DATE
PROVINCE OR JURISDICTION
ARCHIVED 2020 NEWS
2012 Building Code
- $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
2018 Building Code
Building Accessibility Handbook
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.
2019 Building Code
STANDATA Building Code Variance
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.
2018 Canadian Electrical Code
STANDATA Electrical Code
Bulletins, Variances, and Interpretations
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
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.
Canadian Free Trade Agreement
The RTC believes that, once all parties implement the Construction Codes Reconciliation Agreement, the agreement will result in:
- The reduction or elimination of variations in the technical requirements of Construction Codes
- Participating parties have agreed to identify variations and exceptions for the current (2015) National Codes and, within six months of the effective date for subsequent editions of Construction Codes going forward.
- After 2025, any new codes will be further harmonized with applicable National Codes and with leading practices from the provinces and territories, subject to exceptions provided for under the agreement.
- The timely adoption of Construction Codes
- Participating parties have agreed to make Construction Codes effective within 24 months of the next (2020) National Codes, and within 18 months of subsequent codes (2025 and after).
- A transformed National Code Development System to meet the needs of all jurisdictions.
- By 2021, the National Code Development System will be transformed to integratethe provincial/territorial code development processes into the national process. The new code development system will be more responsive, more agile, and will result in fewer variations in the next (2025) edition of the Codes and as future codes are developed.
- Participating parties have agreed to develop an implementation plan and report progress to RCT annually.
- Freely available National Codes
- National Codes are now available for free in a digital format, and with unlimited access.
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.
2019 Building Code
STANDATA Building Code Variance
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.
2019 Building Code
STANDATA Private Sewage Bulletin
2019 Building Code
STANDATA Private Sewage Bulletin
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
2017 Building Code
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.
2019 Building Code
2019 Fire Code
STANDATA Variance
User's Guide
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.
TSSA
Fuel Oil Regulation O. Reg. 213/01
Fuel Oil Distributor Audit Program
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.
2019 Building Code
Building STANDATA
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.
2012 Building Code
2007 Fire Code
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).
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.
2019 Vancouver Building and Plumbing By-laws
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.
2012 Building Code
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.
National Building Code
National Fire Code
National Plumbing Code
National Energy Code for Buildings.
It had been anticipated that the next editions of the model National Codes would be available in 2020.
Codes Canada has announced that the publication date of the updated National Model Codes has been extended.
The next editions are anticipated to be available in December 2021.
The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC), in collaboration with the provinces and territories, continues to work on addressing feedback from the fall 2019 and winter 2020 National Codes public review processes, to ensure that all comments are carefully considered.
The committees of the CCBFC are currently finalizing updates to the National Building, Fire, and Plumbing Codes, and the National Energy Code for Buildings.
2019 Fire Code
Fire STANDATA
Building Code Act
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.
Safety Codes Act
Ministerial Order
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).
Building Code Act
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.
Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000
Elevating Devices O. Reg. 209/01
- 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.
You may use the Feedback Form to submit comments by August 4, 2020.
2019 Fire Code
Fire STANDATA
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).
Construction Code
Chapter I.1, Energy efficiency of buildings
The regulation aims to improve the energy performance of commercial, institutional and industrial buildings as well as large residential buildings and the new chapter is set to come into force on June 27, 2020.
However, a transitional period of 18 months provides for the regulation to take full effect on December 27, 2021.
For more information, see:
- the May 13, 2020 Press Release issued by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec
- overview of the Energy efficiency regulation for buildings other than small residential buildings
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.
2017 Building Code
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
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.
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
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
2019 Building Code
2019 Fire Code
Elevating Devices Codes Regulation
Joint STANDATA
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
Alberta has ONE single body overseeing all construction. Joint multidisciplinary interpretations are easy in Alberta.
2019 Building Code
Safety Tips
The following Safety Tips are available, in (.pdf) on the Safety Code Council of Alberta website:
Updated in April, 2020:
Updated in January, 2020:
- Carbon Monoxide Alarm Home Installation
- Solid Fuel Burning Appliances (Fireplaces)
- Smoke Alarms for your Home
- Compressed Gas Storage
- Escape Rooms
- Exit Signs
- Fire Doors
- Fire Watch Requirements During Shutdown of Fire Protection Systems
- Propane Used as an Engine Fuel in Equipment Other Than Motor Vehicles
- Spray Booths and Spray Coating Processes
- Storage of Aerosol Products
- Unsecured or Vacant Buildings
- Mobile Fuel Vending
Updated in October, 2019:
Updated in July, 2019
2019 Building Code
Notice
Building STANDATA
- A Notice clarifying the classification of a distillery has been posted.
- The following Building STANDATA are now available:
- 19-BCI-020 - Integrated Testing Coordinator - This interpretation provides clarification on the expectation for qualifications of an integrated testing coordinator.
- 19-BCI-021 - Occupancy Classification Supportive Living Accommodations - This interpretation is to clarify the application of the Safety Codes Act and the National Building Code-2019 Alberta Edition in determining the occupancy classification of buildings as intended for clients receiving various levels of supportive living accommodation.
- 19-BCB-001R1 - Steel Building Systems
2012 Building Code
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.
2021 Gas Codes
CSA-B149.1-20
CSA-B149.2-20
CSA-B149.3-20
CSA-B149.5-20
- 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.
2018 Building Code
Revision 3
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.
2019 Building Code
Building STANDATA
2018 Building Code
Revision 3
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:
2019 Building Code
2019 Fire Code
Building STANDATA
Fire STANDATA
The following joint
Building/Fire STANDATA Interpretations are now available:
The following Fire STANDATA are now available:
- 19-FCI-001 / 19-BCI-018 - Occupancy Classification for Building Used for Parking, Repairing and Servicing Tank Vehicles
- 19-FCI-002 / 19-BCI-017 - Fixed Fire Suppression and Exhaust Systems - Cooking, Cleaning and Maintenance
The following Fire STANDATA are now available:
Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990
Ontario Regulation 165/20, made
on April 22, 2020 (7:20 pm) and filed on April 22,
2020 extends and renews Emergency Orders made under the Emergency Management and Civil
Protection Act until May 6, 2020.Please help me leave Canada.
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
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.
Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990
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)
O. Reg. 130/20 and O. Reg. 131/20, made on April 7, 2020, revoked the power of Ontario municipalities to prohibit and regulate with respect to noise made in connection with the following:
- Construction projects and services in a municipality associated with the healthcare sector, including new facilities, expansions, renovations and conversion of spaces that could be repurposed for health care space, at any time of the day or night.
- Any other construction activity in a municipality between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
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
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
2007 Ontario Fire Code
2015 Ontario Fire Code Compendium
- 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.
Building Code Act, 1992
Bill 184 contains four schedules:
- Schedule 1 amends the Building Code Act, 1992
- Schedule 2 amends the Housing Services Act, 2011
- Schedule 3 enacts the Ontario Mortgage and Housing Corporation Repeal Act, 2020
- Schedule 4 amends the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
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.
2019 Building Code
2019 Fire Code
CSA B149.1 Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code
STANDATA
The following
Building Code/Plumbing Code Bulletin was issued:
The following
Building Code Interpretations were issued:
The following
Building Code/Gas Code Interpretation was issued:
The following
Building Code Interpretation was issued:
The following
Building Code Interpretation was issued:
The following joint
Fire/Building Code Variance was issued:
The following
Fire/Building Code Variance was issued:
The following Fire
Code Bulletin was issued:
The following joint
Fire/Building Code Variance was issued:
The following
Fire/Building Code Variance was issued:
The following
Building Code Interpretation/Plumbing Code Bulletin was issued:
The following
Building Code/Plumbing Code Bulletin was issued:
The following joint
Building/Gas Code Interpretation was issued:
2017 Building Code
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
2012 Building Code
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.
2019 Building Code
2019 Fire Code
STANDATA
Variance
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.
2019 Fire Code
STANDATA
Bulletins & Variances
- 19-FCV-014 - Alliance Pipeline Ltd. – Portable Fire Extinguishers at Remote Facilities
- 19-FCV-015 - Torxen – Portable Fire Extinguishers at Remote Facilities
- 19-FCV-016 - Alliance Pipeline Ltd. – Portable Fire Extinguishers at Remote Facilities
- 19-FCV-017 - ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. - – Portable Fire Extinguishers at Remote Facilities
- 19-FCB-002 - Portable Fire Extinguishers
- 19-FCB-003 - Maintenance of fire protection devices within residential suites of multi-family buildings
2012 Building Code
- 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.
2019 Vancouver Building and Plumbing By-laws
On February 13, 2020, the City of Vancouver announced that the electronic digital versions of the 2019
Vancouver Building and Plumbing By-laws are now accessible
for on-line viewing at no cost.The Province of Ontario was the first jurisdiction in Canada to make its Building Code available for free download TWENTY YEARS AGO.
In the past year, the National Research Council, the Alberta Government, and the B.C. Government have finally recognized the wisdom of Ontario's pioneering policy decision of twenty years ago:
YOU CANNOT EXPECT THE PEOPLE TO OBEY THE LAW, IF THE PEOPLE HAVE TO PAY MONEY TO FIND OUT WHAT THE LAW IS.
2018 Building Code
Information Bulletins
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.
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.
Building Code Commission
Building Materials Evaluation Commission
- 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
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
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
2019 Alberta Building Code
On
January 24, 2020, Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Kaycee Madu
announced that Alberta will allow wood-building construction
for
up to 12 storeys. Alberta will become the first province in
Canada to allow the practice province-wide. The announcement was part
of Alberta's Red Tape Reduction Awareness Week.Todayville.com reported that Minister Madhu stated:
“Not
only will this decision support the forestry industry and land
developers, it will provide affordability to homebuyers, bolster
employment, and give Alberta a competitive advantage. We made this
change knowing that mass timber products are safe and that these
buildings will meet all necessary standards.”
Many thanks to
Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal
Affairs for notifying CodeNews.ca.Electrical STANDATA
Bulletins, Variances, Interpretations
- 18-CECB-10 - Section 10: Grounding and Bonding
- 18-CECB-18 - Section 18: Hazardous locations
- 18-CEVC-10-102 - Rule 10 – 102 Grounding electrodes (number of rods)
- 18-CEVC-64-216 PV AFP - Arc-Fault protection requirements for ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems
- 16-AEUCI-2 - Section 2: General Rules : administrative
- 18-CEBC-0 - Section 0: Object, scope, and definitions
- 18-CEBC-2 - Section 2: General Rules : administrative
2012 Building Code
The summary is very factual and does not provide any background regarding the rationale for the changes.
CCBFC
National Building Code
National Fire Code
National Plumbing Code
- 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
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.
Fire Safety Act
Fire Safety Regulations
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.”
STANDATA
2019 Alberta Building Code
Building Code Bulletins
STANDATA
2019 Alberta Building Code
Building Code Interpretations
- 19-BCI-001 - Application of 9.36 energy efficiency requirements to existing buildings
- 19-BCI-003 - Barrier-free access to stages
- 19-BCI-004 - Determination of grade
- 19-BCI-005 - Non-liquid disposal systems
- 19-BCI-006 - Photoluminescent exit signs
- 19-BCI-007 - Retaining walls
- 19-BCI-008 - Rooms containing gaseous chlorine
- 19-BCI-009 - Wind turbines
- 19-BCI-010 - Elevator operations and accessibility
Canadian Free Trade Agreement
Reconciliation Agreement for Canadian Registration Numbers for Pressure Equipment
- British Columbia
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- Québec
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Yukon
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
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.
