New National Model Codes Released

The 2020 National Model Codes were released in March of 2022, with the goal of making Canadian homes and buildings safer and more accessible, while responding to climate change. 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.

These Codes were developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC), and published by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). They include nearly 400 updates and replace the 2015 and 2017 editions of the Codes. Registrants are encouraged to download the Codes and review the changes that apply to their work.  

Highlights from the new Codes include: 

• A tiered energy performance compliance path which incrementally improves energy efficiency at each successive tier (four energy performance tiers are specified); 
• Updates to evaporative equipment and drain pans to minimize the growth and transmission of legionella and other bacteria; 
• The introduction of whole-building airtightness testing as an option for complying with air leakage requirements; 
• The introduction of encapsulated mass timber construction to allow for the construction of wood buildings up to 12 storeys tall; 
• A clarification that, through certain technical requirements, the existing fire safety objective addresses safety of emergency responders including firefighters when performing their duties; 
• 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; 
• Adjustments to the minimum dimensions of building elements to accommodate people using a wider variety of mobility devices, and requirements for tactile signage and for more pedestrian entrances and floor levels to be accessible; 
• A new home-type care occupancy that will allow for safe and affordable care; and 
• The introduction of technical requirements for large farm buildings and addition of new agricultural occupancies.  

The 2020 Codes were developed with the input of expert volunteers from across Canada. As part of the development process, 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 2020 National Model Codes are available for free, in electronic format, through the NCR’s Publication Archive and for purchase, in printed format from the NCR’s Virtual Store.