Source: http://codenews.ca/archived/NewsArchive2019.html
Timestamp: 2020-05-26 12:09:30
Document Index: 110733815

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 5', 'art 6', 'art 3', 'art 9', 'art 4', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 3', 'art 11', 'art 10', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 7', 'art 8', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art1']

Archived 2017 News at CodeNews.ca
This page lists News at CodeNews items posted between January 1 - December 31, 2019.
Archived 2019 News at CodeNews
ARCHIVED 2019NEWS
31-DEC-2019 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #292, dated December 31, 2019, to announce the following new Building Code related fees for registrations for building practitioners regulated under the Building Code Act, 1992, effective on January 1, 2020:
$116 fee for initial registration or reinstatement or annual renewal of registrations for:
$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
27-DEC-2019 QUÉBEC
Chapitre VIII, Bâtiment
Articles 346 -369 La Régie du bâtiment du Québec has announced that decree number 1213-2019, published in the Gazette officielle du Québec on December 26, 2019, postpond the dealine for the installation of sprinklers in certain private seniors' residences until December 2, 2022.
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.
15-DEC-2019 ALBERTA
2019 Alberta Building Code
Building Code Variances Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs has advised that the following STANDATA Building Code Variances were issued under the National Building Code–2019 Alberta edition on December 12, 2019:
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
19-NOV-2019 ALBERTA
Electrical STANDATA On November 19, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the following Electrical STANDATA had been issued:
18-CECV-64-218 - Rule 64-218 Photovoltaic rapid shutdown
18-CEC-2 - Section 2 – General rules: Administration
18-CECI-64 - Section 64 – Renewable energy systems
18-CECI-86 - Section 86 – Electric Vehicle charging systems
13-NOV-2019 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #289, dated November 13, 2019, to announce that the Building and Development Branch is hosting six webinars on the amendments to the Ontario Building Code, arising from O. Reg. 88/19.
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
BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS ANNOUNCMENT, ALL WEBINARS ARE FULL.
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.
10-NOV-2019 ONTARIO
Building Code Act There are only 15 days left to comment on the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing's public consultation on the proposal to create an administrative authority. The consultation ends on November 25, 2019.
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.
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.
03-NOV-2019 BRITISH COLUMBIA
Revision 2 Andrew Pape-Salmon, P.Eng., MRM, FCAE, Executive Director, Building and Safety Standards Branch, B.C. Office of Housing and Construction Standards, has announed that Revision 2 of the BC Building Code has been approved. These changes will be effective December 12, 2019, and apply to building permits applied for on or after this date.
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;
Additional requirements for fire alarms and exits to increase safety on occupied roofs.
The online BC Building Code 2018 will be updated to reflect the Revision 2 changes. Customers with binder copies of the BC Building Code, will be able to print the updated code sections online at www.bccodes.ca shortly.
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.
24-OCT-2019 National Research Council of Canada
National Plumbing Code The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes has provided the link to the Codes Canada webpage detailing the Fall 2019 public review of the proposed changes to the 2015 editions of the National Building Code, the National Fire Code, and the National Plumbing Code, which is being held from October 22 to December 23, 2019.
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.
23-OCT-2019 ALBERTA
Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs has advised that the Alberta Safety Codes Council has published comparison tables that show new items and deleted items in the 2019 edition of the Alberta Building Code, in comparison to the 2014 Alberta Building Code.
The transition period for using the 2014 edition of the Alberta Building Code ends on December 1, 2019.
22-OCT-2019 ALBERTA
2018 Canadian Electrical Code On October 22, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the following 2018 Canadian Electrical Code variance had been issued:
18-CECV-2-024 MMTE - 2018 Canadian Electrical Code - Rule 2-024 Use of approved equipment
04-OCT-2019 ALBERTA
Sewage System Variances A sewage system variance transition working group, comprised of partners from multiple stakeholders, has developed a guidance document, titled: "Notice : restructuring of Safety Code Council variance Policy 9.8" to assist in the transition of administering private sewage variance activity from Alberta Municipal Affairs to the local authority.
24-SEP-2019 ONTARIO
Building Code Act The government of Ontario has announced a public consultation on its proposal to create an administrative authority to transform the delivery of a suite of new and enhanced services to support the building sector. The consultation closes at 11:59 p.m. on November 25, 2019.
The administrative authority would deliver new and enhanced services, such as:
Details of the proposal are posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario, as ERO number 019-0422..
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.
The public and building sector professionals are invited to submit comments online or at the regional information sessions.
2012 Building Code The government of Ontario has published a guide to help people who want to add a second unit, like a basement apartment, to their home.
Download the "Adding a Second Unit in an Existing House" guide. (pdf 15MB).
17-SEP-2019 BRITISH COLUMBIA
Part 9 Energy Compliance Reports Zachary May, Acting Executive Director, Building and Safety Standards Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, has announced that an updated version of the BC Energy Compliance Reports (Performance Paths for Part 9 Buildings), for use with BC Building Code 2018, is now available. The updated version provides guidance for how to model and test attached ground-oriented residential buildings that are not considered multi-unit residential buildings under the EnerGuide Rating System. The updated version includes a calculator and instruction manual; the Pre-Construction and As-Built reports are automatically generated by the calculator.
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.
10-SEP-2019 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #285, dated September 10, 2019, to announce that Amendment package #8 (May 2, 2019 update) to The 2012 Building Code Compendium is now available for free download from the Publication Ontario website.
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.
10-SEP-2019 ALBERTA
Fire Code STANDATA
Fireworks On September 10, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the following Fire Code STANDATA had been issued:
14-FCB-006 – National Fire Code – 2109 Alberta Edition Concerning Fireworks
(Replaces Fire Code Interpretation Bulletins FCI–10-01 and FCI–10-02.
09-SEP-2019 ALBERTA
Gas Safety STANDATA
Gas Safety Variances On September 9, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the following Gas Safety Information Bulletin had been issued:
G-01-17(Rev1) - Gas Fired Appliances Used for Heating Buildings Under Construction
On September 9, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the following Gas Safety Variances had been issued:
VAR-GAS-01-19 - Automated Cylinder Exchange Machines
VAR-GAS-02-19 - Service Regulators with Limited (Capacity) Relief and Over Pressure Cut-Off (LR-OPCO Service Regulators)
08-SEP-2019 National Research Council of Canada
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.
30-AUG-2019 QUÉBEC
Draft Energy Efficiency Regulations for buildings La Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) announced that the public consultation on the building energy efficiency amendment to the Construction Code has been extended for 45 days to October 7, 2019.
28-AUG-2019 QUÉBEC
CSA B139 La Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) announced on August 28, 2019 that the 2019 edition of the CSA B139 "Installation Code for Oil Burning Equipment" has been adopted, pursuant to Chapter VIII of the Construction Code and will come into effect on August 31, 2019.
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.
19-AUG-2019 NOVA SCOTIA
2017 Building Code Joe Rogers, P. Eng., Building Code Coordinator for the Province of Nova Scotia, announced on August 19, 2019, the publication of proposed amendments to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations (the Building Code) made pursuant to the Building Code Act, Chapter 46, of the Acts of 1989. It is anticipated that the amendments will be prescribed by the Nova Scotia Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to come into effect throughout the Province of Nova Scotia on or about January 1, 2020.
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.
Please forward your written comments on the proposed amendments on or before October 4, 2019 to:
Joe Rogers, P. Eng.
You can also email your comments to OFM@novascotia.ca
16-AUG-2019 National Research Council of Canada
2015 National Building Code of Canada The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Code (CCBTC) and the Provincial and Territorial Policy Advisory Committee on Codes (PTPACC) have approved, in principle, a report titled "Alterations to Existing Buildings", dated August, 2019.
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
The CCBFC is soliciting your thoughts on a number of questions by August 30, 2019.
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.
14-AUG-2019 BRITISH COLUMBIA
2018 Building Code The Province of B.C. is now offering the BC Building, Plumbing and Fire Codes online at no charge.
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.
08-AUG-2019 BRITISH COLUMBIA
2018 Building Code Zachary May, Acting Executive Director, Building and Safety Standards Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, has announced that the public review of proposed mid-cycle changes to the BC Code, that had been posted on June 28, 2019, has been extended to August 23, 2019 and the following additional proposed changes have been posted on the B.C. government's website:
Roof-top enclosures and roof-top occupancy requirements
24-JUL-2019 NOVA SCOTIA
Building Code Joe Rogers, P. Eng., Building Code Coordinator for the Province of Nova Scotia, announced on July 24, 2019, that the Adaptable Housing requirements in the Nova Scotia Building Code will take effect and be applicable to permits applied for after September 1, 2019.
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
17-JUL-2019 QUÉBEC
Draft Energy Efficiency Regulations for buildings La Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) announced that a building energy efficiency amendment to the Construction Code was published in the Gazette officielle du Québec for public comment on July 10, 2019..
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)
This public consultation ends on August 23, 2019.
CodeNews.ca thanks our loyal reader, Gary Chu, for alerting us to this news.
02-JUL-2019 ONTARIO
2007 Ontario Fire Code In its Bulletin #02/19, dated June 28,2019, the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM) announced that
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.
28-JUN-2019 BRITISH COLUMBIA
2018 Building Code Jarrett Hutchinson, Acting Executive Director, Building and Safety Standards Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, has invited code users, industry, and partners to participate in a public review to provide feedback on proposed mid-cycle changes to the BC Code.
Recent national revisions as well as some editorial corrections
The online survey is available from June 28 to August 9, 2019.
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.
19-JUN-2019 NOVA SCOTIA
Building Code Joe Rogers, P. Eng., Building Code Coordinator for the Province of Nova Scotia, announced on June 19, 2019, that, as a result of the redesign of the province's website, the links to the following documents may be accessed, as follows:
Nova Scotia Building Code Regulation - USERS VERSION, dated May 1, 2019
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.
Schedule “A” Letters of Undertaking
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.
17-JUN-2019 ONTARIO
Fire Sprinkler Retrofit in Vulnerable Occupancies The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #282, dated June 14, 2019, to reiterate that fire sprinkler retrofit requirements under Ontario’s Fire Code for existing care occupancies and retirement homes came into effect on January 1, 2019.
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.
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).
13-MAY-2019 ALBERTA
National Building Code -
2019 Alberta Edition
National Fire Code -
2019 Alberta Edition Paul Chang, Provincial Building Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs has advised that the electronic versions of the 2019 Alberta Editions of the codes are now available free of charge at the NRC Virtual Store.
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.
02-MAY-2019 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code Ontario Regulation 87-19 has been issued to amend the Ontario 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.
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:
It will come into force on various dates:
• 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.
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.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has published 8 Technical Bulletins to explain the amendments:
Technical Bulletin - General
Technical Bulletin - Part 3
Technical Bulletin - Part 4
Technical Bulletin - Part 5
Technical Bulletin - Part 6
Technical Bulletin - Part 7
Technical Bulletin - Part 8
Technical Bulletin - Part 9
These Technical Bulletins are hosted on the CodeNews website because the Ministry has not published them on its website.
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.
30-APR-2019 BRITISH COLUMBIA
Technical Bulletins Zachary May, Director, Building Codes & Standards, Building and Safety Standards Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, has announced that new resources are now available online to assist those using the BC Energy Step Code.
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:
The British Columbia Building and Safety Standards Branch has also updated Part 9 Energy Compliance Reports for the 2018 Building Code. The reports include:
15-APR-2019 ALBERTA
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 James Orr, Director, Safety Codes & Standards, Alberta Municipal Affairs has advised that the 2019 editions of the Alberta Building and Fire Codes (and while available, the 2017 NECB goes with these code editions) are delayed as they will be made freely available (online and in downloadable form) as is the current 2014 edition.
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.
11-APR-2019 ONTARIO
Building Code Conservation Advisory Council The 2019 Ontario Budget, announced on April 11, 2019, reported that the Ontario government's Agency Review Task Force, which is comprised of five government Members of Provincial parliament, had commenced (in November, 2018) its comprehensive review of all Provincial agencies to support the government’s commitment to restoring accountability and trust.
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.
Operating Engineers Regulation The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is holding a public consultation until May 4, 2019 on the creation of alternate rules for the 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)
06-APR-2019 ONTARIO
Liquid Fuels Handling Code The Technical Standards & Safety Authority’s Fuels Safety Program, in consultation with industry stakeholders, has updated the Liquid Fuels Handling Code Adoption Document. The amendments, which will be effective as of May 21, 2019, include:
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.
03-APR-2019 National Research Council of Canada
Construction Codes of Canada Frank Lohmann, Manager, Codes Development System at the National Research Council of canada, reported, on April 3, 2019, that the National Codes of Canada are now available for free download.
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
02-APR-2019 NOVA SCOTIA
Building Code Joe Rogers, P. Eng., Building Code Coordinator for the Province of Nova Scotia, has announced that the following amendments have been made to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations:
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.
The above regulations have been published in Volume 43, No. 7 of the March 29, 2019 edition of Nova Scotia's Royal Gazette.
19-MAR-2019 ONTARIO
Next Edition On March 6, 2019, Richard Lyall, President of RESCON (Residential Construction Council of Ontario), reported in his RESCON Blog, that the Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Ontario, delivered a speech at RESCON's annual general meeting in February, 2019, where the Minister addressed the next edition of the Ontario.
“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."
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:
giving priority to health and safety
18-MAR-2019 ONTARIO
2007 Ontario Fire Code In its Bulletin #001/19, dated March 18,2019, the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM) announced that Ontario Regulation 33/19, a regulation made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, to amend the 2007 Fire Code (Ontario Regulation 213/07) by making housekeeping changes (to update or clarify requirements) and by adding requirements for the following:
For purposes of the new requirements, “hazardous extraction” means a process to remove or separate a substance from a solution or mixture that involves the use of flammable liquids, combustible liquids or flammable gases as solvents in the process. Amendments include new requirements for the following:
door release hardware for exits and access to exits,
egress aisles,
Requirements for prohibited locations became effective on March 14, 2019. All other requirements come into force on July 1, 2019.
For more details, see Fire Marshal's Communiqué 2019-02, dated March 15, 2019.
14-MAR-2019 ALBERTA
Fire/Electrical Interpretation
Fire/Building Variance On March 14, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the following Gas Safety Information Bulletin has been revised:
G-02-01a [Rev4] - Uncertified Appliances and Equipment Require Special Inspection and Approval
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:
14-FCI-006 - Existing Fire Alarm Systems (Joint Fire/Electrical)
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:
14-FCV-022 / 14-BCV-020 - Sprinkler Systems with Antifreeze Solutions (Joint Fire/Building)
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.
Fuels Safety Program Advisory On March 8, 2019, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) issued an Advisory (FS-243-19) titled "Cell Phone Use at Gas Station Dispensers" to announce that it will permit cell phones to be used for payment at dispensers at licensed gasoline facilities in Ontario.
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).
08-MAR-2019 National Research Council of Canada
Construction Codes of Canada Joe Rogers, P. Eng., Building Code Coordinator for the Province of Nova Scotia, forwarded the following update issued by Martin Thériault, Director Built Environment Regulations and Specifications, Construction Research Centre, NRC:
"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."
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
26-FEB-2019 QUÉBEC
Le chapitre III, Plomberie
du Code de construction du Québec On February 25, 2019, the Corporation of Master Plumbing Mechanics of Québec and the Régie du bâtiment du Québec, in collaboration with Réseau Environnement and the Montreal chapter of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers, announced the publication of the "Backflow Prevention Device Guide: Protecting Drinking-Water Systems from Cross-Connection".
This 88-page reference guide (5.5MB pdf) covers the use of backflow prevention devices in Québec and covers:
the basic principles of cross connection
types of backflow prevention devices and their installation
examples of cross-connection incidents
This guide is available only in the French language......
24-FEB-2019 UL Standards
UL ISO Standards Underwriters Laboratories Inc. has now posted its entire library of UL-authored Standards for open-access online viewing capability for any interested individual or organization globally, for the first time in its 125 years. As part of its long-term vision, UL has announced that this is a natural next step on the path that it have been on for many years. Philip Piqueira, Vice President Global Standards, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. has stated that:
"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."
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!
20-FEB-2019 ALBERTA
STANDATA On February 20, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the electrical STANDATA have been updated to the 2018 Canadian Electrical Code and are now available on the Municipal Affairs website.
15-FEB-2019 ALBERTA
2019 Alberta Edition of the National Fire Code On February 14, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the following codes were adopted in February 2019 by provincial regulation:
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
The new codes come into effect on April 1, 2019 and there is a transition period to facilitate transition to the new codes from the previous codes. In support of greater harmonization to the national codes, both the Alberta building and fire codes have also been renamed.
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.
05-FEB-2019 ONTARIO
(27th edition) Ontario Regulation 478/18 was filed on November 16, 2018 to adopt the 27th edition of the Electrical Safety Code, which consists of:
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.
Ontario Regulation 478/18 comes into force on May 16, 2019. Electrical work conducted after that date needs to meet the new requirements.
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:
01-FEB-2019 ALBERTA
Electrical Code On January 31, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced that the Twenty-fourth edition of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part1 I (CSA-C22.1-18) was published in January 2018 by the Canadian Standards Association and automatically comes into effect on February 1, 2019 throughout the Province of Alberta.
30-JAN-2019 ALBERTA
STANDATA On January 30, 2019, Alberta Municipal Affairs announced the publication of the following Building Code Variance:
14-BCV-018R1 Sprinkler-Protected Glazing in Fire-Resistant Wall Assemblies
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.
01-JAN-2019 ONTARIO
2012 Building Code The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued Ontario CodeNews e-bulletin #272, dated December 24, 2018, to announce new Building Code related fees for registrations for building practitioners regulated under the Building Code Act, 1992, effective on January 1, 2019:
- $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
- 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)