Canada’s building codes and standards need to get with the times
Toon Dreessen is president of Architects DCA. He is a past president of the Ontario Association of Architects.
In Canada, building codes are often playing catch-up with the times, and can vary in confusing ways from province to province. The latest version of the National Building Code of Canada took years to develop. The 2020 edition of the NBC wasn’t published until March, 2022, and since then has required additional time for adoption by provincial jurisdictions. There is a separate Ontario Building Code, which contains modified elements of the NBC but dates from a previous version.
Our codes also show that Canada is behind the times compared to what other countries, with whom we share common standards for safety, require. For example, new apartment buildings in Canada must have two sets of exit stairs, while in London, builders are now only required toexit for structures more than 10 storeys tall. Buildings with a single-exit stairwell have the same safety standards, but can also increase housing affordability by allowing for more dwelling space.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Opinion | Repairing the conversation around transgender teacher can build lasting change
Read more »
Environment Canada forecasts heavy snowfall across much of B.C.Environment Canada says heavy snow is expected across much of British Columbia this weekend as a weather system moves from north to south across the province.
Read more »
Environment Canada forecasts heavy snowfall across much of B.C.Officials forecast significant snowfall for the south coast, with warnings covering Metro Vancouver, the Sea-to-Sky region, the Sunshine Coast, the Fraser Valley and all but the northern tip of Vancouver Island
Read more »
Environment Canada forecasts heavy snowfall across much of B.C.VANCOUVER — Environment Canada says heavy snow is expected across much of British Columbia this weekend as a weather system moves from north to south across the province.
Read more »
Environment Canada forecasts heavy snowfall across much of B.C.VANCOUVER — Environment Canada says heavy snow is expected across much of British Columbia this weekend as a weather system moves from north to south across the province.
Read more »
Environment Canada forecasts heavy snowfall across much of B.C.VANCOUVER — Environment Canada says heavy snow is expected across much of British Columbia this weekend as a weather system moves from north to south across the province.
Read more »