Update on Harmonization of Building Codes

As first announced in the Fall Economic Statement, the National Research Council (NRC), through the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS), has made the National Building Code of Canada free to access as of April 2, 2019. The code contains the national model and standards for buildings, fire, plumbing and energy, and sets out the requirements for the design and construction of new buildings. It also outlines the provisions for the alteration, change of use and demolition of existing buildings. The code's application varies from province to province and is applied differently across the country. These differences in application impose significant costs and impacts on productivity. Allowing for the code to be accessed free is a part of a greater move by the federal government to obtain consensus from the provinces and territories to harmonize building codes across the country. Access copies of the codes and supplementary documents here.