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PHOTO: COURTESY OF NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL CANADA
2020 National Model Codes now available The 2020 National Model Codes have finally been released. The updated set of model construction codes aim to make Canadian homes and buildings safer and more accessible, while responding to climate change. Codes included in the March 2022 release 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 of the 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.” The 2020 codes include nearly 400 changes developed through an open, transparent, and consensus-based process that included expert volunteers from across Canada. Updates follow a structured fiveyear cycle. Among the current changes to the codes are revised instructions about safety glazing in windows and doors for schools; requirements impacting evaporative equipment and drain pans to minimize the growth and transmission of bacteria; adjustments to the minimum dimensions of building elements to accommodate people using a wider variety of mobility devices; and the introduction of encapsulated mass timber construction to allow for the construction of wood buildings up to 12 storeys tall. As part of the development process, the public was given an opportunity to review and comment on all proposed
changes before the codes were finalized. Current provincial and territorial building, fire, plumbing and energy regulations will remain in effect until the 2020 codes are adopted, with or without modifications, by the provincial or territorial authorities having jurisdiction. The 2020 codes are available through the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) publications archive in a free electronic format for download. To purchase the publications in print format,
an order can be placed online through the NRC’s virtual store.
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