The 2020 National Model Codes have been released. 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.

The new codes incorporate more measures to address climate change, safety and accessibility and include new requirements such as strengthened protections for openable windows in residential occupancies to minimize the risk of falling; safety glazing in windows and doors for schools and similar buildings to reduce the hazards of wired glass; updates to evaporative equipment and drain pans to minimize the growth and transmission of legionella and other bacteria; and the introduction of encapsulated mass timber construction to allow for the construction of wood buildings up to 12 storeys tall.

“These new codes are more reflective of the current world we live in,” said Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (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.”

The industry is invited to download the codes and review the changes. The 2020 codes include nearly 400 changes.

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.