2020 construction codes released
The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) announced the launch of its new model codes for construction on March 28.
The new codes include the National Building Code of Canada 2020, the National Fire Code of Canada 2020, the National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020, and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020. They are, according to the commission, designed to make homes and buildings safer and more accessible, while responding to climate change.
"These new codes are more reflective of the current world we live in," said CCBFC chair Kevin Griffiths. "Thanks to these updates, it will be easier for Canadians with accessibility considerations to navigate different spaces; large farm buildings are now included in the codes to reflect the evolving agricultural sector; and energy performance levels have been introduced to make buildings more energy efficient."
Some of the changes in new codes include clarifications for fire safety objectives for emergency responders; additional protections to reduce the rise of falling for openable windows in residential dwellings; safety glazing in windows and doors for schools to reduce the hazards of wired glass; adjustments to the minimum dimensions of building elements to accommodate people using mobility devices; the introduction of encapsulated mass timber construction to allow for the construction of wood buildings up to 12 storeys tall; and a tiered energy performance compliance path which incrementally improves energy efficiency at each successive tier.
The 2020 Codes include nearly 400 changes that were developed by panels of expert volunteers from across the country. The public was given an opportunity to review and comment on all proposed changes before the codes were finalized.
Current provincial and territorial building, fire, plumbing and energy regulations will remain in effect until the 2020 Codes are adopted, with or without modifications, by the provincial or territorial authorities having jurisdiction.
The National Model Codes are developed by the CCBFC on a five-year cycle and are published by the National Research Council of Canada.
The codes are available for downtown from the NRC website.