DATE

PROVINCE OR JURISDICTION

ARCHIVED 2024 NEWS

17-DEC-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
2023 Alberta Fire Code
Interpretation
STANDATA

Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, and Tina Parker, Provincial Fire Administrator, have issued the following Joint Fire/Building STANDATA Interpretation:

• 23-FCI-004/23-BCI-009 - Fixed fire suppression and exhaust systems – cooking, cleaning, maintenance and qualified persons

The purpose of this Interpretation is to clarify the requirements from the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition (NBC(AE)) and National Fire Code – 2023 Alberta Edition (NFC(AE)) for fixed fire suppression and exhaust systems for commercial cooking.
Owners, designers, and safety code officers (SCO) had asked Alberta Municipal Affairs for guidance regarding fixed fire suppression and exhaust systems of non-residential cooking installations and the cleaning thereof.

15-DEC-2024

ONTARIO
Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997
2007 Ontario Fire Code

Michael Kerzner, Ontario Solicitor General, made Ontario Regulation 505/24 pursuant to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.

The regulation:

• was made on December 4, 2024,
• was filed on December 6, 2024,
• was published on e-Laws on December 9, 2024, and
• will be published in The Ontario Gazette on December 21, 2024.

The regulation extends the sprinkler installation deadline for designated LTC homes by 18 months (from January 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026), while ensuring consistent application of fire safety criteria that an LTC Home must meet during the interim period.

15-DEC-2024

QUÉBEC
An Act to improve the quality of construction and public safety.

On November 27, 2024, the Lieutenant Governor of Québec gave assent to: An Act to improve the quality of construction and public safety.  The Act requires the the contractor who owns the construction site or the owner-builder to:

• have their work inspected at at least three key stages of construction, according to an established monitoring plan;
• obtain a certificate of conformity of the work with the Construction Code or applicable municipal standards.

Other features of the Act are:

• The responsibility for inspection and certification of conformity must be entrusted by contract to an architect, an engineer or a professional technologist.
• Contractors and the Owner-Builders are required to successfully complete training to obtain a license.
• The power of the commissioners is expanded to allow them to apply corrective measures or measures, particularly in the event of non-compliant work.
• Additional information will be recorded in the Register of License Holders and the Register of Residential Building Inspectors
• An administrative monetary penalty system is introduced to facilitate a rapid return to compliance
• Harmonization of certain provisions of the Master Electricians Act and the Master Pipe-Mechanics Act with those of the Building Act, particularly by introducing the concept of construction work and by modifying the criminal limitation periods.

On October 2, 2024, Jean Boulet, Québec Minister of Labour had tabled Bill 76, An Act to improve the quality of construction and public safety in the National Assembly.  The Bill was adopted on November 26, 2024.

15-DEC-2024

QUÉBEC
Construction Code,
Chapter X – Bathing Areas

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec announced on November 20, 2024 that a draft regulation to amend Chapter X, Bathing Areas, of the Construction Code, has been published for public comment until January 3, 2025.

The amendments will notably:

• lower the minimum age of a lifeguard from 17 to 16 years old;
• relax the obligation to supervise swimming pools in private seniors’ residences and tourist accommodation establishments, under certain conditions;
• introduce safety standards adapted to the specific risks of wave pools;
• authorize new organizations to issue qualification certifications to attendants responsible for the supervision of swimming areas.

A regulatory impact analysis of this project is available.

15-DEC-2024

QUÉBEC
Construction Code,
Chapter III – Plumbing

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec announced on November 18, 2024 that a 34 document titled Principal changes made to the Quebec Construction Code, Chapter III – Plumbing, and the National Plumbing Code – Canada 2020 (amended) is available for free download in the French language.  The amendments to Chapter III, Plumbing, of the Construction Code were adopted on June 26, 2024 and have been in effect since July 11, 2024. This chapter consists of the National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020 (NPC) and the amendments made by Quebec. It replaces the previous version in effect since March 2021, and any new plumbing installation carried out as of January 11, 2025 must comply with its requirements.  Note that, as of July 11, 2024, a six-month transition period has been provided, during which the 2015 edition or the new 2020 edition of Chapter III, Plumbing, may be used.

15-DEC-2024

QUÉBEC
Safety Code

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec announced on November 13, 2024 that Décret 1605-2024, published on November 6, 2024, in the Gazette du Québec postpones the coming into force of the requirements relating to the installation of sprinklers in certain private seniors’ residences from December 2, 2024 to December 2, 2027.

15-DEC-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020
Variance
STANDATA

Sidney Manning, Provincial Plumbing Administrator, has issued the following STANDATA Plumbing Variance:

• 20-PCV-001 - Equipment for solar domestic hot water systems

The purpose of this Variance is to provide an alternative solution to meet the requirements for the certification of solar domestic hot water systems in the National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020 (NPC).
Due to the withdrawal of certification and verification services for solar hot water systems, collectors, and components to the requirements of CAN/CSA-F378-87, solar collectors and systems with alternate certifications are necessary to comply with the NPC 2020.

10-DEC-2024

ONTARIO
Electricity Act, 1998
Ontario Electrical Safety Code 29th Edition - 2024

Ontario Regulation 449/24 to amend Ontario Regulation 164/99 (the Ontario Electrical Safety Code) was:

• was made by Todd McCarthy, Ontario Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, on November 6, 2024,
• was filed on November 6, 2024,
• was published on e-Laws on November 6, 2024, and
• will be published in The Ontario Gazette on November 23, 2024.

The regulation adopts the Canadian Standards Association's “Canadian Electrical Code Part 1, C22.1:24”, as amended by the  “Ontario Amendments to the Canadian Electrical Code Part 1, C22.1”, dated June 12, 2024 and issued by the Electrical Safety Authority, as the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC).
View the Ontario-specific amendments included in the 29th OESC Consultation.
The Ontario Electrical Safety Code (29th edition/2024), which will come into effect May 1, 2025 will be available from the CSA Group:

• immediately (PDF) for $217
• for pre-order in hardcopy format in January 2025 for $243
• for viewing only for viewers in Ontario. (A free user account is required to view this document.)

These prices include free access to the bulletins on the CSA ONDemand website over the whole period of the Code cycle.

22-NOV-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Fire Code
Interpretation
STANDATA

Tina Parker, Provincial Fire Administrator, has issued the following STANDATA Fire Interpretation:

• 23-FCI-007 - Portable fire extinguishers

The purpose of this Interpretation is to clarify the intent of requirements for portable fire extinguishers (PFEs), their associated tags, and the applicable listing and labelling in the National Fire Code – 2023 Alberta Edition (NFC(AE)).
Clarity is also provided for the reference to the Safety Codes Act (Act) and the National Fire Protection Association, Standard 10 (NFPA 10) “Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers,” for the inspection, maintenance, recharging, placement, sale, distribution, and refurbishing of PFEs and the applicable listing and labelling for use in Alberta.

13-NOV-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2024 Building Code

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #365, dated November 13, 2024, to announce the second set of free "In-person Information Sessions" to provide explanations and information for key technical and administrative changes in the new 2024 Ontario Building Code at the following locations:

Registrations are on a "first come, first served" basis.  Attendees will be required to show proof of registration.

05-NOV-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2024 Building Code

Ontario Regulation 447/24 to amend Ontario Regulation 163/24 (the 2024 Ontario Building Code) was:

• was made by Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, on November 4, 2024,
• was filed on November 4, 2024,
• was published on e-Laws on November 4, 2024, and
• will be published in The Ontario Gazette on November 23, 2024.

Ontario Regulation 447/24 amends Ontario Regulation 203/24, which amends O. Reg.163/24, by deleting the reference to:

the Ontario Amendments to the National Building Code of Canada 2020, dated May 15, 2024

and replacing it with a reference to:

the Ontario Amendments to the National Building Code of Canada 2020, dated October 8, 2024.

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #364, dated November 5, 2024, to announce that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has recently made amendments to Ontario's 2024 Building Code (Ontario Regulation 163/24) which will come into effect on January 1, 2025. These changes are to:

1. Expand new technical provisions allowing Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction (EMTC) buildings to be constructed up to 18 storeys high, expanding the occupancies where EMTC can be used as the primary structural material, and relaxing the amount of mass timber that must be encapsulated.
2. Move administrative provisions from the 2012 Building Code into the 2024 Building Code to continue to allow Temporary Health and Residential Facilities.
3. Make some minor housekeeping and editorial changes and update some standards referenced in the Building Code.

These changes have now been included in the Ontario Amendment document.  In order to obtain a copy of the Ontario Amendments to the National Building Code of Canada 2020, dated October 8, 2024, send an e-mail to: Ontario.Amendment.Document@ontario.ca.
If you wish to by-pass writing e-mails to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to obtain a copy of the amendment document, the Ontario Amendments to the National Building Code of Canada 2020, dated October 8, 2024, has been posted on the CodeNews.ca website for your convenience.
Note that no official version of the 2024 Ontario Building Code is available anywhere - You are on your own.  
The 2024 Building Code Compendium is NOT an official version of the 2024 Ontario Building Code.

04-NOV-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #363, dated November 4, 2024, to announce a public consultation on proposed changes to Ontario’s Building Code to address a labour shortage of building officials, which is especially evident in northern Ontario. The Ministry is proposing to bring forward changes to support Ontario municipalities to recruit knowledgeable building officials from outside Ontario by eliminating labour mobility barriers, while protecting public health and safety.  The public consultation is from November 4, 2024 to December 4, 2024.

Proposal Number 24-MMAH021, which is posted on Ontario's Regulatory Registry, contains:

• Draft Amendments to Division C of the 2024 Ontario Building Code
• Draft Policy Document on Equivalency Assessments

The same proposal is posted as ERO Number 019-9327 on the Environment Registry of Ontario.

IN OTHER WORDS:
The Ontario government is proposing to entice trained building inspectors from Manitoba to cross the border to work in Ontario.
Not much of a surprise here ...... governments are used to stealing from their tax payers..... but how low can you go when one government steals from another?  I checked the calendar - this is not an April Fools Joke.

01-NOV-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
Elevating Devices Code Regulation
Interpretation
STANDATA

Dean Bruce, Provincial Elevating Devices Administrator has issued the following STANDATA Elevating Devices Interpretation:

• 19-EDI-014 - Hydraulic Control Valve Replacement

The purpose of this Interpretation is to clarify the testing requirements for replacing hydraulic control valves to achieve compliance with the ASME A17.1-2019/ CSA B44:19 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

29-OCT-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
Accessibility Design Guide
Variance
STANDATA

The Accessibility Design Guide 2024 has been published by Alberta Municipal Affairs, with the assistance of the Safety Codes Council, the Barrier-Free Sub-Council and its stakeholders.

Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator has issued the following STANDATA Building Variance:

• 23-BCV-009 - CSA B52:23 Mechanical refrigeration code

The purpose of this Variance is to allow the acceptance of CSA B52:23, “Mechanical refrigeration code,” under the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition (NBC(AE)).  The manufacture of products containing certain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) will be prohibited by new standards that will come into effect on January 1, 2025.  To conform to these new rules, the 2023 edition of the CSA B52 code introduced the A2L and B2L refrigerant groups as more environmentally friendly refrigerants.   The NBC(AE), however, currently references the 2018 edition of the CSA B52 Code. To align with the HFC prohibition and industry’s change in supply of HVAC equipment across Canada, it is necessary for the NBC(AE) to recognize the CSA B52:23 edition of the Code.

28-OCT-2024

ONTARIO
Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7
Regulation 565: Public Pools

Proposal Number 24-HLTC030, containing proposed amendments to regulations under the Health Protection and Promotion Act,  was published on Ontario's Regulatory Registry on October 25, 2024.   Comments are due by November 4, 2024.

The proposals include admendments to R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565, Public Pools, such as updating definitions and requirements for cold plunge pools, flotation tanks, and floatation pools, exempting specific "fill and dump" pools that are drained, cleaned, and sanitized between each use, and clarifying exemptions of private residential pools and spas from the Regulation. These changes aim to reduce regulatory burden on stakeholders while maintaining safety, providing regulatory clarity and cost savings for regulated entities.

The proposals also suggests various amendments including allowing for sharing of safety equipment and signage between adjacent pools, clarifying the permanent requirement for a black disc at the bottom of pools, aligning the definition of "modified pool" with the Ontario Building Code, requiring tamper-proof upper limit cut-off switches and health warning signage for hot water pools, broadening total alkalinity ranges and bromine residual ranges, and allowing for optional attendant supervision at shallow wading pools with certain conditions. These changes aim to reduce regulatory burden, improve safety, and align with best practices, providing cost savings and flexibility for pool operators.

21-OCT-2024

CANADA
2020 National Model Codes

Lorelei Atkinson, Nova Scotia Fire Code Coordinator, has advised that Jun’ichi Jensen and Thomas Ferguson, Co-Chairs, Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes, have announced the next public review of proposed changes to the 2020 National Model Codes will run from October 21, 2024 until December 19, 2024.

The proposed changes included in this public review address various topics in the National Building Code of Canada, the National Plumbing Code of Canada, the National Fire Code of Canada, and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings. Code users and interested parties are invited to visit the CBHCC’s website, examine the proposed changes, and provide feedback.

18-OCT-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2024 Building Code

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #362, dated October 17, 2024, to announce the first 4 free "In-person Information Sessions" to provide explanations and information for key technical and administrative changes in the new 2024 Ontario Building Code at the following locations:

Note that the Toronto Session was "SOLD OUT" within 10 hours of the  government's announcement.
Call your member of provincial parliament to get a couple more sessions for code users in Toronto.
(A provincial general election is coming up and the politicians will listen to you because they need your vote.)

17-OCT-2024

ONTARIO
Electricity Act, 1998
2021 Ontario Electrical Safety Code

The Canadian Standards Association has announced that the following new Ontario Electrical Safety Code Bulletins, dated October, 2024, for the 2021 Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) are available:

• Bulletin 2-10-16 - Electrical equipment near combustible gas equipment - Replaces Bulletin 2-10-15
• Bulletin 2-31-1 - Application of OESC to electrical installations within distributor owned stations - Replaces Bulletin 2-31-0
• Bulletin 6-7-8 - Hot splitters and tapping off existing services - Replaces Bulletin 6-7-7

The above copyrighted Bulletins are the Electrical Safety Authority's interpretations of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
Access to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code Bulletins is provided only to purchasers of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
CodeNews Consulting Corp., Consulting Architect, provides copies of the Bulletins to its Clients, of course!

17-OCT-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
Variance
Interpretation
STANDATA

Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator has issued the following STANDATA Building Variance and Interpretation:

• 23-BCV-008(REV1) - Residential exhaust outlet clearance from air intakes

The purpose of the Variance is to provide an alternative solution to Sentence 9.32.3.13.(4) for the minimum clearance requirement for domestic exhaust outlets that discharge air containing moisture, such as kitchen, bathroom, and clothes dryer exhaust outlets, from air intakes.

• 23-BCI-008 - Smoke detectors in smoke or fire/smoke damper installation

The purpose of the Interpretation is to clarify whether the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition requires a smoke detector as part of a smoke or fire/smoke damper operation to be connected to the fire alarm system.

11-OCT-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2024 Canadian Electrical Code
Notice

The Province of Alberta has issued the following Electrical Notice:

• New 2024 Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1

The purpose of the Notice is to announce that CSA-C22.1-24 - 2024 Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 (twenty-sixth edition) was published on March 4, 2024, and is scheduled to come into force on April 1, 2025, throughout Alberta.

20-SEP-2024

NOVA SCOTIA
Building Code Act
Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations

The Honourable John Lohr, Nova Scotia Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, made N.S. Regulation 198/2024 on September 20, 2024, which was filed on September 20, 2024, and will come into effect on April 1, 2025, to adopt:

• the National Building Code of Canada 2020
• Tier 1 of the National Building Code of Canada 2020
• Tier 1 of the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020

Minister Lohr also made N.S. Reg. 199/2024, N.S. Reg. 200/2024, and N.S. Reg. 201/2024 on September 20, 2024, which were filed on September 20, 2024, to adopt:

• Tier 2 of the National Building Code of Canada 2020, effective on April 1, 2026
• Tier 2 of the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020, effective on April 1, 2027
• Tier 3 of the National Building Code of Canada 2020, effective on April 1, 2027
• Tier 3 of the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020, effective on April 1, 2029

The 2020 national codes use a tiered system  to provide a road map to increasing energy efficiency standards and help to move the industry towards "net-zero" construction.

In his zeal to attain net-zero nirvana, it remains to be seen what effect the honourable minister's regulations will have on the cost of housing and the health of Nova Scotia citizens.
DO NOT CONFUSE ENERGY EFFICIENCY WITH NET-ZERO - THEY ARE NOT THE SAME.

16-SEP-2024

CANADA
2020 National Model Codes

The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) has released a set of twelve informational videos on the significant changes that were introduced into the 2020 National Model Codes.  These videos were created to help code users understand the most significant technical changes included in the 2020 editions of the National Building Code, National Fire Code, National Plumbing Code, and National Energy Code for Buildings.
Topics that are covered in the videos are:
•    Accessibility
•    Large farm buildings
•    Energy efficiency in the NBC
•    Changes to Parts 5 and 6 of the NBC
•    Home-type care occupancy
•    Structural design
•    Encapsulated mass timber construction
•    Earthquake design
•    NECB 2020 and tiered energy requirements
•    Changes to NPC and NFC
•    Penetrations and continuity of fire separations
•    Safety glazing
The videos are available on the CBHCC’s website.

13-SEP-2024

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Building Act
2024 BC Building Code

Aman Gill, Acting Executive Director, Building and Safety Standards Branch, B.C. Ministry of Housing, has advised that the Province has updated the Ministerial Order adopting the 2024 edition of the British Columbia Building Code.

Ministerial Order No. BA 2024 04 was made on August 29, 2024.

The amended Order exempts "in-stream" projects that had substantial design work completed according to the 2018 BC Building Code from the application of the 2024 BC Building Code’s adaptable dwelling unit and seismic requirements until March 8, 2027, provided that certain criteria are met.  A government Information Bulletin (news release) was issued on September 13, 2024 and updated on September 18, 2024.

The Building and Safety Standards Branch also issued Information Bulletin B24-10, dated September 11, 2024, to provide information about changes to the effective date for the seismic and adaptable dwelling unit requirements in the 2024 British Columbia Building Code, which supersedes some of the information in earlier Bulletins.

10-SEP-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2024 Building Code

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #361, dated September 10, 2024, to announce the availability of five recordings (in .mp4 format) of the 2024 Building Code Webinars that its staff had presented between August 22 and August 29, 2024.

The recordings of each of the five webinars and the accompanying slide decks are available for download at this link.  You will need to register and agree to numerous conditions before you are linked to the actual dropbox download page.

The following slide decks from the webinar presentations have been posted on the CodeNews.ca website for your convenience, if you wish to by-pass the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's registration page:

• Slide Deck for the 2024 OBC Div. A changes
• Slide Deck for the 2024 OBC Div. B, Part 1 - General changes
• Slide Deck for the 2024 OBC Div. B, Part 2 - Farm Buildings changes
• Slide Deck for the 2024 OBC Div. B, Part 3 - Fire Protection, Occupant Safety,and Accessibility changes
• Slide Deck for the 2024 OBC Div. B, Part 4 - Structural Design changes
• Slide Deck for the 2024 OBC Div. B, Part 5 - Environmental Separation changes
• Slide Deck for the 2024 OBC Div. B, Part 6 - HVAC changes
• Slide Deck for the 2024 OBC Div. B, Part 7 - Plumbing changes
• Slide Deck for the 2024 OBC Div. B, Part 8 - Sewage System changes
• Slide Deck for the 2024 OBC Div. B, Part 9 - Housing and Small Buildings changes
• Slide Deck for the 2024 OBC Div. B, Part 10, 11, 12 changes
• Slide Deck for the 2024 OBC Div. C changes
• Slide Deck for the 2024 OBC Modular Housing and Tiny Homes

30-AUG-2024

CITY OF VANCOUVER
2019 Vancouver Building By-law
Revision 11

On August 30, 2024, BC Publications announced that the consolidation of amendments to the 2019 Vancouver Building By-law (Book I and Book II), up to Revision 6, effective as of July 1, 2024, 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, 2024. The “Point in Time” folders are accessible within each Part, if applicable.

For users of the binder version, the revised sections of the By-law may be downloaded from:

• Vancouver Building By-law 2019 Revision 11 (Book I)
• Vancouver Building By-law 2019 Revision 11 (Book II)

29-AUG-2024

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Building Act
2024 BC Building Code

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, made Ministerial Order No. BA 2024 03 on August 27, 2024 to amend the BC Building Code.

Aman Gill, Acting Executive Director, British Columbia Building and Safety Standards Branch, announced on August 28, 2024, that Revision 3 to the BC Building Code came into force on August 27, 2024, to permit the design and construction of new residential multi-family single exit stair buildings.  The BC government issued a press release on August 29, 2024.

The Building and Safety Standards Branch has published a "Technical Solutions for Single Exit Stair Building Designs - British Columbia Building Code 2024 Revision 3", which provides the Code language in force and a commentary to support implementation. The Building and Safety Standards Branch intends to consolidate this document into the BC Building Code 2024 in the near future.

Revision 3 was drafted following the release, in June 2024, of the "Single Egress Stair Building Designs: Policy and Technical Options Report",.

The first Canadian single exit stair proposals were published 30 YEARS AGO in the "Mainstreets Development / Ontario Building Code Study" and were drafted by my esteemed colleague, Allan Larden, OAA, who had been the Assistant Director of the Ontario Buildings Branch in the 1980s.  The single exit stair proposals were not adopted into the 1997 edition of the Ontario Building Code due to strong opposition from myopic, navel gazing, civil servants in uniforms with brass buttons, who showed little concern for affordable housing [we know who they are - many of them are still enjoying their indexed government pensions].

26-AUG-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
Gas Code Regulation
Variance
STANDATA

Alberta's Provincial Gas Administrator, has issued the following STANDATA Gas Variance:

• 20-GCV-003 - Press-connect Fittings

The purpose of this Variance is to allow ANSI LC-4/CSA 6.32 certified Press-connect fittings to be used as an alternate joining method for new installations or repair of fuel gas distribution systems of a Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) 2-1/2 to 4.

19-AUG-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2024 Building Code

Registrations will be made on a first come first serve basis.  True to typical government form, the sessions will be available only via the proprietary Microsoft Teams software.  If your computer is running an Apple OS, an Android OS, a Linux OS, or an older version of Windows, make sure you are able to join the webinar.

09-AUG-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2021 Canadian Electrical Code
Variance
STANDATA

Kevin Glubrecht, Provincial Electrical Administrator, has issued the following STANDATA Electrical Variance:

• 21-ECV-002 - High voltage termination and splice kits

The purpose of this Variance is to permit deviations from Rule 2-024 of the CE Code Part 1 for the installation of high voltage termination and splice kits (HVTS), subject to certain conditions.

09-AUG-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Fire Code
Bulletin
STANDATA

Tina Parker, Provincial Fire Administrator, has issued the following STANDATA Fire Bulletins:

• 23-FCB-004 - Removal of standpipe hose in sprinklered buildings

The purpose of this Bulletin is to provide clarification when a 38 mm standpipe hose can be permanently removed from a hose cabinet in a sprinklered building.

• 23-FCB-006 - Electronic liquid measurement

The purpose of this Bulletin is to clarify when a centralized automatic tank gauging (ATG) system meets the intent of Article 4.4.4.1. for liquid level measurements and Article 2.2.1.2. of Division C maintenance of records of the National Fire Code - 2023
Alberta Edition (NFC(AE)).

01-AUG-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
Bulletin
STANDATA

Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator has issued the following STANDATA Building Bulletin:

• 23-BCB-002 - Roof truss layout for one-and two-family dwellings

The purpose of this Bulletin is to clarify the acceptance of roof truss layout drawings for one- and two-family dwellings that typically would not require professional involvement unless the scope of the construction or component is not addressed by Part 9 of the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition (NBC(AE)).

12-JUL-2024

QUÉBEC
Construction Code
Chapter IV, Elevators

The Régie du Bâtiment du Québec has announced that regulations to amend Chapter IV, Elevators and other lifting devices, the construction code and the security code, which were adopted by the Council of Ministers in May 2024 and published at the official Gazette of Québec, will enter into force on July 13, 2024.
The new regulation adopts recent updates to the CSA B44 and CSA B355 standards.
The amendment will required an interview control program (PCE) toensure that elevators are m aintained in good working order. Each device will have to be subject to a separate control program that will specify exams, tests, cleaning work, lubrication and settings with relevant components at regular intervals.

11-JUL-2024

QUÉBEC
Construction Code
Chapter III, Plumbing

The Régie du Bâtiment du Québec has announced that Décret 983-2024, dated June 12, 2024, amended Chapter III, Plumbing, of the Construction Code was was published at the official Gazette of Québec.  The regulation, which adopts the 2020 edition of the National Plumbing Code of Canada, came into force on July 11, 2024. It contains a 6 month transition period, during which the 2015 edition or the new 2020 code can be used. However, work during this transition period must use either one or the other of the two editions on a project.
The regulation was made in the context of the Conciliation Agreement on Construction Codes. It aims to reduce changes to model codes published by the National Research Council of Canada in order to promote the application of standards similar to all of Canada. The priorities and particularities of Quebec can be preserved, insofar as they meet the legitimate objectives determined in the agreement.

11-JUL-2024

QUÉBEC
Building Code

The Québec government has announced that the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec has been mandated to review the inspection model for new buildings in Québec.
An Inspection Coordinator Committee has been set up to develop and deploy a new model for inspection and monitoring construction work in Québec.  One of the first mandates of the Committee will be to oversee the production of a guide to good practices for monitoring construction work in Québec.
Over 20 organizations will participate in the development of the guide, including associations of entrepreneurs and consumers, as well as:

•  Masters electricians from Québec (CMEQ)
•  Corporation of master piping mechanics of Québec (CMMTQ)
•  Residential construction guarantee (GCR)
•  The Order of Architects of Québec (OAQ)
•  The Order of Engineers of Québec (OIQ)
•  The Order of Professional Technologists of Québec (OTPQ)
•  Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ)

10-JUL-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2024 Building Code

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #358, dated July 10, 2024, to announce the availability of a series of technical bulletins that have been compiled into a single document titled: "2024 Building Code Technical Bulletins - Highlights of Key Changes Included in Ontario’s 2024 Building Code - July 2024". Since the Ministry has not posted this document on-line, CodeNews.ca has provided a link to document on this website.
This series of Technical Bulletins is intended to help users identify key changes in the new edition of the 2024 Ontario Building Code.

09-JUL-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
Elevating Devices Code Regulation
Notice
STANDATA

The Province of Alberta has issued the following STANDATA Elevating Devices Code Regulation Notice:

• Notice - CSA-Z185:23 Safety code for personnel hoists

The purpose of this Notice is to remind code users that new CSA-Z185:23 "Safety code for personal hoists" will come into force on August 1, 2024.

09-JUL-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2021 Canadian Electrical Code
Interpretation
STANDATA

Kevin Glubrecht, Provincial Electrical Administrator, has issued the following STANDATA Electrical Interpretation:

• 21-ECI-006 - 2021 Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 Section 6 - Number of supply services permitted

The purpose of this Interpretation is to clarify requirements for installations regarding the number of supply services permitted to be located on one unit of a building consisting of row housing for residential occupancies.

15-JUN-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
Variance
STANDATA

Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator has issued the following STANDATA Building Variance:

• 23-BCV-008 - Residential exhaust outlet clearance from air intakes

The purpose of this Variance is to provide an alternative solution to clearance requirements between domestic kitchen, bathroom and clothes dryer exhaust outlets from air intakes.

01-JUN-2024

QUÉBEC
Chapter B-1.1, Building Act
Construction Code
Chapter VIII, Petroleum Equipment Installation

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec announced on May 30, 2024 that Article 8.05.01 of the Construction Code has adopted the 2024 edition of the CSA B139 Installation Code for Oil-burning Equipment, which was published on January 31, 2024.

New editions of technical standards incorporated by referral in Chapter VII are adopted automatically on the last day of the 6th month following the publication date of the standard.  The 2024 edition of the CSA B139 standard will come into force on July 31, 2024.

01-JUN-2024

QUÉBEC
Chapter B-1.1, Building Act
Construction Code
Chapter I.1 – Energy Efficiency of Buildings

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec announced that Décret 850-2024, made on May 15, 2024, was published on May 29, 2024 in the Gazette du Québec to amend Chapter I.1, Building Energy Efficiency of the Québec Construction Code,

This regulation will come into force on July 13, 2024. It adopted the 2020 edition of the National Energy Code for Buildings (CNEB) by renewing all the modifications made by Quebec to the 2015 edition. It does not add any additional prescriptive requirements to the edition of Chapter I.1 currently in force. The regulation intends to decrease the editorial differences between the CNEB and Chapter I.1, and harmonizes the editions of the standards referenced in the CNEB.

31-MAY-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2024 Building Code

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #357, dated May 31, 2024, to announce that two-volume digital English 2024 Building Code Compendium is now available.  

In order to obtain a .pdf copy, it is necessary to:

• Step 1:  Request a digital copy for non-comercial use (you must fill out a questionnaire); and then
• Step 2:  Send an e-mail to ask for a digital copy after you have filled out the questionnaire.

You will then receive two separate e-mails containing separate volumes of the digital English 2024 Building Code Compendium.

The e-bulletin then blathers on about how the "digital 2024 Compendium includes user-friendly features, such as bookmarks, hyperlinked tables of contents, and the ability to insert personal notes or highlight sections of the Code."  BUT IT DOES NOT MENTION THAT YOU CANNOT COPY TEXT FROM ANY OF THE PAGES, WHICH IS ONE OF THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A CODE USER....!

The announcement suggests that the Ontario Amendments to the National Building Code of Canada 2020, dated May 15, 2024 made certain editorial corrections, such as "corrections to editorial matters, errors, and omissions" to the original Ontario Amendments, dated April 5, 2024.  Nevertheless, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has still not released the content of the Ontario Amendments to the National Building Code of Canada 2020, dated May 15, 2024,

30-MAY-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2024 Building Code

Ontario Regulation 203/24 to amend Ontario Regulation 163/24 (the 2024 Ontario Building Code) was:

• was made by Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, on May 29, 2024,
• was filed on May 29, 2024,
• was published on e-Laws on May 29, 2024, and
• will be published in The Ontario Gazette on June 15, 2024.

Ontario Regulation 203/24 amends Ontario Regulation 163/24 by deleting the reference to:

the Ontario Amendments to the National Building Code of Canada 2020, dated April 5, 2024

and replacing it with a reference to:

the Ontario Amendments to the National Building Code of Canada 2020, dated May 15, 2024

Since the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has not released the content of the Ontario Amendments to the National Building Code of Canada 2020, dated May 15, 2024, we have no clue what has changed.

30-MAY-2024

ONTARIO
Electricity Act, 1998
2021 Ontario Electrical Safety Code

The Canadian Standards Association has announced that the following revised Ontario Electrical Safety Code Bulletins, dated May, 2024, for the 2021 Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) are available:

• Bulletin 10-15-7 - Grounding with a meter base on the supply side of service boxes, replaces Bulletin 10-15-6 (Added a clarification note regarding the installation of meter base and neutral assembly.)
• Bulletin 10-22-5 - Requirements for converting a delta service to a grounded wye service (Minor typo correction, no change in revision or issue date.)
• Bulletin 64-1-4 - Utility-interactive Inverters, replaces Bulletin 64-1-3 (Revised the name of the Bulletin, added a section for the acceptance of adjustable inverters, added clarifications related to utility interactive inverters, added clarification for inverter disconnecting means.)
• Bulletin 64-8-2 - Battery based energy storage systems (ESS) at residential occupancies, replaces Bulletin 64-8-1 (Revised the whole bulletin to meet the latest requirements published on the Canadian Electrical Code 2024.)
• Bulletin 66-1-1 - Carnivals, replaces Bulletin 66-1-0 (Added clarification regarding Amusement Device numbers.)
• Bulletin 86-1-6 - Electrical vehicle charging systems, replaces Bulletin 86-1-5 (Added requirements and clarifications for protection of EVSE from mechanical damage.)

The above copyrighted Bulletins are the Electrical Safety Authority's interpretations of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
Access to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code Bulletins is provided only to purchasers of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
CodeNews Consulting Corp., Consulting Architect, provides copies of the Bulletins to its Clients, of course!

29-MAY-2024

CANADA
2020 National Model Codes

On May 29, 2024, Proposal Number 24-MMAH014 titled Consultation on the 2025 National Construction Codes, was posted on the Ontario Regulatory Registry.  The proposal states:

As part of the development process for the edition of Ontario's Building Code (i.e., 2026/2027) that will follow the 2025 National Building Code, the Ministry will be using National's public consultations as a primary vehicle to engage stakeholders and an opportunity to receive industry feedback on the 2025 National Codes. National Research Council will share comments received from Ontario with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.  There are seven public reviews being held for the 2025 National Construction Codes. The first public review ended on December 23, 2022. The next in the series, this one, began on May 27, 2024, and will end on July 29, 2024.  It is critical that Ontario's industry partners participate in these national consultations as they are Ontario's principal mechanism for consultation on Ontario's 2026/2027 Building Code.

In its Analysis of Regulatory Impact:, the proposal states:

Whoever wrote that must have been smoking some of Douggie's Grade A Cannabis.  ANY code change requires inspectors, designers, contractors, manufacturers, and other code users to spend time and money to learn about the changes.

28-MAY-2024

CANADA
2020 National Model Codes

The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes has announced a public review of proposed changes to the 2020 editions of the National Model Codes, which started on May 27, 2024 and ends at 11:59 pm PDT on July 29, 2024.

This Spring 2024 public consultation on proposed changes for the 2025 editions of the National Model Codes is posted on the CBHCC’s website.

Proposed changes to the National Building Code of Canada include:

• Accessibility – inclusive signage
• Accessibility – visitability and adaptability of dwelling units
• Alteration of existing buildings – housing and small buildings
• Automatic sprinkler system
• Building fire safety
• Climatic loads
• Earthquake design
• Energy efficiency for houses
• Firefighter safety objective
• Large farm buildings
• Overheating
• Structural design

Proposed changes to the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings include:

• Defined terms
• Climatic values

Proposed changes to the National Fire Code of Canada include:

• Large farm buildings
• Storage tanks

Proposed changes to the National Plumbing Code of Canada include:

• Automatic shut-off of lavatory water flow
• Defined terms
• Piping
• Potable water systems

17-MAY-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
Variance
STANDATA

Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator has issued the following STANDATA Building Variances:

• 23-BCV-001 - Window opening control devices

The purpose of this Variance is to provide an alternative solution for meeting the requirements of Sentences 9.8.8.1 (4) and (5) Guards on windows of residential occupancy in the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition (NBC (AE)).

• 23-BCV-002 - Review of off-site constructed buildings

The purpose of this Variance is to clarify the intent of off-site review as it applies to off-site construction of buildings.

• 23-BCV-003 - Insulation below a heated floor

The purpose of this Variance is to provide an alternative solution for providing adequate insulation value below a heated floor in contact with the ground.

• 23-BCV-004 - Sprinkler-protected glazing in fire-resistant wall assemblies

The purpose of this Variance is to set conditions where the use of sprinkler-protected glazing assemblies in interior and exterior fire rated wall assemblies is acceptable.

• 23-BCV-005 - Occupancy classification of oil and gas processing buildings

The purpose of this Variance is to allow oil and gas Group F, Division 1 high hazard industrial occupancies to be classified as Group F, Division 2 medium-hazard occupancy under certain conditions as an alternative solution under the National Building Code - 2023 Alberta Edition (NBC(AE)).

• 23-BCV-006 - Occupancy classification of natural gas regulating and metering buildings

The purpose of this Variance is to provide an alternative solution for occupancy classification of Group F, Division 1 high-hazard industrial occupancies that house natural gas and metering equipment to be classified as Group F, Division 2 medium-hazard occupancy under certain conditions.

• 23-BCV-007 - Maximum span values for joists, rafters and beams

The purpose of this Variance is to recognize the acceptability of the values within the “The Span Book” published by the Canadian Wood Council (CWC).

13-MAY-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
Gas Code Regulation
Bulletin
STANDATA

Sidney Manning, Provincial Gas Administrator, has issued the following Gas STANDATA Bulletin:

• 20-GCB-011(REV3) - Propane storage tanks designed for 200 psig

The purpose of this Bulletin is to annnounce that, as of October 1, 2025, Alberta will no longer accept propane storage tanks designed for 200 psig and constructed to the 1949 (or earlier) edition of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC).  200 psig tanks in Alberta will no longer be allowed to remain in service.

06-MAY-2024

QUÉBEC
Education Act

The Executive Council of the Province of Québec made Order in Council O.C. 750-2024 on April 17, 2024 to approve the Directive from the Minister of Education regarding washroom and cloakroom layout in buildings of school service centres where instructional services are provided.

Education Minister Bernard Drainville's Directive requires that all new school washrooms and renovations to existing washrooms must be single-sex washrooms (men/women).  No gender-neutral washrooms or cloakrooms (without distinction between the sexes) may be designed as part of school building construction or renovation projects.  In addition, school boards must ensure the availability without restriction of individual washrooms that are universal and accessible to students who need or wish to use them.  Those facilities must be appropriate, safe and situated strategically to allow for proper supervision.

The Government of the United Kingdom issued a press release on May 6, 2024 to announce changes to building regulations will be brought forward for single sex toilet facilities in new non-domestic buildings to alleviate safety, privacy and dignity concerns.

Changes to building regulations will ensure that:  

• Separate single-sex toilets facilities are provided for men and women;   
• Self-contained, universal toilets may be provided in addition to single-sex toilets, where space allows; 
• Self-contained universal toilets may be provided instead of single-sex toilets only where lack of space reasonably precludes provision of single-sex toilet accommodation.   

In the Building Regulations 2010 Part T and Approved Document T, the phrase "universal toilets" is used. This refers to self-contained, private toilets, which are a fully enclosed toilet room with a wash hand basin for individual use.

The Government of the United Kingdom has clearly signaled that single-sex spaces are essential for ensuring privacy and dignity for the elderly, women, and girls.

CodeNews congratulates the governments of Québec and the United Kingdom!
If you are a parent whose offspring has difficulty identifying as a biological male or female, send them off to school to Quebec, where your little tyke will very quickly learn the facts of life.

03-MAY-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
Interpretation
STANDATA

The Province of Alberta has issued the following STANDATA Building Interpretations:

• 23-BCI-005 Approved organization - QAI Laboratories

The purpose of this Interpretation is to recognize QAI Laboratories as an approved organization that issues evaluation reports which may be used to determine compliance with the requirements of the NBC(AE).

• 23-BCI-006 Approved organization - Underwriters Laboratories of Canada Inc./UL Solutions

The purpose of this Interpretation is to recognize Underwriters Laboratories of Canada Inc./UL Solutions as an approved organization that issues evaluation reports which may be used to determine compliance with the requirements of the NBC(AE).

• 23-BCI-007 Approved organization - Intertek

The purpose of this Interpretation is to recognize Intertek as an approved organization that issues evaluation reports which may be used to determine compliance with the requirements of the NBC(AE).

These organizations will require the approval of the Provincial Building Administrator for their evaluation reports to be used in Alberta in accordance with Sentence 1.2.2.1.(2) of Division A of the NBC(AE).

02-MAY-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2024 Building Code

A 90 minute Zoom webinar titled: Next Edition of the Ontario Building Code: What's In, What's Out, was presented on April 24, 2024 by Building Knowledge Canada and Enbridge Gas, in partnership with:

• Ontario Home Builders' Association
• Ontario Building Officials Association
• Ontario Home Construction Regulatory Authority

and included speakers from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Download a copy of the "Confidential - Not for Distribution" slide deck accompanying the webinar from the CodeNews.ca website.
The webinar was recorded and is available for on-demand viewing online.

01-MAY-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
Errata
STANDATA

The Province of Alberta has issued the following STANDATA Errata to the National Building Code-2023 Alberta Edition:

• 23-BCE-001 - Errata to the National Building Code-2023 Alberta Edition

The National Building Code - 2023 Alberta Edition came into force on May 1, 2024. It was discovered that the published document contains some technical errors. This errata corrects those errors

29-APR-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
Notice
STANDATA

Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator has issued the following STANDATA Building Notice:

• Energy code Tier 1 of section 9.3.6.

The purpose of this Notice is to provide information regarding the changes to the adopted energy efficiency Tier 1 of Section 9.36. of the National Building Code - 2023 Alberta Edition (NBC(AE)).
In Alberta, Tier 1 is the minimum province-wide standard for building energy efficiency for housing and small buildings as identified in Section 9.36. of the NBC(AE).

25-APR-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Fire Code
Variance
STANDATA

Tina Parker, Provincial Fire Administrator, has issued the following STANDATA Fire Variance:

• 23-FCV-001 - Portable fire extinguishers at unstaffed remote facilities

The purpose of the variance is to provide an alternative solution that ensures portable fire extinguishers are available at remote unstaffed energy transmission facilities for use by employees and contractors in the event of a fire.

18-APR-2024

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Building Act
2024 BC Building Code

The British Columbia Building and Safety Standards Branch announced that the printed version of the BC Codes 2024 are now available for "pre-order" from Crown Publications.
Two versions are available for "pre-order":

• British Columbia Building Code 2024 (Binder) - Price: $130.00 Each
• British Columbia Building Code 2024 (Loose-Leaf Only/No Binder) - Price: $105.00 Each

Code users may also visit the Building and Safety Standards‘ website to download a free copy of the BC Codes 2024 (1,886 pages).

15-APR-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2012 Building Code

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #355, dated April 15, 2024, to  announce the reasons for amending the current 2012 Ontario Building Code with the following regulations:

• Ontario Regulation 73/24 - See the News at CodeNews entry dated 14-MAR-2024

According to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the purpose of this regulation is to to address changes made to the Environmental Assessment Act. Ontario updated the applicable law provisions to apply requirements only to designated projects identified in regulation or projects set out in approved Class Environmental Assessments. These changes came into effect upon the filing of the regulation.

• Ontario Regulation 158/24 - See the News at CodeNews entry dated 03-APR-2024

According to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the purpose of this regulation is to amend the Ontario Building Code to address changes regarding how permits are issued under the Conservation Authorities Act. Ontario updated applicable law to include permits issued by a conservation authority and by the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry under recent changes to the Conservation Authorities Act. The changes to the Ontario Building Code related to the Conservation Authorities Act came into effect on April 1, 2024, which includes a transition provision to address permits issued under previous Conservation Authorities Act regulations before these changes came into effect.

15-APR-2024

MANITOBA
The Buildings Act
2024 Manitoba Building Code
2024 Manitoba Plumbing Code
2024 Manitoba Fire Code
2024 Manitoba Energy Code for Builidngs

Effective January 1, 2024, Manitoba adopted the 2020 editions of the national model building, plumbing, energy and fire codes published by the National Research Council.
Manitoba’s construction codes were adopted with Manitoba specific amendments by regulation, as follows:

• Manitoba Building Code regulation M.R. 78/2023
• Manitoba Plumbing Code regulation M.R. 80/2023
• Manitoba Energy Code for Buildings regulation M.R. 79/2023
• Manitoba Fire Code regulation M.R. 82/2023

Permitting and inspections authorities responsible for adopting and enforcing the Manitoba Building Code, Manitoba Plumbing Code and Manitoba Energy Code for Buildings will be required to approve building and plumbing permits based on the 2020 national model codes starting January 1, 2024. Inspections based on permits approved before January 1, 2024 must ensure compliance with approved plans based on the previous codes.

12-APR-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
2023 Alberta Fire Code
2020 National Energy Code of  Canada for Buildings

The Province of Alberta has issued the following Notice:

• Notice - New Alberta codes editions

The purpose of this notice is to remind code users that:

• The National Building Code - 2023 Alberta Edition, National Fire Code - 2023 Alberta Edition and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020 will come into force on May 1, 2024.
• Farm buildings will continue to be exempt from Alberta’s editions of the building, energy efficiency and fire codes.
• Alberta is adopting tier 1 as the minimum province-wide standard for building energy efficiency for housing and small buildings under Part 9 of the Alberta edition of the National Building Code and tier 1 for energy efficiency for other buildings in the National Energy Code for Buildings 2020.
• There is a transition period to allow for time to prepare for the new code changes and allow construction in progress with a valid permit to continue under the previous code edition.

12-APR-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
2023 Alberta Fire Code
2024 Canadian Electrical Code
Gas Code Regulation
Interpretation
STANDATA

Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Tina Parker, Provincial Fire Administrator, Kevin Glubrecht, Provincial Electrical Administrator, and Sidney Manning, Provincial Gas Administrator, have issued the following Joint  STANDATA Interpretation:

• 23-BCI-004 / 23-FCI-015 / 22-LEG-PR-002 / 20-GCB-017 - NFPA 33 spray booths, application of the safety codes

The purpose of the interpretation is to clarify the requirements for permitting under the Safety Codes Act and Permit Regulation for the installation of spray booths, spray areas, and spray rooms.

Why is Alberta is the only province in Canada that can issue joint Building, Fire, Gas, Electrical, Sewage, and Plumbing notices?
BECAUSE the Administrators have to talk to one another, since they all work under ONE Safety Codes Act.
It is next to impossible for Ontario to co-ordinate the issuance of a joint Building, Fire, Gas, and Electrical notice..... It's easier to send a rocket to the moon than getting MMAH, OFM, TSSA, and ESA to agree on anything.

12-APR-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
2023 Alberta Fire Code
Interpretation
STANDATA

Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator and Tina Parker, Provincial Fire Administrator, have issued the following Joint  STANDATA Interpretation:

• 23-BCI-003 / 23-FCI-002 - Occupant Load

The purpose of this interpretation is provide a consistent method f or calculating occupant loads f or assembly occupancies under the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition (NBC(AE)) and National Fire Code – 2023 Alberta Edition (NFC(AE)).

12-APR-2024

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Building Act
2024 BC Building Code
Fire Services Act
2024 BC Fire Code

Jun’ichi Jensen, Acting Executive Director, Building and Safety Standards Branch, British Columbia Ministry of Housing, has announced that Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, made the following orders:

• Ministerial Order BA 2024 01 on April 5, 2024 to amend the British Columbia Building Code
• Ministerial Order FSA 2024 01 on April 5, 2024 to amend the British Columbia Fire Code

The effective date of both Ministerial Orders is April 10, 2024.
A convenience copy of the British Columbia Building Code amendments is available on the BC website.

The BC Building Code changes:

• Enable taller encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC) buildings, up to 18 storeys for residential and office buildings from the previous 12-storey limit,
• Add new EMTC building types – including schools, community centres, care facilities, retail, and light- and medium-hazard industrial in addition to residential and office buildings, and
• Change encapsulation requirements, allowing for more mass timber to be exposed depending on a building’s height and use.

Changes to the BC Fire Code add new options for course of construction fire protection in EMTC buildings.

The following new Technical Bulletins for BC Building Code 2024 have been published:

• B24-01 Adaptable Dwellings Transition
• B24-02 Seismic Design Delay Period
• B24-03 Radon
• B24-04 Windows, Doors, and Skylights
• B24-05 2024 Edition of the BC Codes
• B24-06 Self-Service Storage Buildings
• B24-07 Relocated Buildings

11-APR-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2024 Building Code

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #354, dated April 10, 2024, to  announce the release of the 2024 Edition of Ontario's Building Code. The structure of the new Ontario Building Code regulation will change. The regulation will only be one page long (available on E-Laws) and will reference the 2020 National Building Code for the harmonized parts of the Code and the 2024 Ontario Amendment document for the Ontario differences.
The full-length version of Ontario's Building Code will no longer be available on E-Laws.
The links to the 2020 National Building Code and the Ontario Amendment document that constitutes the entire new 2024 Ontario's Building Code can be found as follows:

• The Building Code Regulation on E-laws
• The Ontario Amendment document, dated April 5, 2024 on Dropbox
• The National Building Code

Production of the Compendium in digital and print versions is underway.

The 2024 Ontario Building Code will come into effect on January 1, 2025, with a three-month transition period that extends until March 31, 2025, for applications for which the working drawings were substantially complete before January 1, 2025.
Note of the following dates in the transition timeline:

• April 10, 2024 - Release and filing of the 2024 Ontario Building Code
• January 1, 2025 - 2024 Ontario Building Code in effect
• March 31, 2025 - Deadline for permit applications using the 2012 Ontario Building Code, where working drawings were substantially complete before January 1, 2025
• April 1, 2025 - All permit applications must use the 2024 Ontario Building Code

08-APR-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2012 Building Code

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued a press release on April 8, 2024 to announce that the province intends to amend the Ontario Building Code in the coming months to permit encapsulated mass timber construction up to 18 storeys.

03-APR-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2024 Building Code

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #353, dated April 2, 2024, to  announce that:

03-APR-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2012 Building Code

Ontario Regulation 158/24 to amend the Ontario Building Code was:

• made by Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• made on March 26, 2024,
• filed on March 28, 2024,
• published on e-Laws on March 28, 2024, and
• will be published in The Ontario Gazette on April 13, 2024.

The Regulation comes into force on the later of the day section 25 of Schedule 4 to the Building Better Communities and Conserving Watersheds Act, 2017 comes into force and the day this Regulation is filed.

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing subsequently issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #355, dated April 15, 2024, to announce that the purpose of this regulation is to to address changes made to the Environmental Assessment Act. Ontario updated the applicable law provisions to apply requirements only to designated projects identified in regulation or projects set out in approved Class Environmental Assessments. These changes came into effect upon the filing of the regulation.

03-APR-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2012 Building Code

Ontario Regulation 156/24 to amend the Ontario Building Code was:

• made by Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• made on March 27, 2024,
• filed on March 28, 2024,
• published on e-Laws on March 28, 2024, and
• will be published in The Ontario Gazette on April 13, 2024.

The Regulation came into force on March 28, 2024.

The purpose of this amendment is to extend the current Ontario Building Code exemptions for existing temporary health or residential facilities by an extra year, until March 31, 2025.  The bureaucrats are ensuring that the SCAMDEMIC lives on.

03-APR-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2012 Building Code

Ontario Regulation 155/24 to amend the Ontario Building Code was:

• made by Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• made on March 27, 2024,
• filed on March 28, 2024,
• published on e-Laws on March 28, 2024, and
• will be published in The Ontario Gazette on April 13, 2024.

The Regulation came into force on March 28, 2024.

The purpose of this amendment is to change the definition of temporary health or residential facility in Division C of the 2012 Building Code. No new temporary facilities can be created or occupied after March 31, 2024.
The SCAMDEMIC is gradually being snuffed out.

03-APR-2024

ONTARIO
Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997
2007 Ontario Fire Code

Ontario Regulation 127/24 to amend the Ontario Fire Code was:

• made by Michael Kerzner, Ontario Solicitor General
• made on March 11, 2024,
• filed on March 25, 2024,
• published on e-Laws on March 25, 2024, and
• will be published in The Ontario Gazette on April 13, 2024.

The Regulation came into force on March 25, 2024.

The purpose of this amendment is to extend the current Ontario Fire Code exemptions for temporary health or residential facilities by an extra 3 years, until March 31, 2027.  The bureaucrats are ensuring that the SCAMDEMIC lives on.

03-APR-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
Building Variance
STANDATA

Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, advised on April 2, 2024 that the following STANDATA Building Variance was issued:

• 23-BCV-001 - Window opening control devices

The purpose of this variance is to provide an alternative solution in meeting the requirements of Sentences 9.8.8.1 (4) and (5) Guards on windows of residential occupancy in the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition.

03-APR-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
2023 Alberta Fire Code
Interpretation
STANDATA

Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator and Tina Parker, Provincial Fire Administrator, have issued the following Joint  STANDATA Interpretations:

• 23-BCI-001 - Use of shipping containers (sea-cans) for storage

The purpose of this interpretation is to clarify the application of shipping containers (sea cans) for storage of materials as an acceptable solution under Division B or as an alternative solution under Division A of the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition.
In addition, this provides clarity on the requirements to identify the storage of dangerous goods within the shipping container to the local Authority Having Jurisdiction through the fire safety plan, as outlined in the National Fire Code – 2023 Alberta Edition.

• 23-BCI-002 - Overnight child care

The purpose of this interpretation is to clarify applicable requirements of the National Building Code - 2023 Alberta Edition and the National Fire Code - 2023 Alberta Edition for occupancies licensed to provide overnight child care services.

Child care services are classified as Group C residential occupancies for dayhomes or as Group A, Division 2 assembly occupancies for daycares. Changes in the Early Learning and Child Care Act (ELCCA) regulations and policies in early 2021 resulted in the expansion of accommodations for overnight child care services. This interpretation has been developed to provide guidance on the correct application of the Safety Codes Act for these accommodations as regulated under the ELCCA.

14-MAR-2024

ONTARIO
Building Code Act
2012 Building Code

Ontario Regulation 73/24 to amend the Ontario Building Code was:

• made February 22, 2024,
• filed on February 26, 2024,
• published on e-Laws on February 26, 2024, and
• will be published in The Ontario Gazette on March 16, 2024.

The Regulation comes into force on the later of the day Section 29 of Schedule 6 to the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020 comes into force and the day the Regulation was filed.

According to the Table of Proclamations of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Sched. 6, s. 1 (1), (3), (4), (7), 3 (2), 4 (2), 5 (3), 6 (1), 7, 20, 21 (2)-(4), 25 (2), (3), 28, 29, 31-33, 35 (1), (4), 36 (2), (4), 37 (2), (4), (5), 40, 42 (6), 44 of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 18 came into force on February 22, 2024 and affect the Environmental Assessment Act.

Therefore, it appears that O. Reg. 73/24 came into effect on February 26, 2024.

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing subsequently issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #355, dated April 15, 2024, to announce that the purpose of this regulation is to to address changes made to the Environmental Assessment Act. Ontario updated the applicable law provisions to apply requirements only to designated projects identified in regulation or projects set out in approved Class Environmental Assessments. These changes came into effect upon the filing of the regulation.

08-MAR-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2024 Canadian Electrical Code
Electrical Notice
STANDATA

The Province of Alberta has issued the following Electrical STANDATA Notice:

• Notice : archive variance 21-ECV-006-112

The purpose of the Notice is to announce that Variance 21-ECV-006-112 will no longer be accepted on new installations, when Alberta adopts the 2024 CE Code, which is anticipated April 1, 2025.  A variance had been issued in 2000 to permit the use of smaller rigid conduit systems for service masts.  The smaller rigid steel conduit is less able to withstand the weight from heavy ice or snow and lateral force from wind and storms in comparison to the larger conduit permitted by the CE Code Part I.

04-MAR-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2024 Canadian Electrical Code
Electrical Notice
STANDATA

The Province of Alberta has issued the following Electrical STANDATA Notice:

• Notice CE Code - 2024 Notice Publication - New Canadian Electrical Code Part 1 2024

The purpose of the Notice is to announce that, on April 1, 2025, the Electrical Code Regulation is scheduled to adopt CSA-C22.1-24 – Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (twenty-sixth edition), which is scheduled to come into force on April 1, 2025 throughout the Province of Alberta.
The 2024 Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (twenty-sixth edition) was published on March 4, 2024.

28-FEB-2024

QUÉBEC
2021 Building Code
Chapter I.1, Building Energy Efficiency

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec announced on February 28, 2024 that a regulation has been published in the Gazette du Québec to amend Chapter I.1, Building Energy Efficiency, Building Code, to require the calculation of the maximum electrical power in the calculation of the annual energy needs of a proposed building, when the performance compliance method is used.  Quebec deems this is an essential energy transition measure to allow Quebec to reach its ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  To find out more about this iniative, see the energy efficiency section of the RBQ website.

The regulation will come into force on April 13, 2024.

27-FEB-2024

CANADA
2020 National Model Codes

The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is inviting the public to take part in the fourth public review of proposed changes to the 2020 editions of the Canadian National Model Codes.

The public review will run from February 27 to April 29, 2024.  Those interested in participating in the review can access the proposed changes on the CBHCC’s website and provide feedback.

21-FEB-2024

QUÉBEC
2021 Chapter I, Building, Building Code
2021 Chapter VIII, Building,
Fire Safety Code

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec announced on February 21, 2024 that proposals have been published in the Gazette du Québec to amend the following Codes:

• Chapter I, Building, Building Code (chapter B-1.1, r. 2)
• Chapter VIII, Building, Fire Safety Code (chapter B-1.1, r. 3)

These two regulatory amendment proposals aim to expand the respective scope of the codes by including:

• Encapsulated solid wood construction of buildings up to 12 storeys
• Residential healthcare establishments

14-FEB-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
Building Variance
STANDATA

Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, advised on February 14, 2024 that the following STANDATA Building Variance was issued:

• 19-BCV-024(REV1) Schedules of professional involvement

The purpose of STANDATA Variance 19-BCV-024(REV1) is to recognizes the schedules of professional involvement in the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition 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.  Since the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition comes into force on May 1, 2024, the ability to use the schedules in the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition facilitates a more streamlined process for schedule users.

Fillable professional schedules referenced by STANDATA Variance 19-BCV-024(REV1) are posted on the Alberta Building Codes and Standards web page.

07-FEB-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
Gas Code Regulation AR111/2010
Gas Notice
STANDATA

The Province of Alberta has issued the following Gas STANDATA Notice:

• Notice - Gas codes in force January 2025

The purpose of the Notice is to announce that the following gas codes were adopted under Gas Code Regulation AR 111/2010:

·         CSA-B108.1:23 - Compressed natural gas refuelling stations installation code – This code provides the minimum requirements for the design, location, construction, operation, operator training, and maintenance of CNG vehicle refuelling stations including CNG bulk transport filling and decanting stations.

·         CSA-B108.2:23 - Liquefied natural gas refuelling stations installation code – This code provides the minimum requirements for the design, location, construction, operation, operator training, and maintenance of LNG refuelling stations and any parts of the stations that vaporize or pressurize LNG including mobile LNG refuelling units.

These codes were published in December 2023 and are currently scheduled to come into force on January 1, 2025, under the Safety Codes Act. Under the Act, this in force date could be modified by the Minister.

06-FEB-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice 2021
Private Sewage Bulletin
STANDATA

Joseph Petryk, Provincial Private Sewage Administrator, has issued the following STANDATA Private Sewage Bulletin:

• 24-PSB-001 - Certification of packaged sewage treatment plants

The purpose of Bulletin 24-PSB-001 is to clarify the requirement regarding certification of packaged sewage treatment plants installed in Alberta.  This bulletin replaces the information on this topic that was previously provided as a Municipal Affairs webpage.

25-JAN-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2023 Alberta Building Code
2023 Alberta Fire Code
2020 National Energy Code of  Canada for Buildings

Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, has advised that the Government of Alberta has issued a Notice to announce the adoption of the following codes:

• National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition (NBC(AE)) - ISBN: 978-0-660-68450-5, Publication date: 2024-01-23
• National Fire Code – 2023 Alberta Edition (NFC(AE)) - ISBN: 978-0-660-68448-2, Publication date: 2024-01-23 
• National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020 (NECB) - ISBN: 978-0-660-37921-0, Publication date: 2022-03-28

These three codes will come into force on May 1, 2024 in Alberta.  Transition provisions are described in the Notice.  Download these codes for free from the NRC Publications Archive.

In the coming months, Alberta Municipal Affairs and the Alberta Safety Codes Council will provide additional information and education sessions related to applications of the codes including key changes from the previous codes and differences between the national and Alberta editions.

18-JAN-2024

ALBERTA
Safety Codes Act
2021 Canadian Electrical Code
Electrical Interpretation
STANDATA

Kevin Glubrecht, Provincial Electrical Administrator, has issued the following STANDATA Electrical Interpretation:

• 21-ECI-012 - Canadian Electrical Code, Part I Section 12

The purpose of Interpretation 21-ECI-012 is to clarify the phrase “equivalent device” as described in CE Code, Part I Rule 12-3000 1) and how it relates to conduit fittings.

17-JAN-2024

BRITISH COLUMBIA
QUÉBEC
Joint Task Group – Harmonized Variations for Mass Timber

Zachary May, Co-chair, JTG-HVMT (Joint Task Group – Harmonized Variations for Mass Timber) and the Executive  Director,  Housing Innovations, Ministry of Housing, Government of British Columbia announced on January 18, 2024 that the public review period, which started on December 8, 2023, has been extended to February 16, 2024 so that all interested parties have the time they need to submit comments.

14-JAN-2024

CITY OF VANCOUVER
2019 Vancouver Building By-law
Revision 9

On January 2, 2024, BC Publications announced that the consolidation of amendments to the 2019 Vancouver Building By-law (Book I & II), up to Revision 9, effective as of January 1, 2024, has now been published online on its web site.
Users of the binder version of the Vancouver Building Bylaw may download the well-annotated consolidated By-laws from:

• Vancouver Building By-law (Book I)
• Vancouver Plumbing By-law (Book II)

14-JAN-2024

QUÉBEC
2021 Building Code
Loi sur le bâtiment
(Chapitre B-1.1)
Chapitre III, Plomberie
Chapitre I.1, Efficacité
énergétique du bâtiment

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec announced that notices were published in la Gazette officielle du Québec on December 27, 2023 to amend:

• Chapter III, Plumbing (chapter B-1.1, r. 2) by adopting the 2020 edition of the National Plumbing Code, while maintaining the modifications curently in the 2015 edition of the Modified Quebec Plumbing Code.   See the notice published in la Gazette officielle du Québec.
• the 2020 edition of the National Energy Code for Buildings while maintaining most of the modifications curently in the 2015 edition of the Modified Quebec Energy Code for Buildings. See the notice published in la Gazette officielle du Québec. 

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec has stated that the proposed regulations are not expected to increase the cost of construction.

12-JAN-2024

BRITISH COLUMBIA
QUÉBEC
ONTARIO
Joint Task Group – Harmonized Variations for Mass Timber

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #350, dated January 12, 2024, to  announce that the dealine for submitting feedback on the JTG-HVMT (Joint Task Group – Harmonized Variations for Mass Timber) proposals has been extended to February 16, 2024.

A notice of this JTG-HVMT consultation has been posted on Ontario's Regulatory Registry as Proposal Number 24-MMAH001.

Although the Province of Ontario is participating in the Joint Task Group, Ontario has not made any decisions about whether it might adopt changes based on the Joint Task Group proposals.

10-JAN-2024

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 January 10, 2024 that Nova Scotia's Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued a press release on December 28, 2023 to advise that it is delaying the adoption of the 2020 National Building Code, National Plumbing Code and National Energy Code for Buildings.  Amendments to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations will be adopted at a later date to allow more time for education and training.

“We’re in the midst of a housing crisis. We’ve heard from the industry, and are responding to feedback received through our consultations,” said John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister responsible for the Office of the Fire Marshal. “In the current environment, with labour shortages and supply chain issues, more time is needed to effectively plan and adapt to the new code requirements.”