2026 Ontario Fire Code & Building Code Changes (Toronto + Ontario): What You Need To Do
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Fire alarm inspections (ULC-S536-19)
What’s changing (2026): Ontario’s Fire Code updates align annual fire alarm inspections with CAN/ULC-S536-19 (and CAN/ULC-S537-19 for verification on new/altered systems). Expect more detailed testing and reporting vs. older editions.
Who it affects: Any building with a fire alarm system: apartments/condos, offices, retail, industrial, care occupancies.
What to do:
- Book longer inspection windows (tests are more exhaustive).
- Ensure your provider uses S536-19 compliant forms/reporting.
- Schedule repairs for devices that fail under tighter checks.
- Keep reports on-site with your Fire Safety Plan.
CTA: Schedule a ULC-S536 annual inspection
At-a-glance “graph”: inspection effort change (illustrative)
2025 workload: ██████████ (10) 2026 workload: ████████████████ (≈13, ~30% ↑)
Carbon monoxide (CO) alarm retrofits
What’s changing (2026): Expanded CO detection in existing residential and care buildings served by fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. Goal: consistent protection across older stock.
Who it affects: Landlords, condo corporations, retirement & long-term care, group homes, town/stacked houses with central furnaces, etc.
What to do:
- Survey every building: note fuel-burning equipment and air handling zones.
- Install CO alarms where coverage is missing (outside sleeping areas; follow device listing/locations).
- For retrofits, use hardwired with battery backup where feasible; otherwise, listed plug-in/sealed battery.
- Document installation dates; replace per manufacturer life (often 7–10 years).
- Add CO checks to monthly/annual routines.
Integrated life-safety testing (ULC-S1001)
What’s changing (2026): Buildings with interconnected systems (alarm, sprinklers, smoke control, elevators, emergency power) should prove the whole chain works together via CAN/ULC-S1001 integrated testing. Periodic retesting is commonly on a 5-year cycle.
Who it affects: Complex buildings: high-rise residential/commercial, hospitals, campuses, malls, large assembly/industrial.
What to do:
- Engage an Integrated Testing Coordinator (ITC) to write a test plan.
- Stage a full scenario test with all trades (alarm, sprinkler, HVAC, elevator, generator).
- Fix and retest any failed interfaces; keep the integrated test report on-site.
- Align retests with major maintenance cycles.
Sprinkler requirements (new + retrofits)
What’s changing (2025/26):
- New builds: More occupancies now trigger sprinklers. If any upper storey requires sprinklers, lower storeys typically must be sprinklered too. Sprinklered buildings generally need a full fire alarm (monitoring, audibility, strobes).
- Existing: Care/retirement occupancies are expected to be fully sprinklered; remaining extensions wrap up in 2026.
Who it affects: Developers, architects, GCs; owners of care occupancies; owners planning change-of-use or major renos.
What to do:
- For new projects, assume sprinklers earlier in design; allow space for pumps/risers/tanks.
- Confirm alarm monitoring is included.
- For existing care occupancies, finish retrofits; implement interim measures until completion.
- Consider voluntary retrofits in older high-rises for life safety and insurance benefits.
Fire separations & firestopping
What’s changing (2026): No more “tight-fit and hope.” Every penetration through a rated wall/floor must be sealed with a tested firestop system. Expect closer inspection of doors, shafts, and service penetrations. Secondary suites: focus on smoke-tight separations where permitted.
Who it affects: Owners, PMs, trades, TI contractors, homeowners adding suites.
What to do:
- Audit service rooms/shafts/corridors for openings.
- Use listed firestop systems (caulks, collars, wraps) per tested assembly.
- Keep data sheets/photos as proof in your fire records.
- Maintain self-closing doors (no wedges; use hold-opens tied to alarm if needed).
Emergency lighting & exit signage
What’s changing (2025/26):
- Wider application of emergency lighting on backup power.
- Exit signage upgrades: illuminated exit signs and tactile/Braille “EXIT” placards at doors in many buildings.
Who it affects: Most non-single-family occupancies: residential, commercial, institutional, industrial.
What to do:
- Function-test monthly/annually; replace weak batteries/heads.
- Add/upgrade signs to meet visibility + tactile requirements.
- Verify illumination levels along full egress routes.
- Consider photoluminescent path markings in stairs.
Quick egress checklist (copy/paste):
- ☐ Every exit clearly signed (lit + tactile)
- ☐ 30+ minutes of emergency lighting (test logged)
- ☐ No dark spots in stairs/corridors
- ☐ Exit doors operable, not blocked or locked wrong
Fire safety plans & documentation
What’s changing (2026): Bigger emphasis on records. Alarm inspections should use S536-19 forms; keep verification certificates, integrated test reports, sprinkler/standpipe/emergency-lighting testing, drill logs, training records, and the current Fire Safety Plan (FSP) on-site.
Who it affects: Any building that requires an FSP (multi-residential, assembly, business, mercantile, industrial, care).
What to do:
- Update your FSP: add CO devices, integrated testing, new procedures.
- Centralize a Fire Safety Binder/portal with all records.
- Train staff on new procedures and inspection routines.
- Plan annual reviews and re-submissions (where required by AHJ).
Documentation maturity (aim for Level 4+)
Lv1 Scattered papers Lv2 Basic binders Lv3 Complete binders + schedules Lv4 Digital + searchable + reminders ← Aim here Lv5 Analytics + portfolio dashboards
Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs)
What’s changing (2026): Ontario is rolling out AMPs so fire departments can issue on-the-spot fines for certain Fire Code violations (e.g., missed inspections, poor records, blocked exits). Faster enforcement, less court.
Who it affects: Owners, PMs, corporations, occupants—anyone responsible for a violation.
What to do (avoid fines):
- Don’t miss annual inspections and monthly checks.
- Fix exit/door/signage/emergency-light issues promptly.
- Keep proof: logs, reports, certificates.
- Run self-audits; treat them like mock inspections.
Common AMP triggers (sample):
- Missing/overdue alarm/sprinkler inspection
- Blocked exit or wedged fire door
- Dead emergency lights or exit signs
- No FSP on-site / missing logs
Accessibility & retrofit obligations
What’s changing (2025/26): New builds and major renos must hit stronger accessibility targets (barrier-free entrances with operators, clearer signage including Braille, improved paths, updated washrooms). Expect more visual alarm coverage.
Who it affects: Developers, owners planning renos, public-facing occupancies.
What to do:
- Add door operators at public entrances.
- Ensure tactile/Braille signage at exits and key rooms.
- Coordinate visual strobes with alarm upgrades.
- Include assistance plans in your FSP (persons requiring aid).
CTA: Talk to our code consultants about accessibility impacts
2025–2026 Timeline & Action Plan
Simple timeline
2025 Q1 → New OBC in force for permits (design to new rules) 2025 Q3 → Update FSPs, train staff, pre-audit your buildings 2025 Q4 → Scope CO retrofits; schedule 2026 alarm testing early 2026 Jan → Fire Code updates in effect (S536, integrated testing, CO coverage) 2026 H1 → Final sprinkler retrofit extensions in care occupancies wrap up 2026 All → AMP enforcement ramps up; keep records tight
Your 6-step action plan
- Gap check: CO coverage, alarm inspection readiness, egress signage, records.
- Book services: ULC-S536 inspections, CO retrofits, integrated testing.
- Fix findings: Devices, firestopping, doors, lights, signs.
- Update FSP & train: New procedures; drill calendar.
- Centralize records: Binder + digital backups; set reminders.
- Pre-inspection audit: We’ll walk it like an AHJ.
Big CTA: Contact us for a compliance assessment • Book your 2026 inspection now
Helpful links (official resources)
- Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal (OFMEM): https://www.ontario.ca/page/office-fire-marshal
- Ontario Building Code (2024 Edition): https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-building-code
- Toronto Fire Services – Prevention, Inspection & Enforcement: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/public-safety-alerts/fire-prevention-inspection-enforcement/
- Carbon Monoxide Safety (Ontario): https://www.ontario.ca/page/carbon-monoxide
- ULC Standards (S536/S537/S1001) – info & purchasing: https://www.csagroup.org/store/
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