Ontario is set to roll out significant updates to its 2012 Building Code in January 2025. These changes, the first major overhaul in several years, are designed to address evolving needs in construction, sustainability, and safety.
“We were told it’s coming, but we received the final draft; I do think it was in April to take effect in January,” noted Lake of Bays Director of Building & Bylaw Services Stephen Watson. “There are approximately 2000 changes in the Code from what builders are used to dealing with today and what they’ll have to deal with next year.”
Watson said plans are underway to hold local stakeholder meetings in partnership with the Town of Huntsville to discuss key changes to the Building Code. He said radon gas protection will be a new building requirement. Radon gas is an odourless, colourless cancer-causing gas that could exist in the soil. “There’ll be a requirement to rough-in for these. So there’ll be a learning curb on how to do that.”
Standards for septic tanks will also change. A safety mesh will have to be installed underneath the typical green lids that indicate where your tanks are. “What had occurred in the past is when the sun sits on these for a long time, they could become brittle, and then kids, being kids, they think they’re good jumping boards. So, unfortunately, to my understanding, there was a child in Alberta who went through the lid, went into the tank, and did not survive. So the new standards that we are adopting for next year says there has to be a safety mesh there so if somebody falls through the lid, the safety mesh there will stop them,” said Watson.
Other changes include:
Enhanced Energy Efficiency Standards
One of the most anticipated changes in the new Ontario Building Code is the emphasis on energy efficiency. The updated Code will introduce stricter requirements for insulation, windows, and heating systems. These measures aim to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Changes:
- Higher R-Values for Insulation: Homes and buildings will require more robust insulation to improve thermal performance.
- Advanced Window Technology: New standards will mandate high-performance windows that reduce heat loss and enhance energy savings.
- Efficient Heating Systems: Upgrades in heating system standards will promote the use of energy-efficient technologies, such as heat pumps and advanced HVAC systems.
Stricter Accessibility Requirements
In a bid to make buildings more inclusive, the new Code will introduce tighter accessibility standards. These changes are part of a broader push to ensure that public and private buildings are accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities.
Key Changes:
- Improved Accessibility Features: Enhanced requirements for ramps, elevators, and door widths will make it easier for people with mobility challenges to navigate buildings.
- Accessible Bathrooms: More stringent guidelines for accessible restroom facilities will be implemented to ensure they meet the needs of all users.
Increased Focus on Sustainability
Key Changes:
- Sustainable Building Materials: The Code will encourage the use of environmentally friendly materials and construction practices.
- Waste Management: New regulations will promote better waste management and recycling practices on construction sites.
- Water Efficiency: The updated code will include provisions for water-saving fixtures and systems, helping to conserve this vital resource.
Updates to Safety and Structural Integrity
Safety remains a top priority in the new Building Code revisions. The updates will address advancements in construction technology and materials, ensuring that buildings remain safe and resilient.
Key Changes:
- Enhanced Fire Safety Measures: New fire-resistance ratings and sprinkler requirements will be introduced to improve safety in both residential and commercial buildings.
- Seismic Design Standards: Updated seismic design requirements will better protect buildings in the event of an earthquake, particularly in areas of higher seismic risk.
Streamlined Approval Processes
To help streamline the construction process and reduce delays, the new Code will introduce measures to simplify building permit applications and approvals.
Key Changes:
- Digital Permit Applications: Builders will be able to submit permit applications electronically, speeding up the approval process.
- Clearer Guidelines: The Code will offer more detailed and user-friendly guidelines to help builders understand and comply with new requirements.
The new Building Code will have a range of implications for builders, developers, and homeowners. Builders will need to familiarize themselves with the updated requirements and possibly adjust their practices and materials to comply. Homeowners considering new construction or renovations should be prepared for potential changes in costs and timelines due to the updated standards.
Builders will have until March 31, 2025, to continue using the 2012 Building Code, after which time they will be required to use the updated 2024 Code, which will better align with the National Building Code.
According to provincial documentation, the structure of the updated 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.
To get a PDF of the 2024 Building Code Compendium for non-commercial use, click HERE to follow the instructions.
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This is a great summary of the upcoming changes to the Ontario Building Code. I’m particularly interested in the new requirements for fire safety and accessibility. These changes are important to ensure that new buildings are safe and inclusive for everyone.
I also noticed that the article mentions that the code will be updated to reference the 2020 National Building Code. Does this mean that there will be any changes to the requirements for septic systems? I’m curious to know how the new code will impact homeowners who are considering installing a new septic system.
We need to revisit how the inspection department works.
In Toronto the job is never checked unless the owner asks for an inspection.
As of today there are over 2000 orders to comply outstanding and countless numbers of permits that left not inspected.
Just threatening a fine is not helping.
We need a mandated follow up on outstanding permits
I would like to see a definition of a foundation drain added.
It is interesting to read about these building code changes and see the comments of those who seem to have an interest in buildings. And the new rules. Locally we watch the countryside disappear under bricks and mortar, asphalt and vinyl. Some new-builds have been a real struggle. I’m sure most people know the one I mean. Others are apparently built according to a plan.
I wonder if all this ‘planning and code’ has helped us over the years. I understand that there should be checks and balance, but is it out of proportion to what we are trying to do? We all watched the performance of our town trying to install a donated washroom. Something already built, just needing a spot to sit down.
I watched as the town had a deck built. Maybe 50 feet in length and 6 to 8 feet wide. It’s the kind of job that, in the past some would have done on a couple of weekends for extra money. That little task dragged on for about 2 months. A piece of road work downtown and it plays like we are rebuilding Yonge Street. And I mean from TO to here.
Back in the day, our ancestors needed buildings too. They built them using willing bodies and skill. Health and safety may not have been foremost in their minds. But they built the town a Town Hall. The corner stone was laid in Aug of 1926 and the first meeting was held in the building in July 1927. Could we even get plans approved for a building like that in 11 months?.
The foundation was begun for St. Andrews Church on Aug. 20 1897 and the parishioners were in their places singing in April 1898. Today, after 9 months, we might be up to the “Maybe” stage. As long as we had a driveway permit.
The corner stone for Trinity United was in place on June 28, 18987 and the giving thanks was underway by Oct. of that year. Could an ordinary person arrange a garage permit in that period of time?
There are lots of buildings that have been and gone, but these are some that have lasted a hundred years. They have been maintained and remodeled and all the stuff that it takes to keep a property in usable condition. And there are shortcomings because all the stuff we use now that is technologically new, is just that. Any guarantee that these these new “up to code” projects will last a century?
They have been threatening to ‘remodel’ our Supreme Court building. It was built 1939/1940 (note 2 years) and is in need of some work. The project was to be done between 2023 and 2028 and to cost about a billion dollars. It’s all been delayed. Think this government project will sneak in at a cool billion? Me neither.
Permits shouldn’t be a problem, so maybe they are waiting for more building code updates.
I agree with Glen. This isn’t really part if the building code, but there needs to be more incentives for building a higher quantity of smaller, more efficient, cheaper homes. That probably should mean that larger, inefficient, wasteful homes should be much more heavily taxed. One of the real issues is that the more expensive (big) the house is, the more profit there is for the developer – so why would they build cheaper homes?
I totally agree with Steve Curylo. This is the biggest problem Canada has because of a corrupt Liberal party
The real problem with the housing crisis is to many immigrants coming in to fast, we have never experienced numbers like this ,and this is the root of the problem .
The Code changes were mainly done to re-harmonize the Ontario Building Code with the National Building Code. Most of the changes made are harmonization. Ontario adds another regulation layer with the energy supplementary bulletins, adding more cost and complexity in designing buildings. If Ontario is truly keen on cutting house building costs they’d eliminate layers of zoning categories, place a surtax on large homes that overhouse the occupants, that cost more to run than a small house, that use double the amount of materials than a house built in the 1970’s.
First thing first.
TARION needs to be removed immediately in Ontario.
Run by incompetent people who have never worked in the industry.
As long as TARION is continuing to entertain homeowners with all there nonsense builders will NEVER be able to fast track and cut through red tape in order to build the shortfall of homes experienced here in Ontario.
I have been in the industry for over 30 years and I am finding TARION has now gained too much power!!!
And I thought it wouldn’t be longer approved to erect buildings made of sticks and gingerbread… That will possibly never happen in NA where everything must be made for the highest possible profit instead of longest lasting as in the old world.
Does it finally include allowances for back up battery in residences, like most other jurisdictions? With LFP and liquid immersion, there is absolutely no fire hazard. Outdoor or garage requires significant infrastructure or heating requirements in our climate, slowing the conversion to cleaner energy solutions. I wish industry was consulted on reasonable and safe guidelines.
septic tanks go ” back ” to concrete lids , a included bolting feature ( as if required ) Mandate all construction crews be ” schooled ” on regulations and ensure building inspectors have some regulations allowances to accommodate a / any unique situation / s
The prices go up and up….when economy is slipping. Brilliant!
The insulation efficiency has to be understood and devised carefully. It has to be layered in a way that moisture can be controlled properly. Dew point in batt insulation is 1/3 depth. If it gets to thick the moisture can’t escape. It happened in the north Nordic countries
Septic lids. Why not push this on mfg’s to come up with something better than a net.??
I cud go on and on…
Ive been in the industry for 45 years ,we have an archaic system where CBO’s and building inspectors are dictating the building codes and have zero experience nor do they hold any qualifications related go what they inspect. They system needs to be addressed now to provide a more transparent, cost effective and professional service. Ive designed a system which reduces permit and inspection times by 75%. Not only does it protect the consumer but also the building partners and communities. The one important aspect of this system is the respect ,honesty and trust it creates between the trades and professional team of designers and engineers. It teaches,improves and eliminates any shawdy nnon compliant work habits.
Thank you
Franco gigone
Keep me updated
I thought that there was supposed to be an effort to reduce government red tape, when it came to building homes.
Considering that government doesn’t contribute anything towards the procurement, construction or purchase of a home, the amount of over regulation is egregious.
As the country is in the midst of the worst housing crisis in history, that government continues to hinder meaningful progress is incredible. Between the taxes and red tape, it’s no wonder emigration is spiking. Clearly government isn’t serious about addressing the issues. Rather, they continue to prove to everyone, they are a major contributor to the problem.
In 2015 they introduced installation of audible and visual smoke detector, from 20 dollars to 150 dollars to purchase, no wonder the price of a new home is expensive.
What about garden houses?
These new standards are good for rich countries but what about Canada.
Instead of mandatory radon gas elimination rough in, you start with mandatory soil testing for radon gas. There is already a soil compaction test before footings are poured, and these tests could be done at the same time. I don’t believe that this radon elimination system is going to work on every foundation, soil type, and water table level. I personally don’t want to be forced into unnecessary holes in my basement floor. It’s the law to have co detectors in buildings burning fossil fuels. Radon detectors are available for cheap, and systems can be installed easy enough if necessary.
I’m a site super with 36 years construction experience.
At a time when affordability should be top priority , they do this. Total insanity
Let’s see new retrofit codes for basement Apts and 2nd suites and laneway/backyard apts. Fire codes and electrical codes must also keep pace with structural building changes. And please find ways to incentivise and impact badly needed housing volume, affordability etc, regardless of which level govt is in power!
I have many years in the home construction industry. There have been numerous changes in codes that were touted to give the consumer a better product which has been suspect at best. My concern is the lack of training for the employees who actually build the homes. Every system is dependent on each other. There are a number of examples were new code measures were introduced and other systems failed because of interactions that weren’t fully appreciated. I have 54 years experience in residential construction and every project I find small details that improve the build and understood that the the most important part is an educated employee who understands why.