Updates

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

New federal-provincial-territorial board formed to harmonize construction codes across Canada

Nov. 22, 2022 Today, the newly formed Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) assumes responsibility for the development of Canada’s National Model Codes. The CBHCC replaces the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) – the committee responsible for managing the national code development system in Canada since 1991. The creation of the CBHCC is part of a broader set of governance changes including the dissolution of the Provincial/Territorial Advisory Committee on Codes (PTPACC), which previously advised the CCBFC on policy matters. Under the new governance model, strategic policy direction will be set by the Canadian Table for Harmonized Construction Codes Policy, which will oversee the CBHCC and include deputy-minister-level decision-makers from provincial, territorial, and federal governments. The governance changes are a significant step towards supporting the adoption of harmonized Construction Codes in Canada. The new model will remove barriers to the free movement of goods, services, and investments within Canada. The new governance model will also include