May is Building Safety Month

Ontario declared May to be Building Safety Month, recognizing the importance of the province’s Building Code and the critical role building officials play in maintaining public health and safety, while making it easier and faster to build new homes and hit our target of 1.5 million new homes by 2031.

Ontario’s Building Code establishes construction standards to keep people safe, including requirements for fire safety, accessibility, structural sufficiency and water and energy conservation.

The province is making changes to Ontario’s Building Code to unlock housing, reduce barriers and help speed up construction. For example, using innovative construction materials and techniques to save time and money, streamlining modular multi-unit residential building requirements and encouraging innovative approaches to homeownership.

Last year, Ontario introduced a new digital Building Code compendium that can be used on mobile phones and tablets, making it easier to use on construction sites and in remote areas.