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Public review of proposed model code changes now open

The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is inviting code users, interested parties, and the broader public to take part in the first public review of the 2030 code cycle. Proposed changes to the National Model Codes in this review address modular construction compliance and prescriptive compliance for Energy Performance Tier 2, among other key topics, including: Accessibility Airtightness Automatic sprinkler systems Drainage systems Fire protection Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems Plumbing materials and equipment The public review runs from April 27 to June 22, 2026. Those interested in participating in the review can access the proposed changes on the CBHCC website and provide feedback. The public review gives Canadians and interested organizations a chance to help shape the National Model Codes. After the review, comments will be assessed by the relevant code development committees and recommendations on the proposed changes will be made to the CBHCC. Approved changes will be included in the 2030 editions of

Introduction to the National Model Codes

Understanding Canada’s National Model Codes and how to get involved in their development. What are the National Model Codes? The model construction codes are sets of model rules that outline how buildings must be designed, constructed and operated. They provide minimum requirements that builders and designers must follow once adopted in regulation. In Canada, the provinces and territories regulate the design and construction of houses and buildings. The National Model Codes serve as models for provincial and territorial regulations. The five documents that make up the National Model Codes are: National Building Code of Canada (NBC) National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC) National Fire Code of Canada (NFC) National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NEBC) National Farm Building Code of Canada (last published in 1995) Who is the CBHCC? The National Model Codes are developed by the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC), an intergovernmental body composed of provincial, territorial, and federal government department representatives. The CBHCC is

Work on the 2030 editions of the National Model Codes is underway

Accessibility, housing supply, and harmonization are among the priorities for the 2030 editions of Canada’s National Model Codes. With the publication of the 2025 editions of the National Model Codes in December 2025, work on the 2030 Codes is already underway. The code development process includes strategic direction setting, work planning, change development, public reviews, and publication. Long description of the infographic of the development process of Canada’s National Model Codes This infographic illustrates the five-step process used by the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) to develop Canada’s National Model Codes. The steps are arranged in a circular flowchart, with each step represented by a numbered segment of the circle. Each step is color-coded for differentiation. Step 1: Strategic direction setting The first segment of the circle is green and positioned at the top. Inside this segment, there is a white icon depicting a gear with a light bulb inside it. A callout box to the right states:

How the National Model Codes facilitate the construction of more accessible homes and buildings

Accessibility continues to be a priority for the 2030 code cycle. For decades, the National Model Codes system has been working to create more accessible buildings through updates to the National Building Code. Each new edition contains provisions that aim to create barrier-free access to buildings across Canada. For instance, in the 2015 and 2020 editions of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC), several accessibility-related changes were introduced. These included updates to washroom fixtures and spaces, doorway dimensions, and other building elements to accommodate modern mobility aids and to improve accessibility and safety. This article summarizes provisions introduced in the 2025 edition of the National Building Code and looks ahead to accessibility-related work underway in the current code cycle. 2025 Code changes build on accessibility progress The code development cycle engaged participants from across Canada, including people with lived experience, industry experts, regulators, interested organizations, and the general public, leading to the publication of the 2025 editions of the

2025 National Model Codes now available

New model codes introduce updates that advance the harmonization of building design and construction requirements across Canada, expand the range of compliance options available to code users, incorporate forward-looking climatic data in building design to help prepare buildings for future climate conditions while reducing the construction sector’s contribution to climate change, and improve the accessibility of homes and buildings for Canadians. December 22, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Today, the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) released the 2025 editions of the National Model Codes, which focus on the health, safety, and accessibility of homes and buildings, the protection of buildings from damage, and the protection of the environment. Their publication is the culmination of a code development cycle that included extensive input from expert volunteers, the construction sector, interested organizations, and the public. While the development of these editions began under the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, they were completed under the new governance framework established

CBHCC Seeking Applicants for Advisory Council Chair

September 25, 2024 – Ottawa, ON The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is seeking expressions of interest from individuals to be considered for Chair of the Advisory Council for Harmonized Construction Codes (Advisory Council). Applicants have until October 9, 2024 to submit their credentials. Anyone interested in applying for the position should have experience in the use or development of construction codes, building design, construction, or building use and operations as well as experience chairing group deliberations. Interested applicants can learn more about the position and apply through the CBHCC’s website at https://cbhcc-cchcc.ca/en/call-for-advisory-council-chair/. As the CBHCC ramps up planning for the next code cycle, it is looking for a new Chair for the Advisory Council that will play an important role in Canada’s code development system. The Chair will facilitate the work of the Advisory Council, which provides invaluable advice to the CBHCC and helps shape the National Model Codes. The Advisory Council has a mandate to provide

CBHCC seeking volunteers to support development of the 2030 National Model Codes

April 8, 2024 – Ottawa, ON The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is seeking volunteers to serve on code development committees for the 2030 code cycle. Successful applicants will help develop the 2030 editions of the National Model Codes, with work expected to kickoff in January 2025. Code development for the 2030 codes will include topics such as accessibility, climate change mitigation and adaptation, alterations to existing buildings, housing supply, harmonization, performance-based solutions, and other targeted technical topics and maintenance tasks. The CBHCC is looking to recruit volunteers who reflect Canada’s regional and ethnic diversity, have broad knowledge of the Codes, and have technical expertise and lived experience in areas that pertain to building design, construction and use. “Committee volunteers are critical to Canada’s code development process,” said Jun’ichi Jensen, Member and Co-Chair of the CBHCC. “Without the technical expertise and experience of our volunteers, this important work would not be possible. Volunteering on code development committees is a

New National Model Codes Released – Prioritize Safety, Accessibility, Climate Readiness

March 28, 2022 – Ottawa, ON The 2020 National Model Codes were released today, providing an updated set of model construction codes that will make 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 new Codes are more reflective of the current world we live in,” said Kevin Griffiths, Chair, Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC). “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.” Highlights from the new Codes include: A clarification that, through certain technical requirements, the existing Fire Safety