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