Ontario declares May as ‘Building Safety Month’

The Ontario government has declared May to be ‘Building Safety Month.’ This recognizes 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. 

The Ontario Building Code establishes high standards for construction to keep people safe, including requirements for fire safety devices, accessibility, structural sufficiency, and water and energy conservation. It is updated regularly to reflect technical advancements, expert research, and government priorities. The government works closely with its partners in the sector – building officials, fire prevention officials, architects, engineers, builders, and the construction industry – to ensure that Ontario’s buildings continue to be some of the safest and most accessible in North America. The province is also working to better align the Ontario Building Code with national construction codes. Increased harmonization of construction codes will help reduce red tape and overcome barriers related to trade, product manufacturing, and building design and maintenance, supporting market standardization across the country.