As previously communicated to members, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) conducted public consultations on proposed amendments to the Building Code (Ontario Regulation 332/12) as it relates to sheds/ancillary buildings, as well as other interim amendments to the 2012 Ontario Building Code, such as phased occupancy of super-tall buildings, factory-built/modular construction of multi-unit residential and other buildings, and the implementation of a notification program for truss and lightweight construction. Members should make themselves aware of the proposed changes as they could affect the practice of architecture in the upcoming months.
Modular Construction
The Ministry is seeking to enhance the use of factory-built buildings and modular construction, including housing, in Ontario, going as far as seeking input on a proposed amendment that would extend a CSA standard/approval process to larger factory-built buildings. (This standard already applies to factory-built houses.) If this gets implemented, members may be called upon to design projects with that approach in mind. You may want to consider reviewing content that relates to modular construction (CSA A277, in particular) as this may pop up if MMAH proceeds with the changes.
Truss and Lightweight Construction Systems
On March 17, the MMAH (via CodeNews Issue 328) advised it made amendments to the Ontario Building Code to require identification of new and renovated buildings constructed using truss and lightweight construction systems on a go-forward basis, beginning on July 1, 2022.
Harmonization of National Construction Codes
Under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), the Province of Ontario signed the Reconciliation Agreement on Construction Codes on August 27, 2020 to further harmonize the current Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code with the current National Construction Codes. The goal of the harmonization of codes is to help reduce barriers related to trade, product manufacturing, building design, and maintenance. Last fall, more than 800 changes were proposed to the current OBC. The consultation continues with more than 800 additional changes proposed for the next version of the OBC this winter.
Members should make themselves aware of the proposed changes as they will affect the practice of architecture for years to come. Members should also track proposed changes to the National Construction Codes as they will likely find themselves quickly incorporated into the OBC.