January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2020, for the
Greater Toronto Area Chapter of the OBOA. Three slide decks
were
presented:
|
| Thursday 18-JAN-2018 |
Alek Antoniuk delivered a seminar on the major changes
to the Ontario Building Code, contained
in O. Reg. 139/17, which came into effect on July 1, 2017, as well
as the changes that will
come into effect on January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2020, for the
Niagara District Chapter of the OBOA.. Three slide decks were
presented:
|
| Tuesday 12-DEC-2017 |
Alek Antoniuk delivered a seminar on the major changes
to the Ontario Building Code, contained
in O. Reg. 139/17, which came into effect on July 1, 2017, as well
as the changes that will
come into effect on January 1, 2018, for the City of Niagara Falls'
Building and Fire Services staff.. Three slide decks were
presented
|
| Tuesday 14-NOV-2017 |
Alek Antoniuk delivered a seminar on the major changes
to retirement homes and houses, contained
in O. Reg. 139/17, which came into effect on July 1, 2017, as well
as the electric vehicle charging station requirements that
will
come into effect on January 1, 2018, to a meeting of
the Wellington Waterloo District Chapter of the OBOA. CodeNews Consulting Corp., Consulting Architect, has prepared an additional presentation that will be of interest to architects, engineers, other designers, building officials, and builders on:
|
| Wednesday 26-JUL-2017 |
Alek Antoniuk delivered a presentations on the major
changes to retirement homes and houses, contained
in O. Reg. 139/17, which came into effect on July 1, 2017, for the Town
of Orangeville's Building Department and its invited guests, including
selected architects, engineers, and municipal building officials. Presentations are now available for your organization. CodeNews Consulting Corp., Consulting Architect, is not aware of the general availability of any presentations on the recent OBC changes. Therefore, CodeNews has prepared the following two presentations that will be of interest to architects, engineers, other designers, building officials, and builders:
|
| Wednesday 08-JUL-2015 |
Alek
Antoniuk delivered a presentation titled: "Considerations for Building & Fire
Departments in Enforcing the Code" at the Fire and Life Safety in Modern Construction
Seminars, in Waterloo, Ontario, hosted by the University of Waterloo and Sereca
Consulting.
This presentation examines the implications of 6-storey wood
framed construction for building and fire officials.
Ontario's Exit
Cocoon Conundrum is explained. The slide deck for this presentation contains slides from a presentation titled: "Mid-rise Wood Frame Buildings", dated April 7, 2015, presented by Alan Shaw, CBO, City of Sarnia, Vice President of the Ontario Building Officials Associaiton (OBOA). Use of the OBOA's material in this slide deck is authorized by Mike Seiling, President of the OBOA. |
| 8:30-12:00 14:00-17:30 Friday 09-MAY-2014 |
Alek
Antoniuk delivered a presentation titled: “New Accessibility
Changes to the Building Code” at the 2014 OAA Conference. A morning session and an afternoon session were held at
the Queen Elizabeth Fairmont Hotel, 900 René-Lévesque
Boulevard West, Montréal. The “New Accessibility Changes to the Building Code” presentation consists of Slide Deck 1 and Slide Deck 2 and references the following documents:
|
| Tuesday 01-APR-2014 |
Alek Antoniuk delivered a presentation titled: “Ontario Building Code - April 2014 Update” at the Dinner Meeting of the Toronto Chapter of Construction Specifications Canada. |
| Thursday 13-FEB-2014 |
The Society of Fire Protection Engineers,
National Capital Region Chapter, held its 32nd Annual Meeting
and Education Forum in Ottawa, Ontario. Keynote Speakers for the topic of Mid-Rise Wood Frame Construction were:
|
| Wednesday 22-JAN-2014 |
Alek
Antoniuk and David Johnson presented a seminar on "
Understanding the Impact on Multi-residential Construction of Changes
to Part 3, 2014 Ontario Building Code & the Announced
Requirements for
Accessibilty for 2015". This seminar is sponsored by RESCON
and buildABILITY. Alek Antoniuk's presentation is titled: "An Overview of the Accessibility Amendments to Ontario’s Building Code" and is intended to cover the highlights of the changes to the 2012 Ontario Building Code resulting from the filing of O. Reg. 368/13, as they apply to “Part 3" multi-residential buildings. The presentation references the following documents:
|
| Tuesday 10-DEC-2013 |
Alek Antoniuk delivered a NORR
ed presentation titled: “2012 Ontario Building Code Update”. The presentation referenced the following documents:
|
RESCON News Letter |
Alek Antoniuk is a contributor to the RESCON News Letter - Subscribe here |
| RESCON Industry News October 2015 |
In this issue, Alek Antoniuk's RESCON CodeLetter #10 provides an update on current consultations on building related legislation and standards and provides further information on the "X" Permit proposal for Ontario. |
| RESCON Industry News September 2015 |
In this issue, Alek Antoniuk's RESCON CodeLetter #9 examines whether it is possible to cut the Gordian Knot around construction regulations in Ontario and points to the example of Quebec and Alberta. |
| RESCON Industry News August 2015 |
In this issue, Alek Antoniuk's RESCON CodeLetter #8 provides
a chronological list of changes to Building Code documents related to
the barrier-free changes and also asks the question: “Is Information on the OBC Accessibility (Barrier-Free) Changes Readily Accessible?” |
| RESCON Industry News May 2015 |
In this issue, Alek Antoniuk's RESCON CodeLetter #7 reports on efforts to release the more than 92 unpublished rulings that have been made by the Building Code Commission since 2010, including recent rulings on standpipe and hose systems. |
| RESCON Industry News April 2015 |
In this issue, Alek Antoniuk's RESCON CodeLetter #6 examines whether Ontario's building regulatory system is capable of efficiently adapting to new technologies, such as off grid buildings. |
| RESCON Industry News March 2015 |
In this issue, Alek Antoniuk's RESCON CodeLetter #5 reports on a recent ruling by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice that a municipality is not liable for any harm or damage resulting from any act or omission of a Registered Code Agency. |
| RESCON Industry News February 2015 |
In this issue, Alek Antoniuk's RESCON CodeLetter #4 reviews the new Ontario Building Code mid-rise combustible construction requirements of Ontario Regulation 191/14 and how Ontario's building exit rules may create problems for your design. |
| RESCON Industry News December 2014 |
From the December 2014 RESCON Industry News:Regulatory reform is long overdueI encourage you to read and comment on Alek Antoniuk’s latest RESCON CodeLetter #3. RESCON has long been an advocate of Regulatory Change in Ontario as we believe the current system that regulates Development/Building activities is no longer capable of responding in an efficient manner to the rapid changes in processing information and construction activities, resulting from the use of new and emerging technologies. I asked Alek to tackle this subject, given that the expertise he developed while at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing puts him in a unique position to share his perspective on this topic. RESCON believes it’s time to start a conversation between industry stakeholders and the regulators who control our Industry on how we can affect the changes that would benefit all by:
Join the
conversation. Now is the time for action.
Michael Steele. B. Tech. (C.M.) Director, Technical Standards / RESCON Email: michael.steele@rescon.com |
| RESCON Industry News September 2014 |
In this issue, Alek Antoniuk's RESCON CodeLetter #2 reviews the new Ontario Building Code accessibility and barrier-free design requirements of Ontario Regulation 368/13 and how they may affect your building project if you apply for a building permit after January 1, 2015. |
| RESCON Industry News August 2014 |
This issue includes Alek Antoniuk's first article of the RESCON CodeLetter, of a series of articles that will be released throughout the year. |
JURISDICTION |
CODE |
PUBLICATION |
 |
British Columbia Building Code | Technical Bulletins |
 |
Alberta Building Code | STANDATA |
 |
Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations | Announcements |
 |
Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner | Bulletins and Announcements |
 |
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing | Ontario CodeNews (Building Code, including plumbing) |
| Electrical Safety Authority | ESA Newsletters (Electrical) | |
| Technical Standards & Safety Authority | Corporate News (Boilers & Pressure Vessels, Elevating Devices, Hydrocarbon Fuels) |
|
| Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management | OFM e-Bulletin (developments of interest to the fire safety community, including items pertaining to fire safety standards, legislation and codes) | |
 |
Régie du bâtiment du Québec | Les nouvelles |
 |
Nova Scotia Labour and Advanced Education | Building and Plumbing Code Newsletter |
 |
This web site is developed by Alek Antoniuk, OAA, BCIN #14661 Toronto, Ontario, Canada cell: +1-416-856-0241 e-mail:  The e-mail address is a graphic to ward off spam robots .....! Note that there is a "." (dot) between "alek" and "antoniuk".! |
