Regulation - Minister
National and Ontario Code Consultations on the 2025 National Construction Codes
Regulation Number(s):
O. Reg. 332/12
Instrument Type:
Regulation - Minister
Bill or Act:
Building Code Act, 1992
Summary of Proposal:
Ontario's Building Code is a regulation under the Building Code Act, 1992 which sets out minimum administrative and technical requirements for new construction, renovation, and change of use of buildings. New editions or major amendments to Ontario's Building Code are generally released every five years to coincide with updates to the National Construction Codes.
As part of the development process for the edition of Ontario's Building Code (i.e., 2026/2027) that will follow the 2025 National Building Code, the Ministry will be using National's public consultations as a primary vehicle to engage stakeholders and an opportunity to receive industry feedback on the 2025 National Codes. National Research Council will share comments received from Ontario with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
The next and future editions of Ontario's Building Code are an important step in the process to support increased harmonization with National Construction Codes. Approximately 60% of Ontario's Code is currently consistent with the National Construction Codes.
There are seven public reviews being held for the 2025 National Construction Codes. The first public review ended on December 23, 2022 and the second public review will begin on February 27, 2023 until April 27, 2023: Public review of proposed changes to the 2020 National Model Codes (ccbfc-cccbpi.ca)
The contents of each National consultation package are confirmed and made available to the provinces and territories, in a pre-public review, approximately two weeks before each National public consultation.
The February 27, 2023, National consultation package includes some of the following topics:
1. structural design (Part 9) - lateral loads
2. large farm buildings
3. building fire safety
4. fire alarm and detection systems
5. encapsulated mass timber construction
6. accessibility - inclusive plumbing accommodation
7. environmental separation
8. drainage systems
It is critical that Ontario's industry partners participate in these national consultations as they are Ontario's principal mechanism for consultation on Ontario's 2026/2027 Building Code.
Please use the link to National Public Review to submit your comment.
As part of the development process for the edition of Ontario's Building Code (i.e., 2026/2027) that will follow the 2025 National Building Code, the Ministry will be using National's public consultations as a primary vehicle to engage stakeholders and an opportunity to receive industry feedback on the 2025 National Codes. National Research Council will share comments received from Ontario with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
The next and future editions of Ontario's Building Code are an important step in the process to support increased harmonization with National Construction Codes. Approximately 60% of Ontario's Code is currently consistent with the National Construction Codes.
There are seven public reviews being held for the 2025 National Construction Codes. The first public review ended on December 23, 2022 and the second public review will begin on February 27, 2023 until April 27, 2023: Public review of proposed changes to the 2020 National Model Codes (ccbfc-cccbpi.ca)
The contents of each National consultation package are confirmed and made available to the provinces and territories, in a pre-public review, approximately two weeks before each National public consultation.
The February 27, 2023, National consultation package includes some of the following topics:
1. structural design (Part 9) - lateral loads
2. large farm buildings
3. building fire safety
4. fire alarm and detection systems
5. encapsulated mass timber construction
6. accessibility - inclusive plumbing accommodation
7. environmental separation
8. drainage systems
It is critical that Ontario's industry partners participate in these national consultations as they are Ontario's principal mechanism for consultation on Ontario's 2026/2027 Building Code.
Please use the link to National Public Review to submit your comment.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
Costs: There are no new administrative costs anticipated for regulated entities.
Benefits: The proposed changes would update requirements and increase harmonization between Ontario's Building Code and National Construction Codes. This approach of concordant public review would also help the construction sector to have a preview of potential changes that may get included in Ontario's Building Code years later allowing the sector the necessary preparatory time for future changes.
Benefits: The proposed changes would update requirements and increase harmonization between Ontario's Building Code and National Construction Codes. This approach of concordant public review would also help the construction sector to have a preview of potential changes that may get included in Ontario's Building Code years later allowing the sector the necessary preparatory time for future changes.
Further Information:
Public review of proposed changes to the 2020 National Model Codes (ccbfc-cccbpi.ca)
Proposal Number:
23-MMAH003
Posting Date:
February 27, 2023
Comments Due Date:
April 27, 2023
Contact Address:
Building and Development Branch
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
College Park 16th Floor, 777 Bay St, Toronto, ON M7A 2J3
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
College Park 16th Floor, 777 Bay St, Toronto, ON M7A 2J3