The province has committed to harmonizing the Ontario Building Code with the National Building Code by the end of March, 2024. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) is drafting new building code regulations that will include (if approved) a significant number of changes to the Ontario Building Code. The Ministry hopes to have the new regulations filed and available for public review sometime in late 2023, pending the provincial government’s approval. The Ontario Home Builders’ Association continues to emphasize the need for appropriate time for adoption to ensure a successful transition and application of the new code. We hope to have more information on the changes and timelines over the coming months. We will continue to engage with the Ministry and provide input and comment, as we have on prior industry consultations.

Home builders, building officials, consultants, product manufacturers and others impacted by the proposed code changes are encouraged to review the “Proposed Changes for the Next Edition of Ontario’s Building Code” detailed in the Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 code consultations. Furthermore, OHBA will be bringing forward more resourcing this Fall to support members on code and technical matters in addition to the important service offerings through the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. Members can subscribe to CHBA’s ‘Housing Tech News’ and other e-publications here with information on important work being carried out in the codes front.