Pending Codes Changes

Want to know about construction codes changes before they're implemented?  You've come to the right place!  On this page, we'll highlight proposed codes changes affecting our industry, thanks to the dedicated work of our Codes Committee.

Manitoba Moving to 2020 National Model Codes

June 26, 2023 - The government of Manitoba is closing a public consultation today that will see the province adopt the 2020 National Model Codes on January 1, 2024. The province currently uses the 2010 versions of the codes and has decided to bypass the 2015 editions to move directly to the current ones. There will be amendments to the codes to better suit Manitoba practices and conditions; you can download the proposed regulations containing the amendments here.

2020 National Model Codes Released

March 28, 2022 - The National Research Council (NRC) has finally released the 2020 editions of the Canadian Building, Fire, Plumbing and Energy model codes. The NRC is providing the codes as free PDF downloads here. Please note that printing pages from the free downloads is limited. The codes are available for purchase at the NRC store. They are available in looseleaf binder format (easier to update) or paper-bound versions. The Building code is $100 (binder) or $80 (soft-bound); the Fire code is $65 (binder) or $60 (soft-bound). Most provinces/territories will need to adopt the 2020 codes legislatively. BC, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec have their own codes. The NRC provided all provinces/territories with the codes in December 2021 so they could begin the process of adapting their regulations and identifying any necessary modifications.

Ontario to Harmonize with National Codes

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has signed on to the the Reconciliation Agreement on Construction Codes under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. You can find further information here.

Alberta to Adopt National Codes Automatically

The Government of Alberta has announced that it will be adopting the national model codes (building, fire, plumbing and energy efficiency) automatically, starting in 2020. New codes will be effective in Alberta 12 months after they have been published by the National Research Council (NRC). For more information, please see the NRC website.

Ontario Building Code - 2020 Cycle

BC Building Code - 2018

The Government of BC has adopted the 2018 edition of the BC Building and Fire Codes, effective December 10, 2018.  This new edition aligns the BC Code more closely with the 2015 editions of the national model codes.  Among changes of interest to DHI Canada members will be those regarding the installation of leakage-rated door assemblies in some fire separations (consistent with the NBCC 2015).  There have also been changes to the accessibility standards, although the minimum clear width remains at 850 mm.  Since adoption, there have been two rounds of revisions to the BCBC and one round for the BCFC.  For more information, please see the BC Government's Codes website.

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