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DATE	PROVINCE OR JURISDICTION	NEWS
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.
31-DEC-2019	ONTARIO 2012 Building Code	The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #292, dated December 31, 2019, to announce the following new Building Code related fees for registrations for building practitioners regulated under the Building Code Act, 1992, effective on January 1, 2020: $116 fee for initial registration or reinstatement or annual renewal of registrations for: building officials on-site sewage system installers other designers $184 fee for initial registration or reinstatement of registrations for designers or design firms $138 fee for annual renewal of registrations for designers or design firms $40 fee for updating class of registrations for designers or design firms $438 fee for initial registration or reinstatement of registrations for registered code agencies $323 fee for annual renewal of registrations for registered code agencies $74 fee for updating class of registrations for registered code agencies $192 application fee to the Building Code Commission $11,000 application fee to the Building Materials Evaluation Commission $632 application fee for a Minister's Ruling pursuant to Article 2.4.1.2. of Div. C of the Ontario Building Code
27-DEC-2019	QUÉBEC Code de sécurité du Québec Chapitre VIII, Bâtiment Articles 346 -369	La Régie du bâtiment du Québec has announced that decree number 1213-2019, published in the Gazette officielle du Québec on December 26, 2019, postpond the dealine for the installation of sprinklers in certain private seniors' residences until December 2, 2022. La Régie du bâtiment du Québec has stated that this deferral aims to better support Quebec building owners in their efforts to provide safe living environments for their residents. It also aims to ensure the orderly completion of the work required to comply with regulations, while promoting the maintenance of elderly people in their community.
15-DEC-2019	ALBERTA STANDATA 2019 Alberta Building Code Building Code Variances	Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs has advised that the following STANDATA Building Code Variances were issued under the National Building Code–2019 Alberta edition on December 12, 2019: 19-BCV-013 - Sprinkler-protected glazing in fire-resistant wall assemblies 19-BCV-012 - Spans for joists, rafters and beams 19-BCV-011 - Polyethylene film for greenhouse enclosures 19-BCV-010 - Oil and gas processing facilities 19-BCV-009 - Natural gas regulating and metering station buildings 19-BCV-008 - Multi-level storage racking systems 19-BCV-007 - Lowered workspaces in service garages 19-BCV-006 - Interconnected smoke alarms 19-BCV-005 - Insulation below a heated floor 19-BCV-004 - EnerGuide rating system for new homes 19-BCV-003 - Elevator and passenger-elevating devices 19-BCV-002 - Alberta labeling for CSA A277 constructed homes 19-BCV-001 - Relocatable industrial accommodation labeling
19-NOV-2019	ALBERTA Electrical STANDATA	On November 19, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the following Electrical STANDATA had been issued: 18-CECV-64-218 - Rule 64-218 Photovoltaic rapid shutdown 18-CEC-2 - Section 2 – General rules: Administration 18-CECI-64 - Section 64 – Renewable energy systems 18-CECI-86 - Section 86 – Electric Vehicle charging systems
13-NOV-2019	ONTARIO 2012 Building Code	The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #289, dated November 13, 2019, to announce that the Building and Development Branch is hosting six webinars on the amendments to the Ontario Building Code, arising from O. Reg. 88/19. You were invited to register for the following webinars: Part 5 - Environmental Separation - November 19, 1:00 – 2:30 pm Part 6, 7, 8 - Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Sewage Systems - November 21, 1:00 – 2:30 pm Part 3 - Large and Complex Buildings - November 26, 1:00 – 2:30 pm Part 9 - Housing and Small Buildings - November 28, 10:00 – 11:30 am Part 4 - Structural Design - December 3, 1:00 – 2:30 pm Stairs, Guards, and Handrails (SGH) - December 5, 1:00 – 2:30 pm BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS ANNOUNCMENT, ALL WEBINARS ARE FULL. The registration page prompts you to join a wait list, so that, if space becomes available, you will be notified. You will have one day to accept the released ticket. That's right: there are only about 50 spaces available for more than 15,000 Ontario Building Code users .... someone at the Building and Development Branch has a weird sense of humour.
10-NOV-2019	ONTARIO Building Code Act	There are only 15 days left to comment on the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing's public consultation on the proposal to create an administrative authority. The consultation ends on November 25, 2019. CodeNews Consulting Corp., Consulting Architect, has prepared a Commentary on the Ministry's Proposal, that will be sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing. CodeNews Consulting Corp., Consulting Architect, has noted that: Notwithstanding the recommendations of the Elliot Lake Inquiry and recent changes to Section 1(6) of the Building Code Act, a municipal building official has no legal protection from the whims of senior management and council in a municipality. Municipal chief building officials are unable to perform their duties independently, as mandated by the Building Code Act, and are regularly subject to disciplinary action and dismissal for performing their statutory duties. Therefore, it is proposed that: The Building Code Act should be amended to require the Chief Building Official for Ontario to approve any appointment or termination of a chief building official by a municipality, in order for it to be valid.
03-NOV-2019	BRITISH COLUMBIA 2018 Building Code Revision 2	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 2 of the BC Building Code has been approved. These changes will be effective December 12, 2019, and apply to building permits applied for on or after this date. These amendments to the BC Building Code 2018 include: Changes to harmonize the BC Building Code with the National Building Code to provide greater flexibility for the construction of new secondary suites; Early adoption of the National Building Code requirements for encapsulated mass timber to enable the construction of 12-storey tall wood buildings in specific jurisdictions; Accompanying changes to the BC Fire Code are proposed and anticipated to available soon. New carbon monoxide detector and alarm requirements for stores, offices, classrooms, churches, and recreational facilities; Preliminary Energy Step Code requirements for hospitals, schools, community centres, and university/college classrooms have been introduced, and requirements for residential and office buildings have been refined, to support the CleanBC commitment; Increased requirements for lighting in recycling rooms; and Additional requirements for fire alarms and exits to increase safety on occupied roofs. The online BC Building Code 2018 will be updated to reflect the Revision 2 changes. Customers with binder copies of the BC Building Code, will be able to print the updated code sections online at www.bccodes.ca shortly. The Building and Safety Standards Branch will publish technical bulletins about the code changes on its website in the coming weeks. In the meantime, a description of the amendments and the rationale for the changes is available on the public review web page.
24-OCT-2019	National Research Council of Canada CCBFC National Building Code National Fire Code National Plumbing Code	The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes has provided the link to the Codes Canada webpage detailing the Fall 2019 public review of the proposed changes to the 2015 editions of the National Building Code, the National Fire Code, and the National Plumbing Code, which is being held from October 22 to December 23, 2019. A final national public review will take place in January 2020. The final review will include changes being proposed to the National Energy Code for Buildings, as well as changes related to accessibility, large farm buildings and updates to referenced standards. If approved by the CCBFC , the technical changes will be published in the 2020 editions of Codes Canada publications.
23-OCT-2019	ALBERTA 2019 Alberta Building Code	Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs has advised that the Alberta Safety Codes Council has published comparison tables that show new items and deleted items in the 2019 edition of the Alberta Building Code, in comparison to the 2014 Alberta Building Code. The transition period for using the 2014 edition of the Alberta Building Code ends on December 1, 2019.
22-OCT-2019	ALBERTA STANDATA 2018 Canadian Electrical Code	On October 22, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the following 2018 Canadian Electrical Code variance had been issued: 18-CECV-2-024 MMTE - 2018 Canadian Electrical Code - Rule 2-024 Use of approved equipment
04-OCT-2019	ALBERTA STANDATA Sewage System Variances	A sewage system variance transition working group, comprised of partners from multiple stakeholders, has developed a guidance document, titled: "Notice : restructuring of Safety Code Council variance Policy 9.8" to assist in the transition of administering private sewage variance activity from Alberta Municipal Affairs to the local authority.
24-SEP-2019	ONTARIO Building Code Act	The government of Ontario has announced a public consultation on its proposal to create an administrative authority to transform the delivery of a suite of new and enhanced services to support the building sector. The consultation closes at 11:59 p.m. on November 25, 2019. The administrative authority would deliver new and enhanced services, such as: Developing digital tools to support municipal e-permitting and make the Building Code easier to use and understand; Providing supports to help municipal governments increase the number of building inspectors in Ontario; Introducing continuing professional development to make sure registered building code professionals remain up-to-date on Building Code requirements; and Providing supports to small, rural and northern municipalities to help them deliver local building services. Details of the proposal are posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario, as ERO number 019-0422.. Download the "Discussion Paper: Transforming and Modernizing the Delivery of Ontario’s Building Code Services". (pdf 210.32 KB) Regional information sessions are scheduled for: Belleville: Friday, October 4, 2019 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM, at the Belleville Lions' Club - 119 Station Street, Belleville. North Bay: Monday, October 7, 2019 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM, at the North Bay Memorial Gardens Arena - 100 Chippewa Street West, North Bay. Chatham-Kent: Wednesday, October 9, 2019 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM, at the Chatham Cultural Centre - 75 William Street North, Chatham. Vaughan: October 16, 2019 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM, Vellore Town Hall - 9541 Weston Road, Woodbridge. The public and building sector professionals are invited to submit comments online or at the regional information sessions.
24-SEP-2019	ONTARIO 2012 Building Code	The government of Ontario has published a guide to help people who want to add a second unit, like a basement apartment, to their home. Download the "Adding a Second Unit in an Existing House" guide. (pdf 15MB).
17-SEP-2019	BRITISH COLUMBIA 2018 Building Code Part 9 Energy Compliance Reports	Zachary May, Acting Executive Director, Building and Safety Standards Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, has announced that an updated version of the BC Energy Compliance Reports (Performance Paths for Part 9 Buildings), for use with BC Building Code 2018, is now available. The updated version provides guidance for how to model and test attached ground-oriented residential buildings that are not considered multi-unit residential buildings under the EnerGuide Rating System. The updated version includes a calculator and instruction manual; the Pre-Construction and As-Built reports are automatically generated by the calculator. All versions of the reports are available on the BC Energy Step Code website. More information about the BC Energy Compliance Reports for Part 9 Buildings is available in Technical Bulletin B18-03, published by the Building and Safety Standards Branch.
10-SEP-2019	ONTARIO 2012 Building Code	The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #285, dated September 10, 2019, to announce that Amendment package #8 (May 2, 2019 update) to The 2012 Building Code Compendium is now available for free download from the Publication Ontario website. This amendment package contains 1,220 replacement pages to the 2012 Building Code Compendium Edition and reflects recent amendments to the Building Code (O. Reg. 332/12), Supplementary Standards, and Appendix A. The 2012 Building Code Compendium is amended by: O. Reg. 79/18 to modify the“applicable law”reference to “Ontario Municipal Board” which was replaced with “Local Planning Appeal Tribunal” effective March 6, 2018. O. Reg. 388/18 to address occupancy requirements for buildings in the Lower Don area of Toronto effective July 20, 2018. O. Reg. 87/19 to address farm buildings containing hazardous extraction operations for cannabis effective July1, 2019. These changes are consistent with Fire Code changes made by O. Reg. 33/19. O. Reg. 88/19 to harmonize the Building Code with the 2015 national construction codes with the following effective dates: May 2, 2019 – removal of technical requirements for electric vehicle charging, January 1, 2020 – broad range of technical changes, and January 1, 2022 – changes related to stairs, guards and handrails.
10-SEP-2019	ALBERTA Fire Code STANDATA Fireworks	On September 10, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the following Fire Code STANDATA had been issued: 14-FCB-006 – National Fire Code – 2109 Alberta Edition Concerning Fireworks (Replaces Fire Code Interpretation Bulletins FCI–10-01 and FCI–10-02.
09-SEP-2019	ALBERTA Gas Safety STANDATA Gas Safety Information Bulletin Gas Safety Variances	On September 9, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the following Gas Safety Information Bulletin had been issued: G-01-17(Rev1) - Gas Fired Appliances Used for Heating Buildings Under Construction On September 9, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the following Gas Safety Variances had been issued: VAR-GAS-01-19 - Automated Cylinder Exchange Machines VAR-GAS-02-19 - Service Regulators with Limited (Capacity) Relief and Over Pressure Cut-Off (LR-OPCO Service Regulators)
08-SEP-2019	National Research Council of Canada CCBFC National Building Code National Fire Code National Plumbing Code National Energy Code for Buildings	The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes has announced the final public review of the proposed changes to the 2015 editions of the National Building Code, the National Fire Code, the National Plumbing Code and the National Energy Code for Buildings will be held on the Codes Canada webpage from October 22 to December 23, 2019. More information, including explanations about the proposed changes and instructions on how to submit comments, will be posted online, once the public review period begins.
30-AUG-2019	QUÉBEC Construction Code Draft Energy Efficiency Regulations for buildings	La Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) announced that the public consultation on the building energy efficiency amendment to the Construction Code has been extended for 45 days to October 7, 2019.
28-AUG-2019	QUÉBEC Construction Code CSA B139	La Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) announced on August 28, 2019 that the 2019 edition of the CSA B139 "Installation Code for Oil Burning Equipment" has been adopted, pursuant to Chapter VIII of the Construction Code and will come into effect on August 31, 2019. The CSA Group has published a list of 18 major changes in this (10th) edition. Some of the changes affecting building design include: Special rules added to address previous conflicts and discrepancies in fire pump installation requirements between B139 and the NFPA 20 standard. New requirements have been added for the use of side-wall vented condensing furnaces and condensing hot water boilers of limited capacity in proximity to operable windows. A new requirement limits the installation of storage and supply tanks within tank protection levels II, III, IVA or IVB in buildings of non-combustible construction in conformance with Division B, Part 3 of the National Building Code of Canada. Requirements have been introduced to allow fill pipes or vent pipes to be recessed into the façade of a building and be provided with an architectural ventilated cover, while limiting the risk of combustible vapour migration into the building. The standard now clarifies that engine service rooms require a non-combustible, liquid-tight sill, or ramp to a height corresponding to 10% of the volume of the largest tank in the room, and at least 150 mm high.
19-AUG-2019	NOVA SCOTIA Building Code	Joe Rogers, P. Eng., Building Code Coordinator for the Province of Nova Scotia, announced on August 19, 2019, the publication of 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. It is anticipated that the amendments will be prescribed by the Nova Scotia Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to come into effect throughout the Province of Nova Scotia on or about January 1, 2020. The proposed amendments include: additional compliance options for the construction of tiny homes; adoption of the 2017 National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings; changes related to permits for small renovations; and the adoption of the first addendum and errata for the National Codes. Please forward your written comments on the proposed amendments on or before October 4, 2019 to: Joe Rogers, P. Eng. Building Code Coordinator Office of the Fire Marshal P.O. Box 231 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2M4 You can also email your comments to OFM@novascotia.ca
16-AUG-2019	National Research Council of Canada CCBFC 2015 National Building Code of Canada	The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Code (CCBTC) and the Provincial and Territorial Policy Advisory Committee on Codes (PTPACC) have approved, in principle, a report titled "Alterations to Existing Buildings", dated August, 2019. The CCBFC has requested public comments on the report, which describes the overarching principles and a general concept of the triggers and decision points of potential future code requirements that would apply to the alterations to existing buildings. The report was prepared by the Joint CCBFC/PTPACC Task Group on Alterations to Existing Buildings. The members of the Joint Task Group are: R. Rymell, JTG Chairman, CCBFC member K. Gloge, CCBFC member P. Thorkelson, CCBFC member A. Tabet, CCBFC member B. Wood, PTPACC member J. Rogers, PTPACC member J. Hutchinson, PTPACC member The CCBFC is soliciting your thoughts on a number of questions by August 30, 2019. It is an open secret that the absence of national code requirements for existing buildings has resulted in a patchwork approach to dealing with alterations across Canada. This causes confusion in the industry, among regulators and building owners/operators, and may even result in unsafe practices in all provinces, except Ontario. Ontario, of course, has had its Part 11, dealing with Renovations, for decades, as well as a Part 10, dealing with Change of Use.
14-AUG-2019	BRITISH COLUMBIA 2018 Building Code	The Province of B.C. is now offering the BC Building, Plumbing and Fire Codes online at no charge. The free online access is available at www.bcpublications.ca, under the "Public Library" collection. Printed copies of BC code material will also be made available at a reduced cost. This aligns with the Federal Government of Canada's recently announced changes to the National Model Codes. Eligible citizens and businesses who purchased a one or five year online subscription of the 2018 Codes will receive a full refund based on the digital product they purchased. Any citizens and businesses who purchased printed copies of the 2018 Codes will receive a partial refund based on the product purchased.
08-AUG-2019	BRITISH COLUMBIA 2018 Building Code	Zachary May, Acting Executive Director, Building and Safety Standards Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, has announced that the public review of proposed mid-cycle changes to the BC Code, that had been posted on June 28, 2019, has been extended to August 23, 2019 and the following additional proposed changes have been posted on the B.C. government's website: Carbon monoxide detectors and alarms Roof-top enclosures and roof-top occupancy requirements
24-JUL-2019	NOVA SCOTIA Building Code	Joe Rogers, P. Eng., Building Code Coordinator for the Province of Nova Scotia, announced on July 24, 2019, that the Adaptable Housing requirements in the Nova Scotia Building Code will take effect and be applicable to permits applied for after September 1, 2019. Nova Scotia has produced a short presentation highlighting the Adaptable Housing changes (PDF). The presentation contains clickable links to the actual regulation as printed in the Royal Gazette. The User's Version of the regulation is currently being updated and will be on the province's website website shortly after September 1, 2019
17-JUL-2019	QUÉBEC Construction Code Draft Energy Efficiency Regulations for buildings	La Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) announced that a building energy efficiency amendment to the Construction Code was published in the Gazette officielle du Québec for public comment on July 10, 2019.. For more information, visit the projects page of the RBQ website. The RBQ claims that the draft amendment aims to increase the energy efficiency requirements of new commercial, institutional and industrial buildings as well as large residential buildings. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the building envelope, lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, domestic water heating systems, and electric transformers and motors. This draft regulation responds to the commitments outlined in the Government of Québec's Action Plan 2013-2020 on climate change. The following documents, available in the French language, have been posted on the RBQ website: Draft amendments to the Construction Code. - PDF (2.6 MB) Regulatory impact analysis, which includes, among other things, the impact of this proposed regulation. - PDF (2.6 MB) Amendments to the NECB proposed by the draft amendments to the Construction Code. - PDF (5.4 MB) This public consultation ends on August 23, 2019. CodeNews.ca thanks our loyal reader, Gary Chu, for alerting us to this news.
02-JUL-2019	ONTARIO 2007 Ontario Fire Code	In its Bulletin #02/19, dated June 28,2019, the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM) announced that the Fire Code's requirements for hazardous extraction operations and out-of-service firefighters’ elevators came into force on July 1, 2019 for the following: Hazardous Extraction Operations Owners and operators of buildings with hazardous extraction operations are reminded that requirements related to aisles, exits, door hardware, fire safety plans, and ventilation come into force on July 1, 2019. Provisions related to prohibited locations for hazardous extraction operations have been in effect since March 2019 when O. Reg. 33/19 was filed. Out-of-service Firefighters’ Elevators Owners and operators of buildings with firefighters’ elevators are reminded that requirements related to notifying supervisory staff, the fire department, and building occupants when a firefighters’ elevator is not operational come into force on July 1, 2019.
28-JUN-2019	BRITISH COLUMBIA 2018 Building Code	Jarrett Hutchinson, Acting Executive Director, Building and Safety Standards Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, has invited code users, industry, and partners to participate in a public review to provide feedback on proposed mid-cycle changes to the BC Code. The Building and Safety Standards Branch is conducting a public review of the following proposed changes to the BC Code: Design and Construction of Secondary Suites Energy Step Code for Large Buildings in Cold Climates and Public Sector Buildings Lighting of Recycling and Garbage Rooms Recent national revisions as well as some editorial corrections The online survey is available from June 28 to August 9, 2019. For more information about the proposed changes or to complete the survey, please visit the B.C. government's website. Possible amendments to the Energy Step Code targets for houses and small residential buildings are still in development and are not part of this public review.
19-JUN-2019	NOVA SCOTIA Building Code	Joe Rogers, P. Eng., Building Code Coordinator for the Province of Nova Scotia, announced on June 19, 2019, that, as a result of the redesign of the province's website, the links to the following documents may be accessed, as follows: Nova Scotia Building Code Regulation - USERS VERSION, dated May 1, 2019 This guide provides an overview of the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations and outlines the rules you need to follow if you’re constructing a new building or making changes to an existing building. Schedule “A” Letters of Undertaking You need to submit Schedule “A” Letters of Undertaking with your application for a building permit if you use the services of engineers, architects or interior design professionals. The building owner and consultants are also required to complete additional schedules included in the Schedule “A” Letters of Undertaking.
17-JUN-2019	ONTARIO 2007 Ontario Fire Code Fire Sprinkler Retrofit in Vulnerable Occupancies	The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #282, dated June 14, 2019, to reiterate that fire sprinkler retrofit requirements under Ontario’s Fire Code for existing care occupancies and retirement homes came into effect on January 1, 2019. Work to install sprinkler systems to comply with the Fire Code will generally require a building permit issued under the Building Code Act. However, the Building Code generally would not mandate additional renovations or upgrades. For more information, check out these links: Fire Code Retrofit Requirements and the Building Code Evaluating Building Code Applications Relating to Fire Code Retrofits If you have any questions, please contact: Building and Development Branch at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (codeinfo@mah.gov.on.ca or 416-585-6666), or Technical Services at the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (FireSafetyStandards@ontario.ca or 647-329-1100).
13-MAY-2019	ALBERTA National Building Code - 2019 Alberta Edition National Fire Code - 2019 Alberta Edition	Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs has advised that the electronic versions of the 2019 Alberta Editions of the codes are now available free of charge at the NRC Virtual Store. This includes access to the downloadable, offline access PDF file and the single user, online access subscription. The printed edition is available for purchase at a reduced price.
02-MAY-2019	ONTARIO 2012 Building Code	Ontario Regulation 87-19 has been issued to amend the Ontario Building Code. This 1 page regulation was: • Made on May 1, 2019; • Filed on May 2, 2019; and • Published on e-Laws: May 2, 2019 It will be printed in The Ontario Gazette on May 18, 2019. It will come into force on July 1, 2019. The regulation deals with farm buildings intended to contain hazardous extraction operations involving cannabis. Ontario Regulation 88-19 has been issued to amend the Ontario Building Code. This 139 page regulation was: • Made on May 1, 2019; • Filed on May 2, 2019; and • Published on e-Laws: May 2, 2019 It will be printed in The Ontario Gazette on May 18, 2019. It will come into force on various dates: • May 2, 2019 • January 1, 2010 • January 1, 2022 The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #278, dated May 2, 2019, to announce that Ontario Regulation 88/19 aligns Ontario’s Building Code with the 2015 National Construction Codes and is based on proposals the ministry consulted on in 2016 and 2017. The majority of the amendments will come into effect on January 1, 2020 and include: • fire safety measures including fire prevention and early detection and warning systems; • structural sufficiency of buildings to withstand external forces and improve resilience; • water conservation improvements to plumbing fixtures; • public health and safety requirements; and • accessibility requirements for barrier-free access. Amendments to requirements related to stair dimensions, guards and handrails will come into effect January 1, 2022. In addition, other amendments to the Building Code came into effect on filing, in the following areas: removal of outdated references to repealed legislation; removal of technical requirements related to electric vehicle charging infrastructure in houses and non-residential large buildings, such as workplaces. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has published 8 Technical Bulletins to explain the amendments: Technical Bulletin - General Technical Bulletin - Part 3 Technical Bulletin - Part 4 Technical Bulletin - Part 5 Technical Bulletin - Part 6 Technical Bulletin - Part 7 Technical Bulletin - Part 8 Technical Bulletin - Part 9 These Technical Bulletins are hosted on the CodeNews website because the Ministry has not published them on its website.
02-MAY-2019	ONTARIO 2012 Building Code	On Thursday, May 2, 2019, the Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Ontario revealed the "More Homes, More Choice: Ontario's Housing Supply Action Plan". Minister Clark highlighted that the Housing Supply Action Plan will require a provincewide effort that includes municipalities, nonprofits and private industry and will also be a comprehensive all-of-government initiative that will include legislative amendments to 13 government Acts. Minister Clark was joined by Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. The Plan includes the following changes to the Ontario Building Code: • Remove the requirement that all new homes include the infrastructure for an electric vehicle charging station – whether the purchaser owns an electric vehicle or not – reducing unnecessary costs; and • Harmonize the Ontario Building Code with the National Codes to open new markets for manufacturers and bring building costs down.
30-APR-2019	BRITISH COLUMBIA 2018 Building Code Technical Bulletins	Zachary May, Director, Building Codes & Standards, Building and Safety Standards Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, has announced that new resources are now available online to assist those using the BC Energy Step Code. The BC Energy Step Code is an optional performance-based compliance path in the BC Building Code. The British Columbia Building and Safety Standards Branch has developed the following 3 new Technical Bulletins: B19-01 – Complying with Step 1 of the BC Energy Step Code for Part 9 Buildings B19-02 – Step 1 in the BC Energy Step Code: Airtightness, Enhanced Compliance and Compliance Paths B19-03 – Guidelines for Energy Advisors – Setting Airtightness Values for Energy Modelling of Part 9 Buildings for Compliance with the BC Energy Step Code The British Columbia Building and Safety Standards Branch has also updated Part 9 Energy Compliance Reports for the 2018 Building Code. The reports include: The Pre-Construction Report The As-Built Report The Instruction Manual for Energy Advisors The Compliance Report Calculator and Report Generator Questions about the Bulletins and updated Part 9 Energy Compliance Reports can be directed to the Building and Safety Standards Branch at CodeQuestion@gov.bc.ca.
15-APR-2019	ALBERTA 2019 Alberta Edition of the National Building Code 2017 Edition of the National Energy Code for Buildings 2019 Alberta Edition of the National Fire Code	James Orr, Director, Safety Codes & Standards, Alberta Municipal Affairs has advised that the 2019 editions of the Alberta Building and Fire Codes (and while available, the 2017 NECB goes with these code editions) are delayed as they will be made freely available (online and in downloadable form) as is the current 2014 edition. The codes are anticipated to be available before the end of April. Alberta Municipal Affairs will provide further information and any associated guidance as soon as it is available. CodeNews.ca thanks our loyal reader, Kevin Kiejko, for pointing out the delay.
11-APR-2019	ONTARIO Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Building Code Conservation Advisory Council	The 2019 Ontario Budget, announced on April 11, 2019, reported that the Ontario government's Agency Review Task Force, which is comprised of five government Members of Provincial parliament, had commenced (in November, 2018) its comprehensive review of all Provincial agencies to support the government’s commitment to restoring accountability and trust. To date, this task force has reviewed over 60 agencies (almost one-third of more than 190 Provincial agencies). The Building Code Conservation Advisory Council is the first of 10 Provincial agencies that the task force has recommended be dissolved, as they have become unnecessary, or because there are more cost-effective ways of achieving their goals: It recommends that the ministry could seek expert advice on conservation matters of the Building Code from working groups rather than through a Provincial agency.
10-APR-2019	ONTARIO Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 Operating Engineers Regulation	The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is holding a public consultation until May 4, 2019 on the creation of alternate rules for the Operating Engineers Regulation. The proposed changes are intended to implement recommendations made by a panel of industry stakeholders to adopt a risk-based framework for the Operating Engineers Regulation. Under this approach, businesses would have the option to either comply with the alternate rules or continue adhering to requirements in the current regulation. The consultaion documents consist of: Operating Engineers Regulatory Review - Findings and Recommendations Report (429 KB, pdf) Proposal Summary (99.3 KB) (pdf) Path 1 Risk-Based Rgulatory Framework (799 KB, pdf) Path 2 RSMP (risk and safety management plan) Regulatory Framework (514 KB, pdf)
06-APR-2019	ONTARIO Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 Liquid Fuels Handling Code	The Technical Standards & Safety Authority’s Fuels Safety Program, in consultation with industry stakeholders, has updated the Liquid Fuels Handling Code Adoption Document. The amendments, which will be effective as of May 21, 2019, include: Revised Tank Record-keeping Requirements; Editorial Clarification on Standards Referenced; Time to Comply Added to Fire Extinguisher Requirements; Rules around Commissioning of Vertical Storage Tanks (built to CAN/ULC-S601 or API 650 Standard); Explanatory Background Added to Leak Detection; and, Monitoring of ASTs and Corrections.
03-APR-2019	National Research Council of Canada CCBFC Construction Codes of Canada	Frank Lohmann, Manager, Codes Development System at the National Research Council of canada, reported, on April 3, 2019, that the National Codes of Canada are now available for free download. They are available by visiting the NRC Virtual Store. The 2005, 2010, and the 2015 editions of the codes are available in .pdf format. In order to assist our loyal CodeNews.ca readers, we have prepared a Step-By-Step Guide to assist you in navigating the free NRC Virtual Store ordering process
02-APR-2019	NOVA SCOTIA Building Code	Joe Rogers, P. Eng., Building Code Coordinator for the Province of Nova Scotia, has announced that the following amendments have been made to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations: Regulation No. 44/2019, effective on May 1, 2019, includes changes related to recreational cabins. Regulation No. 45/2019, effective on September 1, 2019, includes changes related to adaptable housing. The above regulations have been published in Volume 43, No. 7 of the March 29, 2019 edition of Nova Scotia's Royal Gazette.
19-MAR-2019	ONTARIO Ontario Building Code Next Edition	On March 6, 2019, Richard Lyall, President of RESCON (Residential Construction Council of Ontario), reported in his RESCON Blog, that the Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Ontario, delivered a speech at RESCON's annual general meeting in February, 2019, where the Minister addressed the next edition of the Ontario. The Minister is reported to have said: “Also, we were just talking about the building code and the fact that about harmonizing our code to the national code is something that is very important to our government." “So we have a number of balls up in the air that we are working on right now. We have to leave our house in better fiscal order … We have to do things differently …" “The previous government consulted on the changes but as of Jan. 1, 2019, the changes weren’t finalized, they didn’t come into effect. The code was the same on Jan. 1st, 2019, as it was on Dec. 31st. We’re working again to update the building code to reflect some of the technological consultations and some of the changes, some of the expert research, some of the input that was done as part of the national construction code that was released in 2015. I’ve been pretty consistent when I’ve spoken (previously) to say that we need to catch up. We need to have that harmonization. We need to do it for jobs, we need to do it for inter-provincial trade, we need to do it to make it easier for Ontario manufacturers and developers and business to be operating in our province, and for people to have that consistency to be able to keep costs down. Reducing red tape, having efficient regulations, putting health and safety in the window is something that our government puts as our priority." CodeNews.ca graciously thanks Richard Lyall for permission to copy the above quotes from the RESCON Blog. So, there you have it folks: the next edition of the Ontario Building Code will focus on harmonization with the National Building Code of Canada and will be based on the 2015 changes to the National Building Code of Canada in the next edition of the Ontario Building Code, the government will place greater emphasis on: reducing red tape efficient regulations giving priority to health and safety
18-MAR-2019	ONTARIO 2007 Ontario Fire Code	In its Bulletin #001/19, dated March 18,2019, the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM) announced that Ontario Regulation 33/19, a regulation made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, to amend the 2007 Fire Code (Ontario Regulation 213/07) by making housekeeping changes (to update or clarify requirements) and by adding requirements for the following: hazardous extraction operations, and out-of-service firefighters’ elevators. For purposes of the new requirements, “hazardous extraction” means a process to remove or separate a substance from a solution or mixture that involves the use of flammable liquids, combustible liquids or flammable gases as solvents in the process. Amendments include new requirements for the following: door release hardware for exits and access to exits, egress aisles, fire safety planning, ventilation, and prohibited locations. Requirements for prohibited locations became effective on March 14, 2019. All other requirements come into force on July 1, 2019. For more details, see Fire Marshal's Communiqué 2019-02, dated March 15, 2019.
14-MAR-2019	ALBERTA Gas Safety STANDATA Gas Safety Information Bulletin Fire/Electrical Interpretation Fire/Building Variance	On March 14, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the following Gas Safety Information Bulletin has been revised: G-02-01a [Rev4] - Uncertified Appliances and Equipment Require Special Inspection and Approval This Bulletin lists nationally recognized certification bodies or inspection bodies, currently operating in Alberta, that are accredited by the Standards Council of Canada to inspect and approve uncertified gas-fired appliances and equipment. On March 14, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs also announced that the following Fire/Electrical Interpretation had been issued: 14-FCI-006 - Existing Fire Alarm Systems (Joint Fire/Electrical) This Interpretation identifies the applicable requirements where a building fire alarm system requires inspection, testing, maintenance,or the installation of devicesor other equipment. It also defines who is able to inspect, test, maintain and install fire alarm systems in Alberta. On March 14, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs also announced that the following Fire/Building Variance had been issued: 14-FCV-022 / 14-BCV-020 - Sprinkler Systems with Antifreeze Solutions (Joint Fire/Building) This Variance sets out the conditions for the use of antifreeze solutions in sprinkler systems that are located in -20°C or colder climates within the Province of Alberta.
08-MAR-2019	ONTARIO Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 Fuels Safety Program Advisory	On March 8, 2019, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) issued an Advisory (FS-243-19) titled "Cell Phone Use at Gas Station Dispensers" to announce that it will permit cell phones to be used for payment at dispensers at licensed gasoline facilities in Ontario. This was in response to a risk assessment related to “Risk Associated with Cell Phone Use During Refueling”, dated February 4, 2019, by Adrian Pieroraio, P. Eng. & Syed Taha of BakerRisk, that was commissioned by the Canadian Fuels Association. The assessment concluded that the chance that a cell phone will ignite the vapours generated at the pumps is negligible (i.e. one chance in 10 billion).
08-MAR-2019	National Research Council of Canada CCBFC Construction Codes of Canada	Joe Rogers, P. Eng., Building Code Coordinator for the Province of Nova Scotia, forwarded the following update issued by Martin Thériault, Director Built Environment Regulations and Specifications, Construction Research Centre, NRC: "On February 28, 2019, the Government of Canada confirmed funding that will support ongoing and future building code development work. This is good news that will allow NRC to continue to support the building code development system and to provide free access to the national model codes. Starting in spring 2019, NRC will offer free online access to the National Building Code, the National Fire Code, the National Plumbing Code, and the National Energy Code for Buildings, as well as the provincial codes published by NRC. Paper copies of the Codes, along with other supporting documents including the Guides, will be offered at a reduced cost. Due to these changes, longer term subscriptions are not currently available. Please touch base with us again in April for an update and more information." For more information, contact: Martin Thériault, Director Built Environment Regulations and Specifications Construction Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Government of Canada E-mail: martin.theriault@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca Tel: 613-991-9952
26-FEB-2019	QUÉBEC Le chapitre III, Plomberie du Code de construction du Québec	On February 25, 2019, the Corporation of Master Plumbing Mechanics of Québec and the Régie du bâtiment du Québec, in collaboration with Réseau Environnement and the Montreal chapter of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers, announced the publication of the "Backflow Prevention Device Guide: Protecting Drinking-Water Systems from Cross-Connection". This 88-page reference guide (5.5MB pdf) covers the use of backflow prevention devices in Québec and covers: backflow prevention regulations the basic principles of cross connection types of backflow prevention devices and their installation examples of cross-connection incidents This guide is available only in the French language......
24-FEB-2019	UL Standards ULC Standards UL ISO Standards	Underwriters Laboratories Inc. has now posted its entire library of UL-authored Standards for open-access online viewing capability for any interested individual or organization globally, for the first time in its 125 years. As part of its long-term vision, UL has announced that this is a natural next step on the path that it have been on for many years. Philip Piqueira, Vice President Global Standards, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. has stated that: "The best way to continue to build upon our mission is to offer this new digital view to provide basic access to UL Standards for everyone. Through this measure, global users of any economic means will be able to find, reference and employ our comprehensive UL Standards library. We believe that providing greater access and transparency to our Standards is the right way to continue to build trust deep into the next century." Individuals can view all UL and ULC standards by logging into the UL Standards Sales Site. Meanwhile, as reported in the 18-JUL-2018 News at CodeNews entry, Public.Resource.Org (PRO) successfully fought efforts by the ASTM, NFPA, and ASHRAE to prevent it from publishing standards that are incorporated by reference into law. Congratualtions to UL for setting an example!
20-FEB-2019	ALBERTA 2018 Canadian Electrical Code STANDATA	On February 20, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the electrical STANDATA have been updated to the 2018 Canadian Electrical Code and are now available on the Municipal Affairs website.
15-FEB-2019	ALBERTA 2019 Alberta Edition of the National Building Code 2017 Edition of the National Energy Code for Buildings 2019 Alberta Edition of the National Fire Code	On February 14, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the following codes were adopted in February 2019 by provincial regulation: 2019 edition of the Alberta Building Code based on the 2015 edition of the National Building Code 2019 edition of the Alberta Fire Code based on the 2015 edition of the National Fire Code 2017 edition of the National Energy Code for Buildings The new codes come into effect on April 1, 2019 and there is a transition period to facilitate transition to the new codes from the previous codes. In support of greater harmonization to the national codes, both the Alberta building and fire codes have also been renamed. Mandatory code update training is not required for updates to the 2019 Alberta editions of the National Building Code and National Fire Code or to the 2017 edition of the National Energy Code for Buildings. An overview of key code updates is posted at the National Research Council site. A new 74 page slide deck presentation of the building and energy code changes is available on the Alberta Municipal Affairs web site.
05-FEB-2019	ONTARIO 2018 Ontario Electrical Safety Code (27th edition)	Ontario Regulation 478/18 was filed on November 16, 2018 to adopt the 27th edition of the Electrical Safety Code, which consists of: the “Canadian Electrical Code Part I, C22.1-18”, issued by the Canadian Standards Association; and the amendments contained in the “Ontario Amendments to the Canadian Electrical Code Part I, C22.1-18”, dated September 11, 2018 and issued by the Electrical Safety Authority. Ontario Regulation 478/18 comes into force on May 16, 2019. Electrical work conducted after that date needs to meet the new requirements. The Electrical Safety Authority has published a document concerning "Frequently Asked Questions about the 2018 Ontario Electrical Safety Code – 27th Edition". The 2018 edition of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code reflects changes in technology and the marketplace, and incorporates feedback from stakeholders, technical reviews and new safety insights. The new edition includes changes designed to enhance electrical safety and protect workers and the public including: Re-write of Section 10 requirements for bonding and grounding have been reorganized and reduced in size with some changes that will improve safety and simplify the installations; Expanding the use of Tamper-resistant receptacles in educational facilities and hotels/motels; Requirements for installing an identified (neutral) conductor at each control (switch) location of permanently installed luminaire; Alignment with the Ontario Building Code to prevent the installation of high-voltage conductors over buildings; Providing of adequate working space for electrical workers to undertake necessary repairs, maintenance and installation of transformers greater than 50kVA; Prohibiting of installation of cables in concealed locations in corrugated roof decking Adding requirements for Energy Storage systems; and Facilitating the use of Power over Ethernet to provide a pathway for sources of electricity.
01-FEB-2019	ALBERTA Electrical Code	On January 31, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the Twenty-fourth edition of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part1 I (CSA-C22.1-18) was published in January 2018 by the Canadian Standards Association and automatically comes into effect on February 1, 2019 throughout the Province of Alberta.
30-JAN-2019	ALBERTA Building Code Variance STANDATA	On January 30, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced the publication of the following Building Code Variance: 14-BCV-018R1 Sprinkler-Protected Glazing in Fire-Resistant Wall Assemblies The variance sets out the conitions for the use of sprinkler protected glazed assemblies used in fire rated wall assemblies. Ontario Building Code users already have the luxury of a made-in-Ontario requirement to address these systems, which are found in Article 3.1.8.18. of Division B of the current Ontario Building Code.
01-JAN-2019	ONTARIO 2012 Building Code	The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #272, dated December 24, 2018, to announce new Building Code related fees for registrations for building practitioners regulated under the Building Code Act, 1992, effective on January 1, 2019: - $114 Initial Registration/Reinstatement and Annual Renewal for Building Officials & Independent Designers & Septic System Installers - $181 Initial Registration/Reinstatement for Design Firms - $136 Annual Renewal for Design Firms - $39 Updating class of registration for Design Firms - $430 Initial Registration/Reinstatement for Registered Code Agencies - $317 Annual Renewal for Registered Code Agencies - $73 Updating class of registration for Registered Code Agencies Other fee increases: - Applications to the Building Code Commission: $189 - Applications for Minister’s Rulings authorizing the use of innovative products: $621 - Applications to the Building Materials Evaluation Commission: $11,000 (no increase)
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
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The e-mail address is a graphic to ward off spam robots .....!
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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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Dumped by girlfriend? Blame it on climate change.

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RESCON News Letter

Regulatory reform is long overdue

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