Important Notice: Update your Fire Safety Plan for Ontario Code Changes

Act Now:

To Comply with Ontario’s 2026 Code Changes, Update your Fire Safety Plan with Ignis

Attention Property Managers, Building Owners, and Supervisory Staff:

Starting January 1, 2026, significant changes to the Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07) are coming into effect. These changes, introduced by Ontario Regulation 87/25, will impact the fire safety requirements and procedures for many buildings across the province.

They are aimed at harmonizing the Ontario Fire Code with the 2020 National Fire Code of Canada and strengthening fire safety and accountability. As a property manager, it is your responsibility to ensure that your building's Fire Safety Plan is up-to-date and compliant with the new regulations.

Here’s what you need to know…

Key Changes Effective
January 1, 2026

The new regulations introduce changes in several key areas that may require you to update your Fire Safety Plan. Start this process now as changes will require approval by your local Fire Department:

  • Fire Alarm System Inspections
    The new standards (ULC-S536 and ULC-S537) for fire alarm inspection, testing, and verification are being adopted. This will require more detailed inspection reports and potentially longer inspection times.

  • Carbon Monoxide Alarms
    New requirements for carbon monoxide alarms are being introduced for existing residential and care occupancies. Your plan should reflect the proper placement and maintenance of these alarms.

  • Smoke Alarms
    New smoke alarm requirements are coming for existing residential occupancies, particularly in certain boarding, lodging, and two-unit homes.

  • Updated Terminology & Clarifications
    The code includes numerous housekeeping changes to update terminology and clarify existing requirements.

Action Required

To ensure your building remains compliant and safe, you must take the following steps immediately:

  1. Review Your Current Plan
    Obtain a copy of your building's current Fire Safety Plan and review it against the upcoming changes to identify any gaps or areas of non-compliance.

  2. Consult an Expert
    The complexity of these changes warrants a review by a qualified fire safety professional or consultant - Contact Ignis today. We can help you understand the new standards and ensure your plan is fully compliant.

  3. Update the Plan
    Work with a fire safety professional or consultant to update the Fire Safety Plan to reflect the new requirements. The plan should be a living document that is updated whenever there are changes to the building, its occupancy, or the Fire Code itself.

  4. Submit for Approval
    Your updated Fire Safety Plan must be submitted to the local Fire Department for review and approval. It's crucial to do this well in advance of the January 1, 2026 deadline, as the approval process can take time.

  5. Educate Your Team
    Inform all supervisory staff and tenants about the changes and their updated roles and responsibilities as outlined in the new plan.

Staying ahead of these changes is essential for maintaining compliance, ensuring the safety of your occupants, and avoiding potential fines and penalties that municipalities may now impose for fire code violations.

For more detailed information, please refer to the official publications from the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) and the Ontario government.

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