DATE

PROVINCE OR JURISDICTION

NEWS

• 14-BCV-002R1 - Tall Wall Generic Engineered Details
• 14-BCV-003R1 - Wind Data for Low-Rise Buildings Guideline

• 14-BCI-004 - Mechanically Vented Appliances

• Alberta Municipal Affairs User Guide for Energy Code Compliance - Section 9.36., ABC
• ABC Section 9.36. – Q & A

• the Regulatory Amendments Section of the Pressure Installations Section.
• the draft Regulation on Pressure Installations. published in the Gazette officielle du Québec
• the Regulatory Impact Analysis - PDF (934 KB), which presents, among other things, the impact of this draft regulation on businesses.

• A new Application for Barrier-Free Relaxation
• A new Pre-Assessment for Relaxation Form for the Authority Having Jurisidition(AHJ)

• 14-BCV-006 - Elevator and Passenger-Elevating Devices
• 14-BCV-007 - Interior Stairways for Roof Access
• 14-BCV-008 - Separation of Suites in Strip Malls
• 14-BCV-009 - Polyethylene Film for Greenhouse Enclosures

• 14-BCI-005 - Rooms Containing Gaseous Chlorine
• 14-BCI-006 - Barrier-Free Design Requirements: Relaxations

• 14-BCB-002 - Roof Anchors

Alberta Building Code 2014 Schedules

The professional schedules referenced by the Alberta Building Code (ABC) have been updated to specifically reference energy efficiency requirements of the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) 2011 and ABC 2014 Section 9.36. This update provides the user visible confirmation of the fact that the professional schedules include application to energy efficiency under the NECB 2011 and the ABC 2014 Section 9.36. in force in Alberta since November 1, 2016.

• Energy efficiency requirements for houses
• Energy efficiency in large buildings
• Energy efficient renovations in houses and large buildings
• Electric vehicle charging in new multi-unit residential buildings
• Other green technologies

Significant amendments includereferences to the latest editions of:

• CSA B51 - the boiler, pressure vessel and pressure piping code, which is the national document for non-nuclear pressure equipment in Canada
• CSA B52 - the mechanical refrigeration code
• CSA N285.0  - general requirements for pressure-retaining systems and components in Canada Deuterium Uranium(CANDU) nuclear power plants/material standards for reactor components for CANDU nuclear power plants

• 14-BCV-002 - Tall Wall Generic Engineered Details
• 14-BCV-003 - Wind Data for Low-Rise Buildings Guideline
• 14-BCV-004 - Spans for Joists, Rafter and Beams
• 14-BCV-005 - CSA-A277-16 Procedure for Certification of Prefabricated Buildings, Modules, and Panels

• Ontario municipalities do not have the authority to impose on land developers/builders a construction standard for energy efficiency which exceeds the Ontario Building Code.
• Sections 41 and 51 of the Planning Act do not grant municipalities the authority to regulate energy efficiency construction as part of their site plan control or draft plan of subdivision processes.
• It is unlawful for site plan or subdivision agreements to link occupancy permits to energy efficient construction.
• The City of Toronto does not have the authority to impose construction standards for energy efficiency through its Green Standard.

Of course, clients of CodeNews Consulting Corp., Consulting Architect, will be provided with specific information on how the changes affect their projects.

Effective as of January 1, 2016, the Electrical Code Regulation was amended by Alberta Regulation 126/2015 to facilitate automatic code adoption.  Generally, electrical codes will now come into force one year after the month of their publication, unless otherwise prescribed by the Minister.  The first such code automatically adopted under the amended regulation will be the Alberta Electrical Utility Code.

Effective May 1, 2017, the following codes will be in force as per the Electrical Code Regulation:

• CSA- C22.1-15 – Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1  – This code provides the minimum safety standards for the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment.
• Code for Electrical Installations at Oil and Gas Facilities – 5th Edition, 2015  – This code applies to electrical installations used in the search, transmission or production of oil, natural gas and related hydrocarbons, and it provides area classification guidelines.
• Alberta Electrical Utility Code – 5th Edition, 2016  – This code provides the minimum safety standard for the installation and maintenance of electrical utility systems in Alberta.

• 14-BCI-002     Visual Signals

• Part 3 TAC
• Part 7 TAC
• Part 8 TAC
• Part 9 TAC

• CSA B51 - the boiler, pressure vessel and pressure piping code, which is the national document for non-nuclear pressure equipment in Canada
• CSA B52 - the mechanical refrigeration code
• CSA N285.0  - general requirements for pressure-retaining systems and components in Canada Deuterium Uranium(CANDU) nuclear power plants/material standards for reactor components for CANDU nuclear power plants

Plumbing Safety Variance VAR-P09.01 "Requirements for the Drainage of Water from Elevator Pits" was revised in Jan 2017.

A Fact Sheet titled "Alternative Solutions Guide for Small System Reclaimed Water Reuse" was revised in Jan. 2017.

The August 2015 STANDATA is no longer in force or effect.  See:

• Alberta Municipal Affairs – PDD Safety Standards Information
• Alberta Human Services - PDD Safety Standards Consultation

• Nova Scotia's Municipal Affairs website;
• offices of Municipal Clerks or Building Inspectors in the province; and
• this CodeNews file.  (CodeNews has received authorization to host this file.)

• telephone at (902) 424-8046
• e-mail at OFM@novascotia.ca

• Paul Gulletson - e-mail:  paul.gulletson@csagroup.org
• Shawn Martin - e-mail:  smartin@iccsafe.org

• Interim Amendments to the 2012 Building Code that include.
• Amendments proposed to come into in-effect in July, 2017:
• Retirement home amendments intended to implement the Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy
• Secondary suites in houses amendments intended to implement the March 2016 Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy
• Require drain water heat recovery units in all new houses (One wonders how much the lobbyist paid for this one?)
• Amendments proposed to come into in-effect in January, 2018:
• Promote Electric Vehicle Use by adding electric vehicle requirements for houses and workplaces
• Increase Energy Efficiency by clarifying water supply pipe size requirements

• Proposed Amendments for the Next Edition of the Ontario Building Code, proposed to come into in-effect in January, 2019:
• Environmental protection and safety
• Fire safety
• Structural integrity 
• Public health and safety
  
• Accessibility
• Harmonization and consistency with the 2015 National Codes of Canada and other provincial legislation

• Potential Future Building Code Amendments:
• Construction of new community hubs
• Protection of Ground and Surface Water Quality
• Energy Efficiency to support GHG emission reductions in the building sector
• Adapting to Climate Change

• An Overview of Phase 1 of the Fall 2016 Public Consultation
• An Index of Proposed Technical Changes

• National Plumbing Code of Canada 2015 (NPC), and
• National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2015 (NECB).

• provide Code users and stakeholders with a detailed look at proposed technical changes to the NPC and the NECB and
• seek comment on each proposed technical change as to whether it should be approved, altered, or rejected.

• a proposed draft of Supplementary Standard SB-10
• a "Background Document", dated September 30, 2017, which includes instructions on how to comment on the proposed revisions to SB-10.

• Tables 5A to 5L and 10A to 10L series, as well as Tables 3A and 3B and 7A and 7B and some figures, have been modified to reflect the new load combinations in the National Building Code of Canada, 2015.
• Reference to "preserved wood foundations" has been corrected to the new industry term of "permanent wood foundations".
• More details have been added to the concrete footings supporting walls and columns.
• Revised details have been added to the requirements for high wind and seismic forces.

• CSA O121 "Douglas Fir Plywood" (New Edition) - Close date: Oct 21, 2016
• CSA O151 "Canadian softwood plywood" (New Edition) - Close date: Oct 21, 2016
• CSA B64.10-11/ /B64.10.1-11 "Selection and installation of backflow preventers /Maintenance and field testing of backflow preventers " - Close date: Sep 6, 2016
• ASME A112.19.3/CSA B45.4 "Stainless steel plumbing fixtures" (New Edition) - Close date: Sep 6, 2016

• Requirements for wider doors and a barrier-free entrance;
• Fire separations, loading, fire-rated doors with self-closures; and
• Additional washroom facilities.

• bring clarity to business owners and Building Officials; and
• prevent undue regulatory burden for home-based businesses.

• VAR-GAS-01-13 [Rev2]    Engineered Designs for Site Specific Gas-Fired process Equipment
• G-02-13 [Rev1]    Engineered Designs for Site Specific Gas-Fired Process Equipment

• Safety Tips - Gas Fired Appliances and Equipment
• Safety Tips - Non-Refillable Propane Cylinders

• G-01-03-B149 [Rev2]    Replacement Parts for Gas-Fired Appliance
• G-02-01a [Rev1]  Uncertified Appliances and Equipment Requires Special Inspection and Approval
• G-03-02 Gas [Rev2]    Propane/Natural Gas Utility Connections
• G-05-01-B149 [Rev3]    Outdoor Propane Appliances located on Roofs, Decks and Balconies
• G-05-02-B149.1 [Rev3]    Residential Appliance Venting, Vent Connectors and Liners
• G-06-01-B149.1 [Rev1]    Damage Due to Strain from Building Settlement
• G-08-01-B149.1/B149.2 [Rev2]    Temporary Heat for Construction Sites
• G-01-10 [Rev1]    Sidewall Vent Terminations
• G-02-10 [Rev1]    Appliances and Equipment Require Special Certification for Installation at High Altitude
• G-01-11 [Rev1]    Direct Vent Appliances and Equipment Requiring ULC S636 Certified Venting Systems
• G-02-11-ABSA [Rev1]    Liquefied Petroleum Gas Storage Vessel Installations
• G-03-11-ABSA [Rev2]    Fuel Gas Pressure Piping in Plants
• G-04-11-ABSA [Rev1]    Propane Storage Tanks Designed for 200 PSIG
• G-01-13 [Rev1]    Door air heaters, Direct fired makeup air heaters, and Non-recirculating direct gas-fired industrial air heaters
• G-01-14 [Rev1]    Walkways and Guard Rails
• G-02-14 [Rev1]    Legacy Equipment Management Systems

• Completely rework the allowable heights and area provisions in the NBC Div. B, Subsection 3.2.2.; and
• Consider whether the Codes should be stating combustible vs. noncombustible when stipulating design requirements or merely stating performance-based requirements.

• 4.1  "Ontario intends to help homeowners purchase and install low-carbon energy technologies such as geothermal heat pumps and air-source heat pumps, solar thermal and solar energy generation systems that reduce reliance on fossil fuels for space and water heating."

• Estimated cost to you and me: $500,000,000 to $600,000,000

• Timetable:  Start in 2017/18

•  [In other words, the government will give your tax $$$ to people who own million dollar homes to lower their energy bills.]

• 4.2  "A new program targeting northern and rural communities, including Indigenous communities, would encourage households to switch out older polluting wood stoves for new high-efficiency wood stoves."

• Estimated cost to you and me: $1,000,000 to $4,000,000

• Timetable:  Start in 2017/18

• 4.3  "Rebates will go to individuals who purchase or build their own near net zero carbon emission homes, with energy efficiency performance that sufficiently exceeds the requirements of the Building Code. In addition to reducing the higher up-front costs for homebuyers, this program will encourage construction of high-efficiency homes that pollute less."

• Estimated cost to you and me: $180,000,000 to $220,000,000

• Timetable:  Start in 2017/18

• [In other words, the government will give your tax $$$ to people who want to build their own multi-million dollar mansions - Can't wait! - Where do I apply???]

• 5.1 "The government intends to update the Building Code with long-term energy efficiency targets for new net zero carbon emission small buildings that will come into effect by 2030 at the latest, and consult on initial changes that will be effective by 2020. Ontario will consult on how to best achieve these targets through Building Code improvements."

• Timetable:  Start in 2017/18

• CSA S157, "Strength Design in Aluminum" Standard - now open for review and comments until June 26, 2016.
• CSA B66, "Design, material, and manufacturing requirements for prefabricated septic tanks and sewage holding tanks" - now open for review and comment until July 20, 2016

• Ontario Building Code changes to ensure that all “new homes and small buildings”, built in 2030 or later, do not use fossil fuels, such as natural gas, for heat or cooling; by 2050, this requirement would apply to all buildings.
• The Ontario Building Code changes to require all major renovations improve energy efficiency, such as by using better insulation.
• Municipalities will also be allowed to impose even tougher energy efficiency standards than those contained in the Ontario Building Code.

• Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at the Hôtel Château Laurier Québec in Québec City
• Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Montreal

• Extension of the transition period to November 1, 2016
• Manufactured homes and energy efficiency
• Safety Codes Officer Authority to inspect and enforce energy efficiency requirements
• Documentation of design compliance for energy efficiency and NECB 2011

• B139.1.0-15, General requirements for large installations
• B139.1.1-15, General requirements for stationary engines
• B139.1.2-15, General requirements for special installations
• B139.2-15, Installation code for oil-burning equipment for residential and small commercial buildings

• indoor and outdoor aboveground tanks
• diesel engines - generators and fire pumps
• exhaust/vent systems
• piping installations
• leak detection
• residential equipment and installation
• underground tanks

• Binder ($260.00)
• SoftCover ($245.00)
• Downloadable, offline access PDF file ($260.00)
• Online access subscriptions

• Types of Buildings Affected:     Commercial, multi-unit residential buildings ≥50K sq ft to be included.
• Annual Reporting: "Green" Energy Star Portfolio Manager to be used to report building data on an annual basis, including monthly energy and water consumption, GHG emissions, building characteristic information such as gross floor area.
• Data Verification: Building owners will be required to confirm in GEStaPo Manager^_TM that the reported data is accurate.
• Electricity, Natural Gas and Water Utilities: will be required to make whole building, aggregated, consumption data available to building owners.
• Annual Disclosure: Your building's data will be publicly disclosed on Ontario’s Open Data website.
• Conservation and Demand Management Plans: may be required in future years of reporting

• NOTICE - Elevating Devices Codes Regulation AR 192/2015
• STANDATA - ED-2016-001 – Alberta Regulation, Elevating Devices Codes Regulation AR 192/2015, Single Bottom Cylinder Upgrades

• NOTICE – Lock Out/Tag Out Procedures for Working in and around Passenger Ropeways

1.4.1.1. General

(1) A permit is required if work regulated by the Code is to be done.

(2) The authority having jurisdiction may place a value on the cost of the work based on an accepted costing standard for the purpose of determining permit fees to be applicable.

(3) The authority having jurisdiction may, if applicable, withhold a building permit until satisfied that there is a valid on-site sewage disposal system permit approval issued by the Department of the Environment or notice has been given to the Department of the Environment for systems that do not require an approval for the construction of a building requiring a new private sewage disposal system.  (See Appendix A)

(4) The authority having jurisdiction may, if applicable, withhold an occupancy permit

(a) until satisfied that there is a valid electrical permit issued by the electrical authority having jurisdiction,

(b) until satisfied that the civic address is posted where a municipality has so provided by by-law, in accordance with Section 313 of the Municipal Government Act, or

(c) until the certificate of installation for the on-site sewage system, where applicable, is provided.

Appendix A

Where an approval is not required for the installation of a new on-site sewage system a copy of the notification form and the receipt issued by the Department of Environment would be the acceptable documentation required.  Under the new regulations installation of a Pit Privy is exempt from notification or approvals by the Department of Environment.  

• CSA-B149.1-15 – Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code
• CSA-B149.2-15 – Propane Storage and Handling Code
• CSA-B149.3-15 – Code for the Field Approval of Fuel-Related Components on Appliances and Equipment
• CSA-B149.5-15 – Installation Code for Propane Fuel Systems and Tanks on Highway Vehicles
• CSA-B108-14 – NGV Refuelling Stations Installation Code
• CSA-B109-14 – Natural Gas for Vehicles Installation Code

• LMCBO (Large Municipalities Chief Building Officials)
• OBOA (Ontario Building Officials Association)
• TACBOC (Toronto Area Chief Building Officials)

1. Be the central repository of information and interpretation relating to the Ontario Building Code, Act, and related standards and technical information; and
2. Better serve the information and professional needs of the building regulatory community in Ontario.

DATE

SEMINAR

•     the retirement home changes (45 minutes long)
•     the “house” changes (90 minutes long)

• O. Reg. 368/13, in MS Word format, containing the accessibility amendments to the 2012 Ontario Building Code
• An annotated version of the accessibility amendment, edited by Alek Antoniuk, showing the revisions to the 2012 Ontario Building Code
• Ontario government's “Final” Proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard, published in July, 2010
• Ontario MMAH's Public Consultation Paper on Proposed Building Code Accessibility Changes (Dec. 2012 to Mar. 2013)

• Ineke Van Zeeland, M. Eng., ASFPE – Manager, Codes & Standards, Canadian Wood Council
• Alek Antoniuk, B.E.S., B. Arch., OAA – Code Consultant
• Evelyne Cardinal, OAA, MRAIC – Farrow Dreessen Architects Inc.
• Sean Tracey, P.Eng., MIFireE – Assistant Deputy Chief Community Standards, City of Ottawa

• Ontario’s interest in mid-rise combustible construction
• Ontario’s code consultations
• Fire safety during construction
• Ontario’s policy dilemma

• Ontario’s Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23
• Ontario’s Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 4
• Bill 13 - Ontario Forestry Industry Revitalization Act
• Ontario 2011 Consultation on the Building Code, leading to the publication of the 2012 Ontario Building Code
• City of Toronto Avenues and Mid-Rise Buildings Study, May 2010 (Acrobat file size: 19MB)
• 2013 NFC Public Review Documents

• The Ontario government's “Final” Proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard, published in July, 2010
• Ontario MMAH's Public Consultation Paper on Proposed Building Code Accessibility Changes (Dec. 2012 to Mar. 2013)
• O. Reg. 368/13, in MS Word format, containing the accessibility amendments to the 2012 Ontario Building Code
• O. Reg. 191/11, as amended by O. Reg. 413/12, containing the Accessibility Standard for the Built Environment for the Design of Public Spaces
• An annotated version of the accessibility amendment, edited by Alek Antoniuk, showing the revisions to the 2012 Ontario Building Code

• O. Reg. 332/12 (2012 Ontario Building Code,with no amendments)
• Official 2 Volume 2012 Ontario Building Code Compendium
• Ontario Building Code 2012 by Orderline
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing's 15 slide decks detailing the Significant changes in the 2012 Ontario Building Code
• Comparison of all 20,000+ editorial and technical changes between the 2006 and the 2012 Ontario Building Code
• Division A (Word file size: 770KB)
• Division B (Word file size: 24 MB)
• Division C (Word file size: 1 MB)
• CCBFC's 2013 National Codes Public Review
• Ontario MMAH's Building Code 2012 Consultation Paper on the Accessible Built Environment

RESCON News Letter

Regulatory reform is long overdue

• Reducing redundant practices and minimizing red tape
• Recognizing entrepreneurial expertise
• Encouraging the use of emerging technologies  

JURISDICTION

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