The new Ontario Building Code regulation O. Reg. 163/24 references the 2020 National Building Code of Canada (NBC) for the harmonized parts of the Code and the Ontario Amendment document for the differences in the province.
In CodeNews 361 (September 10, 2024), the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) is offering a hyperlink to the recordings and slide deck of the five webinars it recently hosted on the topic. These sessions provided an overview of the upcoming code changes, including an explanation for the key 2024 technical and administrative updates. They are:
- Session 1: Division A, Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements, Division C, Administrative Provisions, Division B, Part 1: General (Climatic Data and Standards), Modular Housing and Tiny Homes;
- Session 2: Part 2, Farm Buildings, Part 4, Structural Design, Part 10, 11, and 12 (Change of Use, Renovation, Resource Conservation and Environmental Integrity);
- Session 3: Part 6, Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC), Part 7, Plumbing, Part 8 Sewage Systems;
- Session 4: Part 3, Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility and Part 5, Environmental Separation; and
- Session 5: Part 9, Housing and Small Buildings.
The MMAH’s 2024 Building Code Technical Bulletins, previously distributed on July 10, 2024 via CodeNews 358, are also available in the same folders for download
Register Now for OAA Webinar, “Navigating Ontario’s New 2024 Building Code”
As a follow up to the session offered at the 2024 OAA Conference in Niagara Falls, a webinar on Thursday, September 26 will provide a high-level understanding of the technical changes and how to navigate the revised structure of the Building Code. Secure your spot and register for “Navigating Ontario’s New 2024 Building Code.”
The OAA continues to work with industry partners to develop education and training for key building code users with the intent of having a common understanding of the changes, implementation, and transition rules.
Download the 2024 Building Code in Digital Format Now
The two-volume digital 2024 Building Code Compendium is available online for free. It includes bookmarks, hyperlinked tables of contents, and the ability to insert personal notes or highlight sections of the code. OAA members may use the “Notify Me” function through the Publications Ontario website to receive an email notice when the hardcopy of the compendium is in stock.
Timing, Transition, and the Importance of Anticipating Changes
The 2024 edition of Ontario’s Building Code comes into effect on January 1, 2025, with a three-month transition period until March 31, 2025 for applications for which the working drawings were substantially complete before 2025. Then, on April 1, 2025, all permit applications will be reviewed using the 2024 OBC.
Architecture practices who anticipate the required changes may be best positioned to assess the impact on projects and discuss with clients the effect on projects.
The OAA’s Practice Advisory Services (PAS) team is currently focusing on updating the OAA’s Building Code Data Matrices, as well as other practice resource documents related to the Code.
Practice Advisory newsletter is developed by the OAA’s Practice Advisory Services team, which offers numerous resources for both members and the public. The OAA does not provide legal, insurance, or accounting advice.
Readers are advised to consult their own legal, accounting, or insurance representatives to obtain suitable professional advice in those regards.