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This page lists News at CodeNews items posted between January 1 - December 31, 2022.

Archived 2022 News at CodeNews

DATE
PROVINCE OR JURISDICTION
ARCHIVED 2022 NEWS
30-DEC-2022 ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2012 Building Code
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #336, dated December 30, 2022, 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, 2023:
  • $128 fee for initial registration or reinstatement or annual renewal of registrations for:
    • building officials
    • on-site sewage system installers
    • other designers
  • $202 fee for initial registration or reinstatement of registrations for designers or design firms
  • $152 fee for annual renewal of registrations for designers or design firms
  • $44 fee for updating class of registrations for designers or design firms
  • $484 fee for initial registration or reinstatement of registrations for registered code agencies 
  • $356 fee for annual renewal of registrations for registered code agencies
  • $82 fee for updating class of registrations for registered code agencies
  • $212 application fee to the Building Code Commission
  • $11,000 application fee to the Building Materials Evaluation Commission (no change from previous year)
  • $697 application fee for a Minister's Ruling pursuant to Article 2.4.1.2. of Div. C of the Ontario Building Code
The fees for Building Practitioner Registration, Building Code Commission, and Minister’s Rulings are calculated annually based on the Consumer Price Index and have increased by 7.0% this year.

CodeNews Consulting Corp., Consulting Architect, has not raised its consulting fees since 2013 - If the Ontario government can raise its fees by 7% in ONE YEAR, it is time for CodeNews to raise its code consulting fees on Jan. 1, 2023.
21-DEC-2022 ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2012 Building Code
Public Consultation
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #335, dated December 21, 2022, to announce a public consultation onhow to improve the current qualification program for Ontario's building practitioners.

ERO Notice Number 019-6433, posted on December 21, 2022 on the Environmental Registry of Ontario
, provides:
The MMAH is interested in your thoughts on actions it can take on the following:
  • operational changes within the current program framework; and
  • design changes that could create a new framework for the Qualification Program.
This consultation closes at 11:59 p.m. on February 3, 2023.

The MMAH has acknowledged candidates taking the Qualification Exams have low exam pass rates and (as any bureaucrat would do) has hired a consultant to help examine the Qualification Program for building practitioners.  Since not enough people are passing the exams, the government is now proposing RAISING THE BARRIERS to write an exam!!!!!!!!  YUP, since there are not enough qualified building inspectors, the government wants to make it harder to write the exam to become an inspector.  I'm not making this up: see Page 7 of the discussion paper.
Nevertheless, the MMAH should be congratulated for opening this can of worms - some hard questions need to be answered but not necessarily those listed in the discussion paper.
21-DEC-2022 CANADA
2020 National Energy Code for Buildings
Provincial Compliance
Joe Rogers has kindly advised that Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is conducting an on-line Canada-wide Building Energy Code Compliance Study to collect information about energy code compliance for buildings.
Industry professionals, practitioners and building officials with recent experience helping to demonstrate or enforce energy compliance for large buildings in Canada (commonly referred to as “Part-3 buildings”) are asked to provide feedback using the on-line questionnaire - it takes about 15 minutes to complete.
Your responses will be used to estimate current rates of compliance with energy codes for large buildings, to understand current obstacles to compliance, and to inform future efforts to improve energy code compliance across Canada.
NRCan's Office of Energy Efficiency encourages industry participants to respond before January 2, 2023.
19-DEC-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2019 Fire Code
STANDATA
Fire Code Variance
Tina Parker, Provincial Fire Administrator, has issued the following STANDATA Building Variance:
The purpose of this variance is to provide an effective option for confidential unpublished portable fire extinguisher policies and procedures at remote unstaffed energy transmission facilities for use by employees and/or contractors SPECIFICALLY for i3 Energy Canada in the event of a fire.
19-DEC-2022 CANADA
National Model Codes
Joe Rogers and Trevor Nightingale, the Co-Chairmen of the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC), have announced that the Board is recruiting a candidate to serve as the Chairman of the new Advisory Council for Harmonized Construction Codes.
If you are interested in serving as the Chairman of the Advisory Council for Harmonized Construction Codes, you are invited to send a letter of application, along with a CV, to the CBHCC Secretary.
The recuitment period ends on January 9, 2023.
Note that the Advisory Council for Harmonized Construction Codes is composed of representatives of organizations representing municipal officials, emergency responders, the building industry and big business.
Candidates who are employed by or have a leadership role within organizations that are members of the Advisory Council for Harmonized Construction Codes are not eligible to apply for the role of Chairman.
14-DEC-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2019 Building Code
STANDATA
Building Variance
Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, has issued the following STANDATA Building Variance:
It is common for structural steel to be fabricated outside of Canada by fabricators who are not certified to the CSA W47.1
standard. In fact, very few fabricators outside of Canada are certified by the Canadian Welding Bureau to the CSA W47.1 standard. The requirement to comply with the CSA W47.1 standard stems from Clause 24.3 of the CSA S16 standard.

The purpose of this variance is to provide an alternative solution to the construction industry in meeting the requirement of using qualified fabricators for the fabrication of structural steel as per CSA W47.1 – “Certification of companies for fusion welding of steel”.
12-DEC-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2019 Building Code
STANDATA
Building Bulletin
Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, has issued the following STANDATA Building Bulletin:
This Bulletin withdraws STANDATA Building Interpretation 19-BCI-023.  The effect of the withdrawal of STANDATA Building Interpretation 19-BCI-023 is that engineering stamps or seals are no longer a minimum requirement for truss layouts or profiles for Part 9 buildings, as was previously the case in Alberta prior to the issuance of STANDATA 19-BCI-023.

This news demonstrates the validity of Alek's Second Regulatory Theorem©:
  1. A regulatory system will contract when resources available for its enforcement are diminished.
In this case, since there are not enough Alberta professional engineers to stamp truss shop drawings, it has been deemed that there is no longer a need to check for stamped shop drawings!
02-DEC-2022 QUÉBEC
2021 Chapter I, Building, Construction Code
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec announced on December 1, 2022 the publication of an explanatory guide for the main changes contained in the new edition of Québec Construction Code, Chapter I – Building, and National Building Code of Canada 2015 (amended) -  Cahier explicatif des principaux changements au Code de construction du Québec, Chapitre I – Bâtiment, et Code national du bâtiment – Canada 2015 (modifié).
A transitional period of 18 months is currently underway, where buildings built or renovated between January 8, 2022 and July 7, 2023 may conform to either the old or the new edition of Chapter I, Building, Québec Construction Code.
02-DEC-2022 QUÉBEC
Chapitre B-1.1
Loi sur le bâtiment
Code de sécurité
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec announced on November 22, 2022 that a new version of the Explanatory Guide for Facade Maintenance Requirements has been published.  This new edition takes into account the most recent advances in the field, including new inspection methods (drone and thermography) and the ASTM E2270 standard.

Québec's Building Chapter of the Security Code contains mandatory requirements for checking and maintaining the facades of buildings that consist of 5 or more storeys above ground.  Poorly maintained facades constitute a risk to public safety, which can be reduced, or even avoided, by a rigorous preventive maintenance of the facades on the part of building owners.
02-DEC-2022 QUÉBEC
2021 Chapter I, Building, Construction Code
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec announced on November 18, 2022 that Le décret 1721-2022 was published on November 16, 2022 in the Gazette du Québec to allow owners of existing Private Seniors Residences an additional two-year period to install mandated fire sprinkler systems in their buildings.  The original deadline had been December 2, 2022.

This postponement aims to:
  • respond to the difficulties encountered by the owners of Private Seniors Residences to comply with the requirements; and
  • avoid possible closures with potentially devastating repercussions on residents and owners of non-compliant residences.
The government of Québec deserves praise for showing concern for the owners as well as for the welfare of the residents of Private Seniors Residences.
30-NOV-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2019 Building Code
ASME A17.1-2013/CSA-B44-13 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators
CSA-B311-02 (R2012)
CSA-B355-2009
CSA-Z185-M87 (R2011) 
STANDATA
Joint Building Code & Elevating Devices Variance
Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, and Dean Bruce, Provincial Elevating Devices Administrator, have jointly issued the following STANDATA:
The purpose of this variance is to exempt elevator cars from the dimensions required to accommodate a stretcher in buildings where an elevator is installed instead of a lift, in situations where a lift would comply with the accessibility requirements of the 2019 Alberta Building Code.
22-NOV-2022 CANADA
National Model Codes
As part of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement's Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table, the Government of Canada announced a new governance model for the National Model Code development system effective November 22, 2022. It replaces the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC), the committee responsible for code development in Canada since 1991. The new model integrates the provinces and territories into the national process and claims to better respond to code priorities from jurisdictions and harmonize construction codes across Canada.

The new federal-provincial-territorial governance model is structured as follows:
  • Canadian Table for Harmonized Construction Codes Policy for overall governance
  • Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes for management of the code system
  • Technical Committees for development of code content
  • Advisory Council for Harmonized Construction Codes
The National Research Council of Canada has provided further information, as follows:
The effect of these changes is to give the provinces greater control of code development in Canada.  
The construction materials industry will continue to influence policy on the Advisory Council for Harmonized Construction Codes.
Regular day-to-day code users are essentially out of the picture when it comes to code development - you have no voice - period.  I am sure that special exemptions will be made for rude arrogant clueless fanatic Swedish teenagers whose first name is Greta.
10-NOV-2022 CANADA
A model standard for the built environment – accessibility
Zachary D. May, Executive Director, Building and Safety Standards Branch, Office of Housing and Construction Standards of British Columbia's Ministry of Attorney General and Ministry Responsible for Housing announced on November 10, 2022 that Accessibility Standards Canada is holding a public review of its November 2022 draft A model standard for the built environment – accessibility  from November 8, 2022, to 11:59 PM EST January 7, 2023.

The draft standard was developed by the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization (operating as “Accessibility Standards Canada”), which claims that its standards are developed through a "consensus-based standards development process approved" by the Standards Council of Canada.  Accessibility Standards Canada is a public organization that was created under the Accessible Canada Act. Accessibility Standards Canada is the first federal organization majority-led by persons with disabilities. It will be the federal government’s leader in creating accessibility standards.

Keep in mind that, if you decide to comment on this draft standard, then Accessibility Standards Canada reserves all intellectual property and other rights in the revised document resulting from your comments.  In other words:
Accessibility Standards Canada is the exclusive owner of your comments and may use such comments as it sees fit.

If you are still motivated to comment, view the Accessibility Standards Canada consultation site.

The B.C. government is reviewing this draft standard and may consider adopting portions in future British Columbia Building Codes.
07-NOV-2022 QUÉBEC
2021 Chapter I, Building, Construction Code
Codes Canada announced on November 4, 2022 that the Québec Construction Code, Chapter I – Building, and National Building Code of Canada 2015 (amended) is available now in electronic and print formats.

The NRC Publications Archive contains free electronic formats of:

To purchase the documents in printed formats, place your order online through the NRC Virtual Store or the magasin virtuel du CNRC.
01-NOV-2022 ONTARIO
Building Code Commission
2012 Ontario Building Code
On November 1, 2022, the Ontario Building Code Commission released its written decision concerning Sentence 3.2.9.1.(7) of Div. B of the Ontario Building Code, as it applies to the requirement for standpipe hose cabinets within 2-level dwelling units in a 4 storey stacked townhouse project.  The BCC hearing was held on May 10, 2022 and a verbal ruling was delivered on June 10, 2022.

Alek Antoniuk, OAA, CodeNews Consulting Corp., Consulting Architect, was the agent for the Applicant at the BCC Hearing.

BCC Ruling 22-12-1604 is significant for the following reasons:
  1. It supports the Ontario government's original policy intent to promote stacked townhouse developments, which are one of the most cost-effective forms of housing.
  2. It conforms to the Supreme Court of Canada's approach to statutory and regulatory interpretation, where the court declared that:
“Today there is only one principle or approach, namely, the words of an Act are to be read in their entire context and in their grammatical and ordinary sense harmoniously with the scheme of the Act, the object of the Act, and the intention of Parliament.”
26-OCT-2022 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code
Public Consultation
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #333, dated October 26, 2022, to announce the entire scope of its third phase of the public consultation on proposed changes for the next edition of  the Ontario Building Code.

The third phase consultation is split into 3 separate registry postings:
  1. Ontario Regulatory Registry Proposal Number: 22-MMAH016 - Proposed Building Code Changes to Support Ontario's Housing Supply Action Plan
  2. Ontario Regulatory Registry Proposal Number: 22-MMAH019 - General Proposed Changes
  3. Environmental Registry of Ontario Proposal Number: 019-6211 - Proposed Changes to Sewage Systems and Energy Efficiency
The following documents are available for download:

Ontario Regulatory Registry Proposal Number: 22-MMAH016
Proposed Building Code Changes to Support Ontario's Housing Supply Action Plan
Ontario Regulatory Registry Proposal Number: 22-MMAH019
General Proposed Changes
Environmental Registry of Ontario Proposal Number: 019-6211
Proposed Changes to Sewage Systems and Energy Efficiency
All three "subconsultations" of the third phase of the public consultation started on October 25, 2022 and end on December 9, 2022.
25-OCT-2022 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code
Public Consultation
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has posted an announcement on the Regulatory Registry (Proposal Number: 22-MMAH016) that a public consultation on proposed changes for the next edition of  the Ontario Building Code (OBC) is being held from October 25, 2022 until December 9, 2022.  Following this third phase of consultations, it is anticipated that the next edition of Ontario’s Building Code will to be filed in Spring 2023 and come into effect in Spring 2024.

The code change proposals in this third phase are intended to help the Ontario government achieve its goal of building 1.5 million homes over the next ten years as part of More Homes Built Faster: Ontario's Housing Supply Action Plan: 2022-2023. One key element of the plan is increasing the supply and mix of houses and other residential buildings.

The Ontario government has proposed two groups of changes in this consultation:
  • Amendments related to mid-rise wood buildings between four and six storeys in order to harmonize with current requirements in the National Building Code.
  • Removal of requirements for a standpipe system in a four-storey stacked townhouses
To view the proposed changes, download the List of Proposed Housing Supply Building Code Changes (.pdf document).

To comment on all changes, download the Bulk Comment Form Template (.docx document), which can then be completed and e-mailed to:  buildingcode.consultation@ontario.ca .

Alternatively, use the on-line Fall 2022 - Proposed Code Changes Feedback Form to to leave comments and feedback.

Nice work, Ontario!
24-OCT-2022 CANADA
2020 National Building Code
2020 National Fire Code
2020 National Plumbing Code
2020 National Energy Code for Buildings
On October 6, 2022, Codes Canada announced the first public review of proposed changes to the 2020 editions of the National Model Codes, including the National Building Code of Canada, the National Fire Code of Canada, the National Plumbing Code of Canada, and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings.

The public review will run from October 24 to 11:59 pm PST, December 23, 2022.

Public reviews for future sets of proposed changes to the 2020 editions of the Codes are also planned to take place in 2023 and 2024.
18-OCT-2022 QUÉBEC
Garantie de construction résidentielle
The Régie du bâtiment du Québec announced on October 17, 2022 that it is recruiting the following persons as members of the Board of Directors of  Québec's Residential Construction Warranty Program (GCR):
  • A building professional
  • A person from a financial background
  • A person from a government background
Board members are appointed for a 2 year term and a member's term may be renewed for a maximum of 6 years.

If you are interested in contributing to the improvement of the quality of Québec's residential construction, send your application (curriculum vitae and cover letter) to the attention of Madame Caroline Hardy,  Secrétariat général et affaires institutionnelles.

The recuitment period ends on November 25, 2022.
25-SEP-2022 BRITISH COLUMBIA
2018 Building Code
On September 23, 2022, Jun‘ichi Jensen, Acting Executive Director of the British Columbia Building and Safety Standards Branch announced a public consultation on proposed revisions to the 2018 British Columbia Building Code.  The proposed changes include a minimum energy efficiency requirements for most Part 9 and Part 3 buildings, as well as an opt-in carbon pollution standard.

The public review is intended to collect focused, technical comments on proposed changes, such as revisions to targets and values, and comments about scope or application.  All relevant input will be considered and used to help inform the proposed changes before they are considered by the Minister.

To learn more about the proposed energy efficiency requirements and the Building Carbon Pollution Standard, review the following documents:

To submit your comments or upload attachments, complete the online survey.
Alternatively, email: BSSB.Public.Review@gov.bc.ca for further instructions.

The public review period is scheduled to end on November 4, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
15-SEP-2022 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code Compendium
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #332, dated September 15, 2022, to announce that an "easier to use, updated digital version of the Ontario 2012 Building Code Compendium" is now available.

This version of the Ontario Building Code contains the latest amendment that came into effect on July 1, 2022, including:
1.    Amendments supporting the More Homes for Everyone Act, which, according to the Ministry:
•    remove barriers to multi-residential modular construction projects
•    allow encapsulated mass timber buildings to be constructed up to 12 storeys high
•    encourage the development of local building official internship programs;
2.    Exemptions for certain size sheds from Ontario Building Code requirements;
3.    Requirements municipal building departments to notify fire departments if a building, other than a house, will be constructed or renovated using a lightweight truss system; and
4.    Provisions for temporary shelters and health facilities created to respond to COVID-19 from the Temporary Health or Residential Facilities Emergency Order are relocated to the Ontario Building Code.

This updated digital Compendium now includes bookmarks, hyperlinked tables of contents throughout both volumes, and the ability to insert personal notes or highlight sections of the Code.

To obtain an updated digital copy of Ontario's 2012 Building Code Compendium, fill out the form at the "Get the 2012 Building Code Compendium for non-commercial use" on the Ontario government web site.
12-SEP-2022 NOVA SCOTIA
Building Code Act
Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations
Joe Rogers, P. Eng., Building Code Coordinator for the Province of Nova Scotia, announced on September 12, 2022 that the Honourable John Lohr, Nova Scotia Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, made Novia Scotia Regulation 116/2022 on June 24, 2022.  

The regulation, which was made pursuant to Section 4 of Chapter 46 of the Revised Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1989, the Building Code Act :
  • will come into effect on October 1, 2022; and
  • repeals and replaces the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations, N.S. Reg. 26/2017, made by Minister's Order dated February 28, 2017.
The major changes in the new Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations are:
  • The regulation has been reformatted into the Nova Scotia standard regulatory format for numbering and wording.  While the wording may have changed it was solely to bring it into compliance with regulatory wording used in other regulations or to provide clarity to the provision.  The revised regulation has been approved by the Registrar of Regulations.  Without these changes going forward, no further changes can be made to the regulations.
  • Where authority exists in the Building Code Act, it has been removed from the regulation so there is no duplication.
  • The Letters of Undertaking (LOU) have been revised to standard regulatory wording.
  • To ensure consistency between Building Code Regulations and Fire Safety Regulations (FSR), the Building Code Regulations  now reference Section 12 of the FSR on what types of plans need to be submitted to the OFM for review rather than repeat the requirements.
  • Defined terms (definitions) have been moved to the beginning of the regulation. 
  • Defined terms within the regulation are no longer italicized.  Where provisions replace those in the National Codes, those defined terms are italicized
  • All the Codes have specifically been adopted in the regulation, i.e. Building, Energy, Plumbing and Farm Codes.
Novia Scotia Regulation 116/2022 was filed on June 17, 2022 and has been published in the Royal Gazette, Volume 46, No. 13, dated July 1, 2022 (Part II, Regulations under the Regulation Act).
06-SEP-2022 BRITISH COLUMBIA
Safety Standards Act
Electrical Safety Regulation
2021 BC Electrical Code
Information Bulletin
British Columbia Ministerial Order #M241 was deposited on August 11, 2022 to adopt the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, 25th Edition, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations, Canadian Standards Association Standard C22.1-21.

The Provincial Safety Manager – Electrical issued the following Information Bulletin on August 25, 2022, which is available on the Technical Safety BC website:
The Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, 25th Edition, Safety Standard for Electrical Installations, Canadian Standards Association Standard C22.1-21 is adopted as the BC Electrical Code, effective on October 1, 2022.

Technical Safety BC, through consultation and analysis with an Industry Advisory Group, has prepared a Table describing code changes that will likely have high impacts for designers, installers, engineers, and educators.

The Canadian Electrical Code is developed over a three-year cycle in accordance with the CSA Group’s accredited consensus process.
01-SEP-2022 ALBERTA
STANDATA
Safety Codes Act
Gas Notice
The following updated Gas NOTICE has been issued and is now available on the Alberta.ca website:
The purpose of the notice is to advise that following gas codes were adopted under the Gas Code Regulation (AR 111/2010) and came into effect on September 1, 2022 under the Safety Codes Act:
  • CSA-B109.1:21 – Compressed natural gas vehicles installation code
  • CSA-B109.2:21 – Liquefied natural gas vehicle installation code
08-AUG-2022 ONTARIO
Electricity Act, 1998
2021 Ontario Electrical Safety Code
Sam Loggia, Manager, Strategic Initiatives, of CSA Group’s Energy, Electrical Sector, advised on May 18, 2022 that revised Ontario Electrical Safety Code Bulletins, dated May, 2022) for the 2021 Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) are available.

The full Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) bulletin package is included as part of the purchase of the 28th edition of the OESC over the entire 2021 code cycle. If you need access to the OESC bulletin package and to receive notifications when new bulletins are released, you are required to purchase the OESC.

When it comes to electrical safety in Ontario (as well as the rest of Canada) you have to pay to find out whether or not you comply with the law, as set out in the Electricity Act, 1998Ontario Regulation 771/21, the Ontario Electrical Safety Authority'sOntario Amendments to the Canadian Electrical Code Part 1, C22.1, and the 2021 Ontario Electrical Safety Code.  Imagine if you had to pay to find out what the speed limit was for each stretch of highway as you were driving on it, in order not to break the law.....!
01-AUG-2022 QUÉBEC
BNQ 3009-500/2022 Standard
Residential building - Inspection Practices in a Real Estate Transaction Context
The Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) announced on July 26, 2022 that the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) has published "BNQ Standard 3009-500/2022, Residential building - Inspection Practices in a Real Estate Transaction Context".  In December 2019, the Government of Québec had assigned the power to regulate home inspectors to the RBQ. Although the CSA A770 "Home Inspection" standard had been published in 2016, the RBQ determined that this standard was not appropriate for Québec.  Therefore, the RBQ requested the BNQ to develop the BNQ 3009-500 standard.
The RBQ continues to work on the drafting and implementation of a regulation which will set rules for inspectors who wish to obtain an inspector certification for residential building. Moreover, a first version of the draft regulation for the inspection of a residential building was published in the official Gazette of Quebec on February 23, 2022.
The BNQ 3009-500/2022 Standard is available for free, in English and French, from the BNQ web site.
28-JUL-2022 ONTARIO
2007 Fire Code
The Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal has announced that a new amendment package has been developed for the “2015 Fire Code Compendium” publication in cooperation with Publications Ontario.  The amendment package relates to the content of O. Reg. 319/22, an administrative amendment to update a name change for a legislative reference in the Fire Code.  The amendment package also contains a correction for a typographical error.
 
The revised pages are available from the Publications Ontario website.  The document may be retrieved by typing document number “300993” in the Search bar and then may be directly downloaded at no cost.
27-JUL-2022 CITY OF VANCOUVER
2019 Vancouver Building By-law
At its meeting held on May 17, 2022, Vancouver City Council approved a staff report that recommends updates to the Vancouver Building By-law on the pretext of addressing the "climate emergency" [sic].
The staff report contains a number of recommendations, including:
  1. THAT Council approve, in principle, amendments to the Building By-law generally in the form attached as Appendix A, including reductions in the carbon emissions limit for new 4-6 storey residential buildings; requirement for air filtration, and reporting and initial limit of embodied carbon in new Part 3 buildings, all to come into force and effect on July 1, 2023;
  2. THAT Council approve, in principle, proposed changes to the Building By-law generally in the form attached as Appendix B, including reductions in energy and carbon emissions limits for new residential and commercial buildings, embodied carbon reduction requirements, and a cooling requirement for all dwelling units in new Part 3 buildings, beginning in January 2025;

In its desire to address the "climate emergency" [sic], the shameless virtue signalling City Councillors have mandated INCREASED energy use for new Part 3 dwelling units.  
It's like banning free speech in the name of diversity.
It's too bad Alberta didn't cut off all petroleum supplies to those losers.
14-JUL-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2021 Canadian Electrical Code
STANDATA
Electrical Bulletins
Electrical Variance
Clarence C. Cormier, P.Eng, Provincial Electrical Administrator, has issued the following Electrical STANDATA bulletins:
The purpose of the bulletin is to clarify Section 2 of Alberta's Electrical Code Regulation.
The purpose of the bulletin is to remind industry stakeholders and members of the public in Alberta that all electrical incidents are required to be reported to the Provincial Electrical Administrator.
The purpose of the bulletin is to clarify Section 10 of the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code), Part 1, which deals with the grounding of electrical systems and the bonding of its associated equipment.

Clarence C. Cormier, P.Eng, Provincial Electrical Administrator, has issued the following Electrical STANDATA variance:
The purpose of the variance is to simplify compliance with the grounding electrode requirements of Section 10 of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, 2021.
12-JUL-2022 CANADA
Canadian Free Trade Agreement
Canadian Code Development System
Joe Rogers, P. Eng., Chairman of the Transition Coordination Committee of the federal/provincial/territorial Construction Codes Reconciliation Agreement, has advised that working groups are conducting a survey about the engagement and role of industry and interested parties in the new governance model for a transformed Canadian code development system.

The survey consists of 15 questions, takes about 15–20 minutes to complete, and is voluntary and confidential. Your answers will remain anonymous.  Your input and feedback will help to shape the role of industry and interested parties in the proposed code development system, as well as the proposed role of the new Advisory Council in providing strategic advice on code development priorities, opportunities and impacts.  The survey runs from July 7 until July 20, 2022.

CodeNews.ca has edited an information update about the proposed transformation of the Canadian Code Development System.

Many thanks to Jun’ichi Jensen, A/Executive Director, British Columbia Building and Safety Standards, for providing this information.
11-JUL-2022 CITY OF VANCOUVER
2019 Vancouver Building By-law
2019 Vancouver Plumbing By-law
Revision 5
On July 4, 2022, BC Publications announced that the consolidation of amendments to the 2019 Vancouver Building By-law (Book I and Book II), up to Revision 5, effective as of July 1, 2022, has now been published online in its Public Library.

A “Point in time” folder has been created which allows viewing the content as it read prior to July 1, 2022. The “Point in Time” folders are accessible within each Part, if applicable.

For users of the binder versions of the By-laws, Revision 5 of the By-laws may be downloaded from:
29-JUN-2022 QUÉBEC
2021 Chapter I, Building, Construction Code
The Régie du Bâtiment du Québec announced on May 18, 2022 that an amendment (Décret 737-2022, 4 mai 2022) to Chapter I, Building, of the Quebec Construction Code will come into force on June 2, 2022.

The amendment expands the scope of measures to protect against underground gas infiltration, including radon, throughout Quebec by removing the concept of "recognized risk areas". This amendment responds to the recommendations issued by the Public Health Authorities of Quebec and Health Canada.

A transitional period will permit construction to comply with the previous edition of Chapter I until July 8, 2023.
27-JUN-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2021 Canadian Electrical Code
STANDATA
Electrical Bulletin
Clarence C Cormier, P.Eng, Provincial Electrical Administrator, has issued the following revised Electrical STANDATA bulletin:
The purpose of the bulletin is to clarify how to apply the general rules in Section 2 of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.
20-JUN-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2021 Canadian Electrical Code
STANDATA
Electrical Bulletin
Clarence C Cormier, P.Eng, Provincial Electrical Administrator, has issued the following revised Electrical STANDATA bulletin:
The purpose of the bulletin is to clarify certain rules of Section 4 of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CE Code), which apply to conductors for services, feeders and photovoltaic circuits.
10-JUN-2022 ONTARIO
Building Code Commission
2012 Ontario Building Code
The Building Code Commission (BCC) delivered a verbal ruling concerning the application of Sentence 3.2.9.1.(7) of Div. B of the Ontario Building Code regarding the requirement for standpipe hose cabinets within dwelling units in a 4 storey stacked townhouse project.  The BCC ruled that the hose cabinets are not required.
While BCC rulings are generally considered site specific, many authorities having jurisdiction and designers use the rulings as guidance when applying code requirements to other projects.
The written BCC Ruling, including reasons, will be made available within 2 - 3 months.
Alek Antoniuk, OAA, CodeNews Consulting Corp., Consulting Architect, was the agent for the Applicant at the BCC Hearing.
10-JUN-2022 ALBERTA
STANDATA
Safety Codes Act
Gas Bulletin
Plumbing Bulletin
Sidney Manning, Provincial Plumbing and Gas Administrator, has issued the following Plumbing and Gas STANDATA bulletin:
The purpose of the bulletin is to clarify that dual-purpose water heaters must be certified and marked “Suitable for Water (Potable) Heating and Space Heating” and can be utilized for either:
(a) conventional domestic water (potable) heating only; or
(b) a combination water (potable) heating and space heating application.
09-JUN-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2019 Building Code
2019 Fire Code
STANDATA
Joint Building & Fire Code Bulletin
Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, and Tina Parker, Provincial Fire Administrator, have issued the following new joint Building and Fire STANDATA bulletin:
The purpose of the bulletin is to provide a sample form for integrated system testing (IST) that is referenced in Appendix C of the CAN/ULC-S1001 standard.  Copyright permission has been provided by ULC Standards to download the fillable ULC S1001 Testing Form.
Congratulations to the Province of Alberta for providing access to this valuable resource for code users throughout Canada!  Alberta continues to be a leader in providing useful and practical tools and information to code users!
05-MAY-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
STANDATA
Gas Codes Notice
Alberta Municipal Affairs has issued a Notice to advise that the following gas codes were adopted under the Gas Code Regulation (AR 111/2010) and will come into effect on September 1, 2022 under the Safety Codes Act:
  • CSA-B109.1:21 – Compressed natural gas vehicles installation code
  • CSA-B109.2:21 – Liquefied natural gas vehicle installation code
These codes apply to the installation, servicing, and repair of natural gas fuel systems on vehicles for the provision of motive power.
04-MAY-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2019 Building Code
STANDATA
Building Code Variance
Alberta Municipal Affairs has advised that certain Professional Schedules related to “19-BCV-024 Schedules of professional involvement” are now available on the Alberta.ca website.
The NBC(AE) Schedules User Guide for the Schedules related to Standata 19-BCV-024 are available from the web site of the  Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta.
03-MAY-2022 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #331, dated May 3, 2022, to announce that Ontario Regulation 451/22 was issued to amend the Ontario Building Code.
This regulation was:
•    Made on April 28, 2022;
•    Filed on April 29, 2022; and
•    Published on e-Laws: April 29, 2022
The regulation will be "printed" in The Ontario Gazette on May 14, 2022.

The following amendment came into effect on April 29, 2022:
  • Certain sheds of up to 15 square metres in area exempted from Ontario Building Code requirements
The following amendments will come into effect on July 1, 2022:
  • Removal of certain barriers to multi-residential modular construction
  • Rules for encapsulated mass timber buildings up to 12 storeys high 
  • Revisions to the local building official internship programs
The following amendment will come into effect on November 1, 2022:
  •  New rules for the early and partial occupancy for super tall buildings (i.e., 65 storeys or more)
28-APR-2022 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #329, dated April 28, 2022, to explain that Ontario Regulation 434/22 (see below) was made to incorporate the "Temporary Health or Residential Facilities" administrative requirements that had previously been contained in Ontario Regulation 141/20, made pursuant to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.9.
Since Ontario Regulation 141/20 was revoked on April 27, 2022 and the Ontario government deemed that it was necessary to prolong the SCAMdemic, the requirements of revoked Ontario Regulation 141/20 were transferred to new Ontario Regulation 434/22.
27-APR-2022 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code
Ontario Regulation 434/22 has been issued to amend the Ontario Building Code.
This regulation was:
•    Made on April 26, 2022;
•    Filed on April 26, 2022; and
•    Published on e-Laws: April 26, 2022
The regulation will be "printed" in The Ontario Gazette on May 14, 2022.

The regulation came into force on April 26, 2022 and adds a new Subsection 1.3.7.   Temporary Health or Residential Facilities to Division C of the Ontario Building Code.

The regulation exempts a temporary health or residential facility and the conversion of all or part of an existing building or structure to a temporary health or residential facility from the requirement to:
•    comply with the Ontario Building Code; and
•    obtain a permit under section 8 or 10 of the Building Code Act.

The regulation will be revoked on March 31, 2023.

Yes, people ..... even the Ontario government knows that getting a permit and complying with the Ontario Building Code is a real pain in the ....
Therefore the government has exempted itself from its own rules.
You know: there are laws for "little people" like you - and there are no laws for the elite.
27-APR-2022 ONTARIO
Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997
Ontario Regulation 437/22 has been issued to amend the Ontario Regulation 144/20.
This regulation was:
•    Made on April 26, 2022;
•    Filed on April 26, 2022; and
•    Published on e-Laws: April 26, 2022
The regulation will be printed in The Ontario Gazette on May 14, 2022.

The regulation will be revoked on March 31, 2023.

The regulation contains further exemptions and requirements for a temporary health or residential facilities.
27-APR-2022 ONTARIO
2007 Fire Code
Ontario Regulation 319/22 has been issued to amend the Ontario Fire Code.
This 1 page regulation was:
•    Made on March 11, 2022;
•    Filed on April 6, 2022; and
•    Published on e-Laws: April 7, 2022
•    Printed in The Ontario Gazette on April 23, 2022.

It will come into force on the later of the day section 204 of Schedule 1 (Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021) to the Providing More Care, Protecting Seniors, and Building More Beds Act, 2021 comes into force and the day this Regulation is filed.

The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario issued a proclamation that Sched. 1, s. 204 came into force on April 11, 2022.

This Minister's Regulation is administrative in nature and replaces the term: “Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007” with: “Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021” in Clause 9.4.1.1.(1)(b) of Division B of Ontario Regulation 213/07 (Fire Code).
26-APR-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2021 Canadian Electrical Code
STANDATA
Electrical Code Variance
Clarence C. Cormier, P. Eng., Provincial Electrical Administrator, has issued the following STANDATA:
The purpose of this variance is to permit liquid-filled transformers to deviate from Rule 2-024 of the Canadian Electrical Code, under certain conditions.
20-APR-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2019 Building Code
2021 Canadian Electrical Code
STANDATA
Building Code Interpretation
Electrical Code Interpretation
Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, and Clarence Cormier, Provincial Electrical Administrator, have jointly issued the following STANDATA:
The purpose of this interpretation is to clarify the requirements for installing, altering, or adding to lightning protection systems.
19-APR-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2019 Building Code
STANDATA
Building Code Variance
Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, has issued the following Building STANDATA:
The purpose of this variance is to set out the conditions for a building official to accept the use of an unvented roof assembly under Part 9 of the National Building Code-2019 Alberta Edition.
The purpose of this variance is to provide approximately equivalent performance with respect to the thermal resistance for flat and cathedral roofs above attached garages and heated detached garages for residential occupancies.
The purpose of this 21 page variance is to recognize schedules of professional involvement as an alternative solution to the requirements in Articles 2.4.3.1, 2.4.3.2. and 2.4.4.1. of Division C of the National Building Code – 2019 Alberta Edition.
The schedules of professional involvement were first introduced in the 1997 Edition of the Alberta Building Code
(ABC 1997) at the request of the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) and the Association of Professional
Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).
Recently, the AAA and the APEGA provided Alberta Municipal Affairs with revised schedules of professional involvement for use in the Alberta safety codes system. The revised schedules of professional involvement contain major changes to the content, including a different process from what is required by Section 2.4. of Division C of the NBC(AE).
19-APR-2022 SASKATCHEWAN
The Construction Codes Act
The Construction Codes Act, S.S. 2021, c.9 (the CC Act) came into effect on January 1, 2022 and replaced the Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act (the UBAS Act).  It is an Act respecting building, accessibility and energy standards and the inspection of buildings.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations published Explanatory Notes, dated January 2022, to provide users with an explanation of the provisions of the CC Act and the Regulations.

The Building Code Regulations (Saskatchewan Regulations 124/2021) made under the authority of The Construction Codes Act, came into effect on January 1, 2022.

The Energy Code Regulations (Saskatchewan Regulations 125/2021) made under the authority of The Construction Codes Act, came into effect on January 1, 2022.

The Plumbing Code Regulations (Saskatchewan Regulations 126/2021) made under the authority of The Construction Codes Act, came into effect on January 1, 2022.
01-APR-2022 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code
Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997
Fire Marshal’s Directive 2022-001
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #328, dated March 17, 2022, to announce that Ontario Regulation 217/22, was made under the Building Code Act, 1992 and will come into force on July 1, 2022.

Ontario Regulation 217/22 requires municipal building departments to notify fire departments (or the clerk of a municipality that does not have a fire department) when a building (other than a house) will be constructed or renovated using lightweight floor or roof systems.

On May 8, 2018, Ontario Regulation 378/18 was filed, and it came into force on July 1, 2019. The regulation requires that by July 1, 2024, every municipality and every fire department in a territory without municipal organization complete a Community Risk Assessment (CRA) and use it to inform decisions on the provision of fire protection services.
On February 25, 2022, the Fire Marshal of Ontario had issued Fire Marshal’s Directive 2022-001 specifying that certain Assistants to the Fire Marshal are required to use information on the presence of truss and lightweight construction systems (commonly referred to as lightweight construction) in a community’s building stock, that is known and documented in the CRA, to inform fire suppression pre-planning activities.  The intent of Fire Marshal’s Directive 2022-001 was to provide firefighters with the necessary information about a building’s structural composition to plan fire suppression activities and help ensure their safety.

Enquiries regarding directive 2022-001, revised technical guideline TG-02-2019 or O. Reg. 378/18 may be directed to Office of the Fire Marshal via email or by Fire Services to their Fire Protection Adviser.

This is not an April Fool's joke.
In Ontario, it takes a provincial regulation to force municipal civil servants to share information and to talk to one another...!
Will the CBO be fined is s/he does not talk to the fire chief?

CodeNews is waiting for the next provincial regulation to force municipal civil servants to show respect for taxpayers.
31-MAR-2022 QUÉBEC
La Régie du bâtiment du Québec
Chapter I, Building, Construction Code
The Régie du Building du Québec has announced the publication of a new "Guide sur l’accessibilité des bâtiments" (PDF, 11.1 MB) to promote the accessibility of buildings to persons with reduced mobility.  This educational tool, designed for architects, designers, contractors and other stakeholders, was published as a result of the latest revision of Chapter I, Building, Construction Code, which came into effect on January 8, 2022.
A transitional period of 18 months following the entry into force of the new Chapter I, Building, Construction Code is planned. Construction started after July 7, 2023 must comply with the new standards for the accessibility of buildings to persons with disabilities.
31-MAR-2022 QUÉBEC
La Régie du bâtiment du Québec
The Régie du Building du Québec has announced the publication of the revised 2022 edition of the "Bâtiments de construction massive en bois encapsulé d’au plus 12 étages -Directives et guide explicatif  - Version révisée 2022".  (PDF, 5.3 MB)
This updated edition, which incorporates the latest advances in the field of encapsulated timber construction, is available for free download on the RBQ website.
This new version of the document is based on the changes that will be made to the National Building Code 2020 and the National Fire Prevention Code 2020.
28-MAR-2022 CANADA
2020 National Building Code
2020 National Fire Code
2020 National Plumbing Code
2020 National Energy Code for Buildings
2020 model national codes
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has published, on March 28, 2022, the following national model codes, developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, for free, in electronic format:
The 2020 national model codes are available for free, in electronic format, through the NRC’s Publications Archive and for purchase, in printed format, from the NRC's Virtual Store.
04-MAR-2022 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code Compendium
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #326, dated March 4, 2022, to announce that a digital English language version of the 2012 Building Code Compendium available upon request for personal, non-commercial, and commercial uses (under a ministry-approved licensing agreement).

The digital version is the Building Code, current as of January 1, 2022, includes recent amendments relating to:
•    building permits and inspections for tiny homes
•    remote inspections for all buildings

Visit the Ontario government website to request a  free copy of the digital English language version of the 2012 Building Code Compendium.

Amendment packages for the hardcopy version of the Compendium will be made available through Publications Ontario.
02-MAR-2022 ASC/CSA B651, Accessible Design for the Built Environment Joe Rogers, P. Eng., Building Code Coordinator, Province of Nova Scotia has kindly advised that the Canadian Standards Association is holding a public review, from February 23, 2022 until April 24, 2022, of the draft of the next edition of the ASC/CSA B651, Accessible Design for the Built Environment standard.
The purpose of the standard is to specify technical requirements on how to make buildings and the exterior built environment accessible and safely usable by persons with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.
Registration is required to view the draft standard and submit comments on the ASC/CSA B651 Public Review Site
15-FEB-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2021 Canadian Electrical Code
STANDATA
Electrical  Variance
Electrical Interpretation
Electrical Bulletin
Clarence C. Cormier, P.Eng., Provincial Electrical Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs – Technical and Corporate Services, has issued the following Electrical STANDATA:
Electrical STANDATA Variances:
Electrical STANDATA Interpretations:
Electrical STANDATA Bulletins:
14-FEB-2022 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code
Public Consultation
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing posted an announcement, dated February 11, 2022, on the Regulatory Registry, that it is consulting on Proposal 22-MMAH003, which proposes amendments to the 2012 Ontario Building Code to support the More Homes, More Choice: Ontario's Housing Supply Action Plan.
The proposed amendments address:
  • Phased occupancy of "super-tall" buildings
  • Modular construction of larger buildings, including multi-unit residential buildings
  • Establishing a truss and lightweight construction notification program for firefighter safety
Refer to the Ministry's discussion paper for more details.
Comments on the proposed change are due by March 14, 2022
13-FEB-2022 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code
Public Consultation on Sheds
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing posted an announcement, dated February 9, 2022, on the Regulatory Registry, that it is consulting on Proposal 22-MMAH002, that would exempt certain sheds that are under 15 m2 in area from Ontario Building Code requirements, including building permit requirements.
Refer to the Ministry's draft wording of the proposed change for more details.
Comments on the proposed change are due by March 12, 2022.
27-JAN-2022 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code
Public Consultation
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has posted announcements on the Regulatory Registry and the Environmental Registry that a public consultation on proposed changes for the next edition of  the Ontario Building Code (OBC) is being held from January 27, 2022 until March 13, 2022.

This is the second phase of consultations for the next edition of Ontario’s Building Code.  The code change proposals in this phase are intended to align the Ontario Building Code with the 2020 National Construction Codes, in order to minimize new variations between the next edition of Ontario’s Building Code and the National Construction Codes.
The main topics in this phase of consultation include:
  • Farm buildings
  • Encapsulated mass timber construction
  • Earthquake and structural design
  • Accessibility
  • Energy efficiency
  • Fire safety and fire protection systems
  • Safety glazing
  • Plumbing
  • Home-type care occupancies
  • Others: stairs/ ramps/ handrail/ guide design, use and egress, insulated concrete forms, and corrosion resistant ties
The following documents have been posted for review:
In its analysis of the impact of these proposed changes, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing claims that:
"There are no new administrative costs anticipated for regulated entities."

The above statement is almost as good as:  "I'm from the government and I'm here to help you."
Who are they fooling..........!
25-JAN-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
STANDATA
Gas Codes Notice
The following STANDATA Notice is now available:
The Notice reminds users of the Alberta Gas Code Regulation that following gas codes were adopted under the Gas Code Regulation (AR 111/2010) and came into effect on February 1, 2021 under the Safety Codes Act:
  • CSA-B149.1-20 – Natural gas and propane installation code
  • CSA-B149.2-20 – Propane storage and handling code
  • CSA-B149.3-20 – Code for the field approval of fuel-burning appliances and equipment
  • CSA-B149.5-20 – Installation code for propane fuel systems and tanks on highway vehicles
  • CSA-B109-17 – Natural gas for vehicles installation code
The following gas codes were adopted under the Gas Code Regulation (AR 111/2010) and will come into effect on February 1, 2022 under the Safety Codes Act:
  • CSA-B108.1-21 – compressed natural gas refuelling stations installation code
  • CSA-B108.2-21 – liquefied natural gas refuelling stations installation code
24-JAN-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2019 Building Code
2019 Fire Code
STANDATA
Building Code Variance
Building Code Interpretation
Fire Code Variance
Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, has issued the following Building STANDATA:
The purpose of this Variance is to clarify the intent of off-site review as applicable to off-site construction of buildings.
The purpose of this Interpretation is to  further clarify when a request for relaxation of barrier-free requirements is appropriate.

Tina Parker, Provincial Fire Administrator, has issued the following Fire STANDATA:
The purpose of this Variance is to provide an effective alternative solution that ensures portable fire extinguishers are available at Paramount Resources' remote unstaffed energy transmission facilities for the use by employees and/or contractors in the event of a fire.
18-JAN-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2021 Canadian Electrical Code
STANDATA Electrical Notice
The following STANDATA Electrical Notice is now available:
The 2021 Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (twenty-fifth edition) automatically comes into force on February 1,
2022 throughout the Province of Alberta.
Persons who have received permission (or a permit) by the authority having jurisdiction to undertake electrical
installations regulated under the previous 2018 Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (twenty-fourth edition) prior to
February 1, 2022 will be considered in compliance with the Safety Codes Act. Installations permitted on or after
February 1, 2022 are required to conform to the new 2021 edition of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.
18-JAN-2022 ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2019 Alberta Fire Code
2019 Building Code
2015 National Plumbing Code of Canada
STANDATA
Fire Code Interpretation
Building Code Interpretation
Plumbing Code Interpretation
The following joint fire, building, and plumbing joint Interpretation STANDATA, issued by:
• Tina Parker, Provincial Fire Administrator
• Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator
• Sidney Manning, Provincial Plumbing Administrator
 is now available:
The purpose of this Interpretation is to clarify the intent of the National Fire Code – 2019 Alberta Edition (NFC(AE)) service provider qualifications for the verification (where applicable), installation, inspection, testing and maintenance of the following fire protection and life safety systems:
• special fire suppression systems,
• portable fire extinguishers,
• fire alarm and voice communication systems,
• sprinkler systems,
• water-based fire protection systems, and
• integrated fire protection and life safety systems.
This Interpretation also provides guidance regarding the qualifications of service providers for the cleaning of commercial cooking equipment exhaust systems and certification of contractors that conduct installations, removals, maintenance, and repairs of aboveground and underground storage tank systems.
18-JAN-2022 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #321, dated January 18, 2022, to announce that Ontario Regulation 867/21, made under the Building Code Act, 1992, came into force on January 1, 2022.

O. Reg. 867/21 was:
  • filed on December 20, 2021;
  • published on e-Laws on December 20, 2021; and
  • printed in The Ontario Gazette on January 8, 2022.
O. Reg. 867/21 contains the following categories of amendments to the 2012 Ontario Buildings Code:
  • building permits and inspections for tiny homes
  • remote inspections for all buildings
  • housekeeping amendments
Tiny Homes Amendments:
  • creates a two-permit system for tiny homes that are constructed in one municipality and are to be located and occupied in another municipality.
  • allows building permit applicants to obtain a building permit and have “off site” inspections done by the building official in the municipality where the home is constructed.
  • requires building permit applicants to obtain a second building permit in the municipality where the tiny home will be located demonstrating compliance with site-specific conditions such as applicable law and requirements related to siting the tiny home, including ingress/egress, foundations and anchoring.
  • sets out responsibilities for the building officials in each municipality.
  • sets out how the mandatory timelines apply in this two-permit system when two different municipalities are involved.
Remote Inspection Amendment (Article 1.3.5.3. of Division C of the Building Code):
  • clarifies that building officials have discretion to use alternative inspection methods when conducting inspections on the construction of buildings such as remote inspections and other means.
Four "Housekeeping" Amendments:
  • updates outdated references to other statutes in the list of applicable law to account for changes made in 2021 by the new Ontario Land Tribunal Act, 2021, as well as changes to the Ontario Heritage Act.
05-JAN-2022 BRITISH COLUMBIA
2018 Building Code
Dan Coulter, British Columbia Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, announced on January 5, 2022, that the on-line survey on how to make new buildings in British Columbia accessible has been extended from December 9, 2021 until January 13, 2022 at 4pm.
The on-line survey is now available in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Punjabi, French, and English.
04-JAN-2022 CITY OF VANCOUVER
2019 Vancouver Building By-law
2019 Vancouver Plumbing By-law
On January 4, 2022, BC Publications announced that Revision 3 to the 2019 Vancouver Building By-law (Book I) and the 2019 Vancouver Plumbing By-law (Book II), that includes the consolided amendments effective as of January 1, 2022, has now been published on the BC Publications web site (select "Vancouver Building By-law 2019" or "Vancouver Plumbing By-law 2019", as applicable).

For users of the binder version of the By-laws:
  • the revised pages of the binder version of Book I may be downloaded for printing.
  • the revised pages of the binder version of Book II may be downloaded for printing.

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Last updated on:  03-JAN-2023