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News at CodeNews:

DATE
PROVINCE OR JURISDICTION
NEWS
02-JUN-2021CANADA
Canadian Free Trade Agreement		Joe Rogers P.Eng, Building Code Coordinator, NS Office of the Fire Marshal, Department of Municipal Affairs, has kindly advised that the Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table (RCT) established under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) has published the full text of the Reconciliation Agreement on Construction Codes that was signed by all federal, territorial, and provincial governments.
The Agreement is intended to:
  • Reduce or eliminate differences and variations in the technical provision of construction codes in Canada;
  • Ensure timely adoption of construction codes;
  • Transform the national code development system to meet the needs of all parties;
  • Provide freely available national and construction codes.
31-MAY-2021ALBERTA
2019 Building Code
STANDATA
Building Code Variance		Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on May 31, 2021, that that the following Building Code Variance is now available:
The purpose of this variance is to allow the use of Structural Insulated Panels in buildings constructed under Part 9 of the National Building Code – 2019 Alberta Edition.
24-MAY-2021CANADA
2017 National Energy Code for Buildings.		Codes Canada announced on May 21, 2021 that Natural Resources Canada, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and CSA Group have worked together to develop training courses to help users apply the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2017 (as well as videos) targeted to contractors, designers and building officials.
The following NECB 2017 on-line training courses are self-paced and interactive:
The following training videos explain the full and abridged compliance checklists for the NECB 2015/2017:
While the full checklist can be used for any project, the abridged checklist can only be used for projects following the prescriptive compliance path. The Designer Perspective videos explain how to complete the checklists. The Enforcement Perspective videos, which are targeted to building officials, explain how to review the checklists.
These training materials complement the NECB 2017, which is available in print format in the NRC Virtual Store, and in free electronic format from the NRC Publications Archive.
18-MAY-2021ALBERTA
2019 Building Code
STANDATA
Building Code Variance		Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on May 18, 2021, that that the following Building Code Variance is now available:
This variance covers the use of steel rung-type ladders or “ship’s ladders” / “fixed industrial stairs” as an alternative for interior stairways for accessing rooftop HVAC equipment.
12-MAY-2021ALBERTA
Alberta Private Sewage Systems SOP		On May 12, 2021, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced the availability of the following guidance document:
Temporary Onsite Wastewater Treatment System at Work Camps: Guidance Document
Due to the temporary nature of work camps, it is difficult to apply the Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice (SOP) to this industry.  Alberta Municipal Affairs has developed this guidance document to clarify existing and new requirements for sewage treatment and disposal systems in the work camp industry. This guidance document applies to daily sewage effluent volumes of less than 25 m3 (5500 Imperial gallons). Greater effluent volumes (more than 25 m3) are under the jurisdiction of Alberta Environment and Parks. The guidance document applies to existing work camp variance holders, new variance applications, and management plans. These guidelines ensure consistent requirements are maintained and enforced throughout the work camp industry.
06-MAY-2021CITY OF VANCOUVER
2019 Vancouver Building and Plumbing By-laws		On May 6, 2021, BC Publications announced that the consolidation of amendments to the 2019 Vancouver Building By-law (Book I and Book II) effective as of January 1, 2021 has now been published onlinein its Public Library.
A “Point in time” folder has been created which allows viewing the content as it read prior to January 1, 2021. The “Point in time” folders are accessible within each Part if applicable.
For users of the binder versions of the By-laws, the revised sections of the By-laws may be downloaded from:
28-APR-2021ONTARIO
TSSA
Gaseous Fuels Code Adoption Document
Propane Code Adoption Document
Oil and GasPipelineSystems CodeAdoption Document		Zenon Fraczkowski, P.Eng, Manager of Fuels Engineering, Program Administration, Technical Standards & Safety Authority advised on April 28, 2021 that the TSSA Director has amended the Gaseous Fuels Code Adoption Document (CAD).  CAD FS-255-21 was published on March 1, 2021 and becomes effective on May 1, 2021.  This CAD amendment supersedes CAD FS-225-17 (dated April 10, 2017).  However CAD FS-225-17 will continue to apply until May 1, 2021.

Significant changes made by this new CAD amendment include:
  • Adoption of the B149.1-20 Natural gas and propane installation code (with Ontario amendments) including the addition of:
  •     Annex O “Field Approval of Special Effects”;
  •     Annex P “Installation of piping or tubing in rocky areas”:
  •     Annex Q“Mandatory Safety Checks for Residential (one or two family dwelling) Natural Draft Boilers Equipped with a Draft Control Device 300,000 Btuh or less”:
  •     Annex R “Existing B-Vent (not certified for exterior applications) which has been installed outdoors”:
  •     Annex S “Mobile Food Service Equipment”.
  • Adoption of TSSA Field Approval Code TSSA-FA-2020 (which adopts B149.3-20)
  • Adoption of TSSA Digester, Landfill & Biogas Code TSSA-DLB-2020 (which adopts B149.6-20)
  • Adoption of TSSA High Pressure piping Code TSSA-HPP-2020
  • Adoption of TSSA Field Approval Code for Mobile Food Service Equipment”, TSSA-MFSE-2020
An amendment to the Propane Code Adoption Document was published on December 8, 2020 and came into effect on February 8, 2021.
The major changes implemented in CAD FS-254-20 were:
  • Adoption of B149.2-20 for propane storage and handling requirements
  • Adoption of, B149.5-20 for propane vehicle conversion requirements
  • Adoption of B149.1-20 for appliances and equipment on highway vehicles, mobile units, etc. when propane is used for fuel purposes
  • Adoption of TSSA-FA-2020 -Field Approval Code for appliances on those units that are not approved
  • Adoption of Mobile Food Service Equipment Code for appliances on those units that are not approved
An amendment to the Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems Code Adoption Document was published on December 8, 2020 and came into effect on February 8, 2021.  A major change implemented in CAD FS-253-20 was the adoption of a new edition of CSA Z662-19 Oil and gas pipeline systems, as well as minor editorial changes.
13-APR-2021ALBERTA
2019 Building Code
STANDATA
Building Code Interpretation
Building Code Variance
Building Code Bulletin
Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on April 13, 2021, that the following 3 Building Code STANDATA are now available:
The purpose of this interpretation is to provide clarification when manufactured engineered components need not be designed by a registered engineering professional.
The purpose of this variance is to recognize the acceptability of CSA A277 certification in place of the Alberta labeling program for relocatable industrial camp buildings.
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide guidance on when a building permit is required.
09-APR-2021QUÉBEC
Construction Code
Chapter I.1 – Energy Efficiency of Buildings, and National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2015 (amended)		Codes Canada Publication Sales has announced that, as of March 22, 2021, the Quebec Construction Code, Chapter I.1 – Energy Efficiency of Buildings, and National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2015 (amended) is available now in print format and free electronic format through the NRC Virtual Store.

This new document is published by the National Research Council of Canada on behalf of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec.

The document sets out technical requirements for the energy efficient design and construction of new buildings, additions, and public swimming pools in Quebec. These requirements are expected to improve the overall energy performance of buildings by 27.9%, on average, relative to the existing energy efficiency requirements in effect in Quebec since 1983.

The document contains both new Chapter I.1, Energy Efficiency of Buildings, of the Quebec Construction Code and an amended National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2015 clearly indicating the changes adopted by the province of Quebec. With its reader-friendly format, this document is an indispensable tool for building designers, energy consultants and subcontractors, construction professionals, and regulatory officials in Quebec.
07-APR-2021CANADA
National Building Code
National Fire Code
National Plumbing Code
National Energy Code for Buildings.		Paul Chang, Alberta Municipal Affairs Provincial Building Administrator, has graciously advised that the Canadian model national codes are now available for direct download.  In other words, one is no longer required to set up an account and log in to view a document.
Recent model national codes available for direct download include:
Other code documents may be found by searching the NRC Publications Archive.
07-APR-2021ALBERTA
2019 Building Code		Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on April 7, 2021, that its Building Codes and Standards Web Page has been updated to provide direct references to its Building Codes, Standards, Guidelines and Forms.
The following Codes are listed:

Codes Currently In Force in Alberta:
Historical Alberta Building Codes
Historical National Energy Codes for Buildings (NECB)
02-MAR-2021NEW BRUNSWICK
General Regulation –
Building Code Administration Act
Barrier-FreeDesign Building Code  Regulation –
Building Code Administration Act		The Province of News Brunswick filed Regulation 2021-2 under the Building Code Administration Act to amend
the General Regulation – Building Code Administration Act on January 28, 2021.  This regulation adopts the following National Codes of Canada in New Brunswick:
  • National Building Code of Canada 2015
  • National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2011
Also, Regulation 2021-3 was filed under the Building Code Administration Act to amend the Barrier-FreeDesign Building Code  Regulation – uilding Code Administration Act on January 28, 2021.

Both regulations came into force on February 1, 2021.

CodeNews.ca thanks:
Dana Scherf, P.Eng.,
Director, Code and Life Safety,
Principal; Senior Code Consultant
Morrison Hershfield

for alerting us to this news.
22-FEB-2021QUÉBEC
Construction Code
Chapter III, Plumbing		A regulation (Décret 65-2021) amending Chapter III, Plumbing, of the Construction Code (Chapter B-1.1, r. 2) was published in the Gazette officielle du Québec, on February 10, 2021, to incorporate the 2015 National Plumbing Code - Canada, along with modifications to adapt it to the specific needs of Québec. It also retains several Québec modifications made in previous editions.
The main changes introduced by this regulation are:
  • more stringent and comprehensive requirements for potable water conservation
  • new articles to address the use of stainless steel piping
  • a ban on the installation of piping containing asbestos
  • updating the editions of the referenced standards
  • the introduction of a standard on oil separators, which governs their manufacture and performance in order to restrict oil discharges into sewers (among others, for mechanical maintenance garages)
  • adding additional benchmarks to meet the requirement to sell certified plumbing products
Décret 65-2021 will come into force on March 27, 2021 and includes a six-month transition period, during which either the current 2010 NPC edition or the new 2015 NPC edition may be used.
22-FEB-2021QUÉBEC
Ventilation and Transmission of COVID-19 in Schools and Care Facilities		The Québec Ministry of Health and Social Services has published a report on the ventilation and transmission of COVID-19 in schools and in care facilities.
The report is titiled:  "VENTILATION ET TRANSMISSION DE LA COVID-19 EN MILIEU SCOLAIRE ET EN MILIEU DE SOINS RAPPORT DU GROUPE D’EXPERTS SCIENTIFIQUES ET TECHNIQUES (JANVIER 2021)"
This 38 page report was prepared by a group of scientific and technical experts along with the Régie du bâtiment du Québec and made 19 recommendations.
06-FEB-2021ALBERTA
2019 Building Code
STANDATA
Application for Barrier-Free Relaxation		Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on February 4, 2021, that the Application for Barrier Free Relaxation form has been updated.
View the latest version of the form on the Alberta Municipal Affairs website, where you can download a .pdf version of the Application for Barrier-Free Relaxation or you can submit the application electronically.
02-FEB-2021ALBERTA
Gas  Code  Regulation
STANDATA Gas Code Variance
STANDATA Gas Safety Information Bulletin		Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on February 2, 2021, that, Sidney Manning, the Provincial Gas Administrator had authorized the issuance of the following STANDATA variance:
Sidney Manning, the Provincial Gas Administrator has authorized the issuance of the following STANDATA Gas Safety Information Bulletins:
02-FEB-2021ALBERTA
Gas  Code  Regulation
Notices		Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on February 2, 2021, that the following gas codes adopted under the Gas Code Regulation (AR 111/2010) came into effect on February 1, 2021 under the Safety Codes Act:
  • 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-related components on 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.
  • CSA-B108-18 – NGV Refuelling Stations Installation Code – This code applies to natural gas fuelling stations that may be used for fleet and public dispensing operations.
  • CSA-B109-17 – Natural Gas for Vehicles Installation Code – This code applies to the installation, servicing, and repair of natural gas fuel systems on highway vehicles for the provision of motive power.
Further details are published in the Notice - Gas codes in force under the new regulation

The following additional Gas Code Notices were issued:
28-JAN-2021ALBERTA
Gas  Code  Regulation
STANDATA Gas Notice		Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on January 28, 2021, that certain gas fireplaces manufactured by Canadian Hearth Manufacturing Inc. and Luxor Manufacturing Inc.:
  • Must be immediately removed from operation.
  • Shall not be installed, sold or offered for sale within Alberta.
Download the Notice from the Alberta government website for details.
18-JAN-2021ALBERTA
2019 Building Code
2019 Fire Code
STANDATA Building Code Bulletin
STANDATA Fire Code Interpretation		Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on January 18, 2021, that:
08-JAN-2021ONTARIO
2012 Building Code		Amendment Package #9 (December 16, 2020 update) to The 2012 Building Code Compendium (Publication #: 300411) is now available for free download from the Publications Ontario eCommerce store.

The hardcopy binder insert version of Amendment Package #9  (Publication #: 300410) is expected to be available "around January 25, 2021" at a cost of $40.00, according to Publications Ontario.

Download the 140 page free .pdf copy of Amendment Package #9 from the Publications Ontario eCommerce store.

Amendment Package #9 contains the following amendments to the 2012 Building Code Compendium:
  • O. Reg. 209/20 to address the delivery of Building Code services such as reviewingbuilding permit applications and conducting inspections related to COVID-19 effective May 11, 2020.
  • Building Code Act changes that recognize the Minister’s authority to make regulations described undersection 34 of the Act effective July 21, 2020.
  • O. Reg. 511/20 to add requirements for community benefits charges to the list of applicablelaw effective September 18, 2020.
  • O. Reg. 762/20 to revise the following effective December 16, 2020:
    • the list of applicable law to reference section 3 of the Building Transit Faster Act, 2020 with respect to the issuance of a permit under that section;
    • minor errors and omissions through housekeeping changes;
    • two spent provisions related to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
07-JAN-2021ALBERTA
2019 Building Code
STANDATA Building Code Interpretation		Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on January 7, 2021, that Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, has authorized the issuance of the following STANDATA Building Code Interpretation:
The Province of Alberta’s Barrier-Free Administrator and Provincial Building Administrator are receiving barrier-free relaxation requests that they deem are either not appropriate for relaxation or that lack the required review by the authority having jurisdiction (i.e.  accredited municipality or agency) during the building permit application stage.
This interpretation is intended to clarify when a request for relaxation of barrier-free requirements is appropriate.
06-JAN-2021ALBERTA
2019 Building Code
STANDATA Building Code Bulletin		Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on January 6, 2021, that Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, has authorized the issuance of the following STANDATA Building Code Bulletin:
This bulletin is intended to clarify the application of Division C, Sentences 2.4.2.1.(4) and 2.4.2.1.(7) as it relates to an architect or engineer providing the services of the other.
05-JAN-2021ONTARIO
2012 Building Code		The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #310, dated January 5, 2021, to announce that the Ontario Building Code was amended on December 16, 2020 [ THREE WEEKS AGO ] by Ontario Regulation 762/20 but decided not to make any announcements until now.
The regulation came into force on December 16, 2020.

According to the Ontario government's e-bulletin:
O. Reg. 762/20 includes a number of housekeeping changes to correct minor errors and omissions.
The housekeeping changes harmonize with the National Building Code (NBC) and in general:
  • Corrects errors in equations and data taken from the NBC,
  • Adds information, such as references and names of organizations, that was omitted,
  • Supports public safety, and
  • Reduces redundancies.
Two spent provisions related to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act were deleted. These amendments do not add any new technical requirements to the Building Code or change the intended meaning of the provisions.
In addition, updates were made to the applicable law sections to align with the passage of the Building Transit Faster Act, 2020.

O. Reg. 762/20 is the second amendment to the Ontario Building Code made by a Mininster's regulation.  Code amendments prior to O. Reg. 762/20 and O. Reg. 511/20 had been made by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

O. Reg. 762/20 was:
  • Made on December 16, 2020
  • Filed on December 16, 2020
  • Published on e-Laws on December 17, 2020
  • Printed in The Ontario Gazette on January 2, 2021
  • Announced to code users in the Ontario government's CodeNews e-bulletin #310 on January 5, 2021
In other words, the regulation was in force before anyone, including building officials, knew about it.
If a government wants its citizens to follow the law, it should announce the law as soon as possible BEFORE the law comes into force.
Ontario is quickly becoming a banana republic as far as the rule of law is concerned.
30-DEC-2020ONTARIO
2012 Building Code		The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #309, dated December 30, 2020, to announce the following revised Building Code related fees for registrations for building practitioners regulated under the Building Code Act, 1992, effective on January 1, 2021:
  • $117 fee for initial registration or reinstatement or annual renewal of registrations for: 
    • building officials 
    • on-site sewage system installers 
    • other designers
  • $185 fee for initial registration or reinstatement of registrations for designers or design firms
  • $139 fee for annual renewal of registrations for designers or design firms
  • $40 fee for updating class of registrations for designers or design firms
  • $442 fee for initial registration or reinstatement of registrations for registered code agencies 
  • $326 fee for annual renewal of registrations for registered code agencies
  • $75 fee for updating class of registrations for registered code agencies
  • $194 application fee to the Building Code Commission
  • $11,000 application fee to the Building Materials Evaluation Commission
  • $637 application fee for a Minister's Ruling pursuant to Article 2.4.1.2. of Div. C of the Ontario Building Code
18-DEC-2020BRITISH COLUMBIA
2018 Building Code
Building Accessibility Handbook		Andrew Pape-Salmon, P.Eng., MRM, FCAE, FCSSE,  Executive Director, Building and Safety Standards Branch, B.C. Ministry of Attorney General, announced on December 18, 2020, that the new169 page Building Accessibility Handbook, which reflects the British Columbia Building Code 2018 accessibility requirements, is available for free download (9.7MB).

The 2018 British Columbia Building Code is based substantially on the 2015 National Building Code. The handbook is a separate resource that provides explanatory text and illustrations to support Code users to better understand and apply the complex Code requirements to make buildings more accessible.

Some key changes include:
  • A refreshed title to reflect the intention of the handbook, which is to support universal design and access to and throughout buildings;
  • Incorporating the British Columbia Building Code 2018 accessibility design requirements as well as intent statements and attributions to provide the reasons for requirements and support Code application;
  • Renewed commentary, to increase clarity and readability, and illustrations, to represent diverse building occupants; and
  • Links to leading standards, programs, and resources to provide additional accessibility guidance.
Information Bulletin No. B18–05-R "Accessibility in the British Columbia Building Code 2018" was updated on December 17, 2020 to include references to the new Building Accessibility Handbook.
15-DEC-2020ALBERTA
2019 Building Code
STANDATA Building Code Variance		Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on December 15, 2020, that the following Building Code Variance is now available:
The Alberta Masonry Council had commissioned Dr. Mark D. Hagel, P. Eng. to prepare a report, dated December 1, 2020, and titled:  "Adhered Thin Masonry Veneer Installations to a Maximum 3.05m Above Local Grade on Part 9 Residential Units in Alberta".  Dr. Hagel's report is a pre-engineered solution for adhered masonry veneers up to 10 feet above local grade on Part 9 Buildings.

Variance 19-BCV-018 permits the use of Dr. Hagel's pre-engineered solution as an alternative to Forms and Letters from building envelope professionals (engineers) required for adhered masonry veneers required by the Authorities Having Jurisdiction in the province of Alberta when using the products and installation procedures found in Dr. Hagel's report.
03-DEC-2020ALBERTA
2018 Canadian Electrical Code
STANDATA Electrical Code
Bulletins, Variances, and Interpretations		Kate Davidson, Office Manager, Community and Technical Support, Alberta Municipal Affair advised on December 3, 2020, that the following Electrical Code STANDATA, issued by Clarence C. Cormier, P.Eng., are now available:
This Bulletin provides clarification on which electrical safety codes apply to an electric railway, and more specifically, the traction power system.
This Bulletin provides clarification on:
Rule 26-600 - Location of panelboards
Rule 26-656 - Arc fault protection of branch circuits for dwelling units (exemption for freezers from AFCI protection)
Rule 26-706 - Tamper-resistant receptacles in child care facilities
Rule 26-724 - Receptacles for fixed island counters in dwelling units
This Interpretation provides clarification on solar photovoltaic (PV) dc arc fault protection and how this relates to rodent protection requirements.
This Variance to Rule 64-218(4) permits a fire alarm system that is interconnected with a Solar PV System to initiate photovoltaic rapid shutdown of the Solar PV System if the the fire alarm system enters an alarm condition. 
18-NOV-2020CANADA
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:
  1. 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.
  1. 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).
  1. 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.
  1. 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-2020ALBERTA
2019 Building Code
STANDATA Building Code Variance		Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on November 6, 2020, that the following Building Code Variance is now available:
This variance provides an alternative solution, using an intumescent coating on a vented fiberglass or metal substrate, for the protection of soffits where typical vented soffit materials are otherwise not permitted.   The variance applies to Part 9 buildings in which there is a requirement for solid (unvented) soffits constructed of specific materials, due to roof or floor projections being in areas of concern –typically, proximity to property line.

On November 10, 2020, Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs, clarified that item b) located at the top of page 3 of the Variance should read as:

b) not less than 12.7 mm thick gypsum soffit board or gypsum board installed according to CSA A82.31-M, “Gypsum Board Application,”

Intumescent coatings on a vented fiberglass or metal substrate are produced in Alberta by Genics Inc.
04-NOV-2020ALBERTA
2019 Building Code
STANDATA Private Sewage Bulletin		Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on November 3, 2020, that the previously issued Private Sewage Information Bulletin 20-PSB-001has been updated and the revised Bulletin is now available:
30-OCT-2020ALBERTA
2019 Building Code
STANDATA Private Sewage Bulletin		Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on October 30, 2020, that the following Private Sewage Information Bulletin is now available:
The next version of the Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice, as amended from time to time,is projected to be proclaimed in 2021 and be in force in 2022.  Private sewage installers and safety codes officers must complete update training within one year of the in force dateof the amended Standard of Practiceto maintain their certificate of competency.  The Provincial Administrator for Private Sewage has identified the following training courses, provided by the Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association,  as acceptable for successful candidates to be issued a certificate of competency:
  • Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training Program
  • Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice Update Training
26-OCT-2020NOVA 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-2020ALBERTA
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-2020ONTARIO
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-2020ALBERTA
2019 Building Code
Building STANDATA		Alberta Municipal Affairs announced on September 30, 2020 that the following Building STANDATA is now available:
This bulletin provides guidance for an Engineering Judgement for Firestop Systems as an acceptable solution under Division B or as an alternative solution under Division A of the National Building Code-2019 Alberta Edition.
28-SEP-2020ONTARIO
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-2020CITY 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-2020ONTARIO
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-2020CANADA
National Building Code
National Fire Code
National Plumbing Code
National Energy Code for Buildings.		Codes Canada Update 2020
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-2020ALBERTA
2019 Fire Code
Fire STANDATA		Kate Davidson, Office Manager, Community and Technical Support, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced on August 31, 2020 that the following Fire STANDATA is now available:
22-JUL-2020ONTARIO
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-2020ALBERTA
Safety Codes  Act
Ministerial Order
Wuhan Flu Virus		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-2020ONTARIO
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-2020ONTARIO
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-2020ALBERTA
2019 Fire Code
Fire STANDATA		Alberta Municipal Affairs, advised on July 7, 2020, that the following Fire STANDATA is now available:
This interpretation provides clarity for inspections of storage tank systems, as related to Part 4, and storage tank registration (inventory control), as related to Division C of the NFC(AE).
02-JUL-2020QUEBEC
Construction Code
Chapter I.1, Energy efficiency of buildings
Order of Stalin for Quebec		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 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-2020NOVA 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-2020ONTARIO
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:
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


Alberta Safety Tips		 Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs has advised that, over the past year, the Alberta Safety Codes Council has updated the Safety Tips for users of Alberta codes.
The following Safety Tips are available, in (.pdf) on the Safety Code Council of Alberta website:

Updated in April, 2020:
Updated in January, 2020:
Updated in October, 2019:
Updated in July, 2019
20-MAY-2020 ALBERTA
2019 Building Code
Notice
Building STANDATA		 Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs advised on May 20, 2020, that:
  1. A Notice clarifying the classification of a distillery has been posted.
  2. The following Building STANDATA are now available:
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:
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: The following joint Building/Fire/Electrical/Plumbing/Gas STANDATA Interpretation is now available:
The following Fire STANDATA are now available:
23-APR-2020 ONTARIO
Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990		 Ontario closed until at least May 6, 2020 - www.codenews.caOntario 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
Wuhan Flu Virus		 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
Wuhan Flu Virus		 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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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
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
 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:
  1. Schedule 1 amends the Building Code Act, 1992
  2. Schedule 2 amends the Housing Services Act, 2011
  3. Schedule 3 enacts the Ontario Mortgage and Housing Corporation Repeal Act, 2020
  4. 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:
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:
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 		2019 Vancouver Building and Plumbing Bylaws 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		 Kelechi (Kaycee) Madu, Alberta Minister of MunicipalOn January 24, 2020, Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Kaycee Madu announced that Alberta will allow wood-building construction for up to 12 storeys.  Alberta will become the first province in Canada to allow the practice province-wide. The announcement was part of Alberta's Red Tape Reduction Awareness Week.
Todayville.com reported that Minister Madhu stated:
“Not only will this decision support the forestry industry and land developers, it will provide affordability to homebuyers, bolster employment, and give Alberta a competitive advantage. We made this change knowing that mass timber products are safe and that these buildings will meet all necessary standards.”
Many thanks to Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs for notifying CodeNews.ca.
20-JAN-2020 ALBERTA
Electrical STANDATA
Bulletins, Variances, Interpretations		 On January 20, 2020, Alberta Municipal Affairs advised that the following Electrical STANDATA Bulletins, Variances, and Interpretations were issued:
16-JAN-2020 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code		 The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #294, dated January 16, 2020, to announce that, in order to help provide an overview of the OBC amendments contained in O. Reg. 88/19, a summary of these changes has been posted on the Ministry website.
The summary is very factual and does not provide any background regarding the rationale for the changes.
15-JAN-2020 National Research Council of Canada
CCBFC
National Building Code
National Fire Code
National Plumbing Code		 The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) invites code users and stakeholders to participate in the Winter 2020 Public Review of proposed changes to the following Codes Canada publications:
  • 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:
04-JAN-2020 ALBERTA
STANDATA
2019 Alberta Building Code
Building Code Interpretations		 On January 3, 2020, Alberta Municipal Affairs advised that the following STANDATA Building Code Interpretations were issued:
03-JAN-2020 CANADA
Canadian Free Trade Agreement
Reconciliation Agreement for Canadian Registration Numbers for Pressure Equipment		 La Régie du bâtiment du Québec has announced that decree number 1196-2019, published in the Gazette officielle du Québec on December 26, 2019, has ratified the Reconciliation Agreement for Canadian Registration Numbers for Pressure Equipment, made under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, between the following provinces and territories:
  • 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:
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:
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:
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:

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:

Alek Antoniuk, OAA

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:

Privacy:

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:

Liberty Coalition Canada

Freedom is very easy to lose.
There are many people and institutions that want to take your freedom away, in order to make you become a snivelling serf .
We are fortunate that we still have a few responsible intelligent politicians who are willing to fight for our freedom.
After all, not every Canadian premier was a cold blooded hashish dealer on the streets in Toronto.

The End the Lockdowns Caucus, formed by representatives from across Canada, is one group we should support because it is a non-partisan group seeking to provide formal challenges to current COVID19 policies, with a specific emphasis on ending the governments' use of province-wide lockdowns and stay-at-home orders.

Some of the leading members of the End the Lockdowns Caucus are:
Randy Hillier
Randy Hillier, Member of Provincial Parlament for the Riding of Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, Ontario
Randy is an electrician by trade, and a former member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Randy has observed that: "It appears the Premier’s slogans and commitments of ‘open for business’ only applies to BIG business, and the mantra ‘for the people’ is only for some people, not the little guy."

Maxime Bernier
Maxime Bernier, National Leader of the People's Party of Canada
Maxime is a lawyer who is known as a dependable politician who speaks his mind. A man of ideas, his belief in personal responsibility and freedom is at the heart of his political vision.

Derek Sloan
Derek Sloan, Member of the Federal Parlament for the Riding of Hastings-Lennox and Addington, Ontario
He is a lawyer and knows that the damage to free speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of conscience happening in Canada cannot be understated.
Derek has observed that "It’s time for everyone concerned about these issues to stand up and support a candidate who will not just pay lip service but get in the line of fire to defend these freedoms."

Other current municipal politicians in the End the Lockdowns Caucus are:
Your generous support for these politicians will help STOP the political correctness and mindless tyranny that is making our lives a living hell in one of the most resource rich countries on this planet.

Alek Antoniuk
May 12, 2021

© 2021
Last updated on: 02-JUN-2021