The proposed regulations, which would be made under the Building Code Act, 1992, would establish changes for potential inclusion in the next edition of the Building Code (O. Reg. 88/19)

Description of regulation

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MMA) is proposing to revoke the current version of the Building Code (Ontario Regulation 332/12) and replace it with a new edition under the Building Code Act, 1992. It is proposed that the new edition come into effect in January 2019.

As part of developing the next edition of the Building Code, MMA is seeking input on proposed requirements to support the implementation of the government’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), which was released in June 2016. MMA is seeking input on proposed requirements to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the building sector through changes to the Building Code.

Potential changes for the next edition of the Building Code that are being considered to reduce GHG emissions include:

• Energy efficiency requirements for houses
• Energy efficiency in large buildings
• Energy efficient renovations in houses and large buildings
• Electric vehicle charging in new multi-unit residential buildings
• Other green technologies

Additionally, MMA is seeking input on potential changes that would support adaptation to climate change, specifically related to the potential for increased frequency of extreme weather events. These potential changes would include hurricane straps in new houses.

This consultation will also seek input on how to inform potential future changes to the Building Code that will support CCAP by promoting increased energy efficiency in Ontario, such as the commissioning of large buildings, adaptive thermostats and sub-metering.

Purpose of regulation

These changes that are being considered for the next edition of the Building Code would further promote energy efficient buildings in Ontario and help mitigate climate change by supporting GHG emissions reductions in Ontario and by moving other buildings toward net-zero in the future.

The potential changes would recognize the government’s commitment to mitigate climate change by promoting increased energy efficiency of new construction and some existing buildings, therefore enabling buildings to reach the established GHG emissions reductions targets outlined in the Climate Change Action Plan.

Other information

More information on potential changes to the Building Code is available on the Building Code website.

When submitting your feedback please remember to include:

• Your name
• Whether you are responding on behalf of yourself or an organization

Any questions on the consultation process, collection of information and access to the consultation document may be directed to: buildingcode.consultation@ontario.ca

Public consultation

This proposal was posted for a 77 day public review and comment period starting July 14, 2017. Comments were to be received by September 29, 2017.

All comments received during the comment period are being considered as part of the decision-making process by the Ministry.

Please Note: All comments and submissions received have become part of the public record.

Other public consultation opportunities

If you have any questions regarding the next edition of the Building Code, including timeframes for in-effect dates, please visit the Building Code website.