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DATE	PROVINCE OR JURISDICTION	NEWS
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: The reduction or elimination of variations in the technical requirements of Construction Codes Participating parties have agreed to identify variations and exceptions for the current (2015) National Codes and, within six months of the effective date for subsequent editions of Construction Codes going forward. After 2025, any new codes will be further harmonized with applicable National Codes and with leading practices from the provinces and territories, subject to exceptions provided for under the agreement. The timely adoption of Construction Codes Participating parties have agreed to make Construction Codes effective within 24 months of the next (2020) National Codes, and within 18 months of subsequent codes (2025 and after). A transformed National Code Development System to meet the needs of all jurisdictions. By 2021, the National Code Development System will be transformed to integratethe provincial/territorial code development processes into the national process. The new code development system will be more responsive, more agile, and will result in fewer variations in the next (2025) edition of the Codes and as future codes are developed. Participating parties have agreed to develop an implementation plan and report progress to RCT annually. Freely available National Codes National Codes are now available for free in a digital format, and with unlimited access. When implemented, the annual economic benefit attributable to this work is estimated to be between $750 million and $1 billion by 2028, according to the RCT. 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: 19-BCV-017 - Vented Soffit Protection 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: 20-PSB-001 [Rev. 1] Training – Private Sewage Systems
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: 20-PSB-001 Training – Private Sewage Systems 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: Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training Program Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice Update Training
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: 19-BCB-005 - Fire Stop Technical Judgements 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: Greater alignment of technical requirements in Ontario’s Codes with the National Construction Codes, meaning that Ontario’s Codes will be more harmonized with those in effect in other provinces and territories. Timely and consistent adoption of Construction Codes across Canada so that the same rules are in place at the same time. A transformed national code development system, including a new governance structure that will be more responsive to provinces and territories. Access to free National Construction Codes across Canada (in digital format). The Agreement also requires the development of an Implementation Plan that will provide details and direction on how the changes will be achieved. Work on this plan is ongoing. 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: 19-FCI-018 - Certification of Contractors for Storage Tank Systems
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: an optional Public Health Facilities Temporary Permits Application Form (Microsoft Word .docx format) and a supportive Public Health Facilities Guide (Microsoft Word .docx format) to expedite permitting for temporary pandemic-related health facilities, ability to modify or suspend permit requirements for other types of temporary facility construction or operations (provided the permit cannot be reasonably obtained as a result of the pandemic and does not pose serious danger to people or property). The Ministerial Order is retroactive to March 17, 2020, the date the COVID-19 public health state of emergency was declared in Alberta. The order will remain in place for 60 days, unless otherwise terminated by the Minister.
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: Provide the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) with the ability to impose administrative penalties for non-compliance with elevator laws under the Act and its regulations. Require the reporting of elevator outage data to TSSA and require that TSSA publish this data online. Legislative changes to support both of these items received Royal Assent on May 7, 2018 but are not yet in effect, as they have not been proclaimed. 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: 19-FCI-015 National Fire Code – 2019 Alberta Edition (NFC(AE)) Storage Tank System Inspections and Inventory Control 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: the May 13, 2020 Press Release issued by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec overview of the Energy efficiency regulation for buildings other than small residential buildings The above links are only in the French language. 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: Polytechnique Montréal Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec Ville de Laval ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec le ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques du Québec The Québec Guide is available in French only.
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: 19-FCI-016, 19-BCI-022, 13-EDI-001, 18-CECI-007 Existing Elevator Moderization/Fire Alarm Interface 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: Tina Parker, Provincial Fire Administrator Clarence C. Cormier, P.Eng., Provincial Electrical Administrator Dean Bruce, Provincial Elevating Devices Administrator Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator Other provinces take note: 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: Secondary Suite Standards Updated in January, 2020: Carbon Monoxide Alarm Home Installation Solid Fuel Burning Appliances (Fireplaces) Smoke Alarms for your Home Compressed Gas Storage Escape Rooms Exit Signs Fire Doors Fire Watch Requirements During Shutdown of Fire Protection Systems Propane Used as an Engine Fuel in Equipment Other Than Motor Vehicles Spray Booths and Spray Coating Processes Storage of Aerosol Products Unsecured or Vacant Buildings Mobile Fuel Vending Updated in October, 2019: Do I need a Building Permit? Updated in July, 2019 Additions to Residence Finishing your Basement Building a Wood Deck Exterior Stairs to your Home Building a Detached Residential Garage Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, and Spas Cooktops - Location and Clearance Space Private Sewage Treatment Systems Private Sewage Treatment Systems Separation Distances
20-MAY-2020	ALBERTA 2019 Building Code Notice Building STANDATA	Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on May 20, 2020, that: A Notice clarifying the classification of a distillery has been posted. The following Building STANDATA are now available: 19-BCI-020 - Integrated Testing Coordinator - This interpretation provides clarification on the expectation for qualifications of an integrated testing coordinator. 19-BCI-021 - Occupancy Classification Supportive Living Accommodations - This interpretation is to clarify the application of the Safety Codes Act and the National Building Code-2019 Alberta Edition in determining the occupancy classification of buildings as intended for clients receiving various levels of supportive living accommodation. 19-BCB-001R1 - Steel Building Systems
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: The amendment requires that municipal building officials continue to review permit applications and conduct construction inspections by providing that the time periods in the Building Code remain in effect for all construction projects, even when the municipal offices are closed because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The amendment also establishes that conditional permits can be issued for non-essential construction during the COVID-19 outbreak. The amendment will remain in effect for as long as municipal building department offices are closed to the public for in-person services due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
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: CSA-B149.1-20 - Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code – This code provides the minimum requirements for the installation of natural gas and propane appliances and equipment downstream of a natural gas meter or from a propane distributor’s tank. CSA-B149.2-20 – Propane Storage and Handling Code – This provides the minimum requirements for the storage, handling, transportation and transfer of propane. CSA-B149.3-20 – Code for the field approval of fuel-burning appliances and equipment – This code applies to the requirements for site specific fuel burning appliances and equipment for which there is no recognized Canadian standard. CSA-B149.5-20 – Installation Code for Propane Fuel Systems and Tanks on Highway Vehicles – This code applies to the installation of propane fuel system components and tanks on highway vehicles for the provision of motive power. Effective January 1, 2016, the gas code regulation was amended by Alberta regulation 193/2015 to allow timely code adoption. Generally, gas codes will now come into force one year after the month of their publication, unless otherwise prescribed by the minister.
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: 19-BCI-019 - Mobile/Temporary Cooking Equipment
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: codequestion@gov.bc.ca
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: 19-FCI-001 / 19-BCI-018 - Occupancy Classification for Building Used for Parking, Repairing and Servicing Tank Vehicles 19-FCI-002 / 19-BCI-017 - Fixed Fire Suppression and Exhaust Systems - Cooking, Cleaning and Maintenance The following joint Building/Fire/Electrical/Plumbing/Gas STANDATA Interpretation is now available: 19-FCI-006 - Mobile/Temporary Cooking Equipment The following Fire STANDATA are now available: 19-FCI-003 - Storage Tank Systems Inside Buildings 19-FCI-004 - Fire Safety Plans - Construction and Demolition sites 19-FCI-010 - Used Lubricating Oil Indoor Storage Tanks Supplying Used Oil Fuel Burning Appliances 19-FCI-011 - Fire Hose Couplings and Fittings
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: Extends time to request a Fire Marshal Review Extends th time to submit supporting information for a Fire Marshal Review Extends the compliance date for Fire Marshal Review Decisions Extends the time for appeals to the Fire Safety Commission Exemption for temporary health or residential facilities from certain requirements in the Fire Code: 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, severely curtailed freedom of assembly closed recreational amenities closed places of non-essential business allow a police officer or any other provincial offences officer to enforce the Orders (O. Reg. 114/20) Schedule 2 of O. Reg. 119/20, made on April 3, 2020, further amended the List of Essential Construction Businesses, which are allowed to continue to operate. Schedule 3 of O. Reg. 119/20 requires that the person responsible for a place of business that continues to operate shall operate the business in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials, including any advice, recommendations or instructions on physical distancing, cleaning or disinfecting. 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: Construction projects and services in a municipality associated with the healthcare sector, including new facilities, expansions, renovations and conversion of spaces that could be repurposed for health care space, at any time of the day or night. Any other construction activity in a municipality between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. O. Reg. 138/20, made on April 9, 2020, extended all Emergency Orders until April 23, 2020. 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: the construction of a temporary health or residential facility, the conversion of all or part of an existing building or structure to a temporary health or residential facility, and the use of a temporary health or residential facility from certain requirements of the Building Code Act, the Ontario Building Code, Municipal Zoning By-laws, Interim Control By-laws, and Site Plan Control. 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: O. Reg. 33/19 with amendments to the Fire Code for hazardous extraction operations, out-of-service firefighters’ elevators, and housekeeping changes that update and clarify requirements. Amendments to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 related to the limitation period for initiating prosecutions, expanded cost recovery, and increases to maximum fines. The revised pages are available from the ServiceOntario Publications site. The document may be retrieved by typing document number “300213” in the Search bar and then may be directly downloaded at no cost.
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: Schedule 1 amends the Building Code Act, 1992 Schedule 2 amends the Housing Services Act, 2011 Schedule 3 enacts the Ontario Mortgage and Housing Corporation Repeal Act, 2020 Schedule 4 amends the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 The amendments to the Building Code Act, 1992 will permit the Lieutenant Governor in Council to designate a not-for-profit corporation as an administrative authority to administer certain provisions of the Building Code Act and the regulations made under the Act. 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: 19-BCB-003 - Radon/Soil Gas Pipe Labeling The following Building Code Interpretations were issued: 19-BCI-011 - Hydronic Heating Systems The following Building Code/Gas Code Interpretation was issued: 19-BCI-012 - Mechanically Vented Appliances The following Building Code Interpretation was issued: 19-BCI-013 - Soil Gas Vent Termination The following Building Code Interpretation was issued: 19-BCI-014 - Fire Alarm and Fire Suppression System Verification and Testing Certificates The following joint Fire/Building Code Variance was issued: 19-BCI-015 - Construction Site Fire Safety Plans The following Fire/Building Code Variance was issued: 19-BCI-016 - Sprinkler Systems with Antifreeze Solutions The following Fire Code Bulletin was issued: 19-FCB-004 - Removal of Standpipe Hoses in Sprinklered Building The following joint Fire/Building Code Variance was issued: 19-FCV-018 - Construction Site Fire Safety Plans The following Fire/Building Code Variance was issued: 19-FCV-020 - Sprinkler Systems with Antifreeze Solutions The following Building Code Interpretation/Plumbing Code Bulletin was issued: P-20-01-NPC15 - Hydronic Heating Systems The following Building Code/Plumbing Code Bulletin was issued: P-20-03-NPC15 - Radon/Soil Gas Pipe Labeling The following joint Building/Gas Code Interpretation was issued: G-01-20-B149.1 - Mechanically Vented Appliances
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: 19-BCV-014 / 19-FCV-019 - 12-storey encapsulated mass timber construction 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-FCV-014 - Alliance Pipeline Ltd. – Portable Fire Extinguishers at Remote Facilities 19-FCV-015 - Torxen – Portable Fire Extinguishers at Remote Facilities 19-FCV-016 - Alliance Pipeline Ltd. – Portable Fire Extinguishers at Remote Facilities 19-FCV-017 - ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. - – Portable Fire Extinguishers at Remote Facilities 19-FCB-002 - Portable Fire Extinguishers 19-FCB-003 - Maintenance of fire protection devices within residential suites of multi-family buildings Many thanks to Kate Davidson, Administrative Assistant, Alberta Municipal Affairs for notifying CodeNews.ca.
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. The proposed Building Transit Faster Act, 2020 (if passed) would allow the Lieutenant Governor in Council to designate land as transit corridor land. New development on or near the transit corridor land would require a corridor development permit. The proposed consequential amendment to the Building Code would require a person to obtain a corridor development permit before the issuance of a building permit.
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: all Building Code Commisison Rulings all Building Materials Evaluation Commission Authorizations all Minister’s Rulings approving the use of materials, systems and designs endorsed by the CCMC Building Code Commisison Rulings 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: send a request via email to: codeinfo@mah.gov.on.ca or call by telephone to 416-585-4234 Minister’s Rulings on CCMC Evaluations 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 send a request via email to: codeinfo@mah.gov.on.ca or call by telephone to 416-585-4234
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: 18-CECB-10 - Section 10: Grounding and Bonding 18-CECB-18 - Section 18: Hazardous locations 18-CEVC-10-102 - Rule 10 – 102 Grounding electrodes (number of rods) 18-CEVC-64-216 PV AFP - Arc-Fault protection requirements for ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems 16-AEUCI-2 - Section 2: General Rules : administrative 18-CEBC-0 - Section 0: Object, scope, and definitions 18-CEBC-2 - Section 2: General Rules : administrative
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: National Building Code of Canada 2015 (NBC) National Fire Code of Canada 2015 (NFC) National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2017 (NECB) Updates to the documents referenced in the 2015 and 2017 National Model Codes This national public review will run from January 13, 2020 to 4 pm PST on March 13, 2020. 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:: Adoption of the National Research Council 2018 Revisions and Errata to the National Fire Code 2015. Changing the name Nova Scotia School Board Association (no longer in existence) in the list of members on the Fire Safety Advisory Council to Education Common Service Bureau. Updated to include references to B3 (Care Occupancy) and B2 (Treatment Occupancy) in four locations. This change should have been made when the 2010 Code was adopted and the new occupancy B3 was introduced into the codes but was overlooked. In order to allow the insurance industry flexibility to formulate their own Insurance Industry Fire Reports templates (rather than the forms contained in the regulations or using QuattroPro), wording has been changed to ensure that all the information required by the Office of the Fire Marshal is contained in the reports when reporting preliminary insurance reports and final insurance reports. To be consistent with the National Fire Code, Section 30 is changed from Net Occupant Load to Occupant Load. The OFM issue licenses to qualified applicants engaged in the business of servicing portable fire extinguishers. Clarity has been provided in Section 19 to reflect the current process and practice already in place. The following reference documents have been updated to more recent editions to ensure consistency with the Fire Code and industry standards: CAN/ULC-S109 “Standard Method for Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films” from the 2003 Edition to the 2014 Edition. Display Fireworks Manual to Display Fireworks Manual, 2010 Edition. Pyrotechnics Special Effects Manual to Special Effects Pyrotechnics Manual, Edition 3, 2014. An explanatory note to an Appendix at the end of Part 8: “ 8.1.1.1.(1) Part 8 is intended to provide a guide to the minimum level of life safety in boarding, lodging, rooming and private rest homes that were occupied as such prior to the enforcement of the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations or a Municipal Building By-Law. The Authority Having Jurisdiction may use this Part when it is their opinion that the level of life safety will be achieved through its application in such buildings. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for the Code if one was in force at the time the building was occupied for the use. Alterations to these buildings are expected to meet the Code of the day.”
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: 19-BCB-002 - Radon mitigation Part 6 requirements 19-BCB-001 - Steel building systems
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: 19-BCI-001 - Application of 9.36 energy efficiency requirements to existing buildings 19-BCI-003 - Barrier-free access to stages 19-BCI-004 - Determination of grade 19-BCI-005 - Non-liquid disposal systems 19-BCI-006 - Photoluminescent exit signs 19-BCI-007 - Retaining walls 19-BCI-008 - Rooms containing gaseous chlorine 19-BCI-009 - Wind turbines 19-BCI-010 - Elevator operations and accessibility
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: British Columbia Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario Québec Nova Scotia Prince Edward Island Yukon Northwest Territories Nunavut This agreement came into force on January 1, 2020 and is intended to harmonize the Canadian Registration Numbers for Pressure Equipment. (Saskatchewan, for example, signed this agreement in June 2019). 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.

Seminars:

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: the retirement home changes that came into effect on July 1, 2017 the “house” changes that came into effect on July 1, 2017 the electric vehicle charging system changes that will come into effect on January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2020, as a result of O. Reg. 563/17 Continuing education certificates have been issued to OAA members who attended the seminar.
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: the retirement home changes that came into effect on July 1, 2017 the “house” changes that came into effect on July 1, 2017 the electric vehicle charging system changes that will come into effect on January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2020, as a result of O. Reg. 563/17
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 the retirement home changes that came into effect on July 1, 2017 the “house” changes that came into effect on July 1, 2017 the electric vehicle charging system changes that will come into effect on January 1, 2018
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: Electric Vehicle Charging Systems (30 minutes long)
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: the retirement home changes (45 minutes long) the “house” changes (90 minutes long) To arrange for an on-site presentation for your staff or the members of your organization, call Alek Antoniuk at +1-416-856-0241.
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: O. Reg. 368/13, in MS Word format, containing the accessibility amendments to the 2012 Ontario Building Code An annotated version of the accessibility amendment, edited by Alek Antoniuk, showing the revisions to the 2012 Ontario Building Code Ontario government's “Final” Proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard, published in July, 2010 Ontario MMAH's Public Consultation Paper on Proposed Building Code Accessibility Changes (Dec. 2012 to Mar. 2013)
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: Ineke Van Zeeland, M. Eng., ASFPE – Manager, Codes & Standards, Canadian Wood Council Alek Antoniuk, B.E.S., B. Arch., OAA – Code Consultant Evelyne Cardinal, OAA, MRAIC – Farrow Dreessen Architects Inc. Sean Tracey, P.Eng., MIFireE – Assistant Deputy Chief Community Standards, City of Ottawa Alek Antoniuk's presentation is titled: "Mid-Rise Combustible Construction - A Building Code Perspective" and reviewed the following areas: Ontario’s interest in mid-rise combustible construction Ontario’s code consultations Fire safety during construction Ontario’s policy dilemma The presentation references the following documents: Ontario’s Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23 Ontario’s Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 4 Bill 13 - Ontario Forestry Industry Revitalization Act Ontario 2011 Consultation on the Building Code, leading to the publication of the 2012 Ontario Building Code City of Toronto Avenues and Mid-Rise Buildings Study, May 2010 (Acrobat file size: 19MB) 2013 NFC Public Review Documents
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: The Ontario government's “Final” Proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard, published in July, 2010 Ontario MMAH's Public Consultation Paper on Proposed Building Code Accessibility Changes (Dec. 2012 to Mar. 2013) O. Reg. 368/13, in MS Word format, containing the accessibility amendments to the 2012 Ontario Building Code O. Reg. 191/11, as amended by O. Reg. 413/12, containing the Accessibility Standard for the Built Environment for the Design of Public Spaces An annotated version of the accessibility amendment, edited by Alek Antoniuk, showing the revisions to the 2012 Ontario Building Code David Johnson's presentation was on the "Changes to Part 3 of the 2012 Ontario Building Code for Multi-Residential construction".
Tuesday 10-DEC-2013	Alek Antoniuk delivered a NORR ed presentation titled: “2012 Ontario Building Code Update”. The presentation referenced the following documents: O. Reg. 332/12 (2012 Ontario Building Code,with no amendments) Official 2 Volume 2012 Ontario Building Code Compendium Ontario Building Code 2012 by Orderline Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing's 15 slide decks detailing the Significant changes in the 2012 Ontario Building Code Comparison of all 20,000+ editorial and technical changes between the 2006 and the 2012 Ontario Building Code Division A (Word file size: 770KB) Division B (Word file size: 24 MB) Division C (Word file size: 1 MB) CCBFC's 2013 National Codes Public Review Ontario MMAH's Building Code 2012 Consultation Paper on the Accessible Built Environment

Newsletters:

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 overdue I 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: Reducing redundant practices and minimizing red tape Recognizing entrepreneurial expertise Encouraging the use of emerging technologies 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.

A number of regulatory authorities in Canada publish newsletters to inform code users about code changes::

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

About this site:

This web site is developed by Alek Antoniuk, OAA, BCIN #14661
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
cell: +1-416-856-0241
e-mail:
Alek Antoniuk's e-mail address in a graphic

The e-mail address is a graphic to ward off spam robots .....!
Note that there is a "." (dot) between "alek" and "antoniuk".!

Alek Antoniuk, the principal of CodeNews Consulting Corp., Consulting Architect,
provides the following fee-based services to assist you:

consultation on your building project (I provide consulting services to owners, architects, engineers, and other designers)
assistance in resolving code interpretation issues (I provide consulting services to other Code Consultants and lawyers)
advice on the introduction of new construction materials (I provide consulting services to product manufacturers and developers)
seminars on building code issues for your organization

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Unlike Google, this site does not use or care about cookies and does not track you. See the HTML source code of this page, to convince yourself......!

Piracy:

It takes a lot of work to maintain this site as one of the most valued repositories for current information on Building Codes in Canada.
The content of this site is copyrighted and may not be reproduced unless specifically permitted by the author, Alek Antoniuk.
You are permitted, of course, to provide links to this site.

Final words and images:

Poland and Hungary Stand United Against the EU's Radical Left

The EU Parliament tried to force Poland and Hungary to accept "the rule of law". This is a socialist code word for doing whatever the left wing wants. The phrase "rule of law" is not defined in any EU treaty or agreement. Polish MEP Jadwiga Wiśniewska points out that: "The lack of definition of this mechanism means that it can be a political whip against different member states for various reasons."

Poland is not a colony of the German and French socialist movement. Poland and Hungary are independent countries with democratically elected governments who put the interest of their own citizens first.

Polish justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro has stated: “This is about institutional, political enslavement, a radical reduction of sovereignty.”

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, joined by Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša, struck back at the interference in their countries' internal affairs by blocking the EU's $900 billion COVID-19 recovery package as well as the EU's seven-year, €1.8 trillion budget.

It is up to the people living in a country to determine how they want to live.
It is not up to outsiders spouting leftist ideology to tell people in Poland, Hungary, and Slovenia how to live.

Alek Antoniuk
November 26, 2020

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RESCON News Letter

Regulatory reform is long overdue

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Final words and images:

Poland and Hungary Stand United Against the EU's Radical Left