Condo Living

June 29, 2026 Published by Huronia Chapter - By Michele Farley

2026 Ontario Fire Code Changes: What Condominium Communities Need to Know

From the CCI Huronia Summer 2026 Condo Buzz Newsletter

The updated Ontario Fire Code came into effect on January 1, 2026, bringing several changes that will affect condominium corporations, boards, and property managers. While many revisions simply align Ontario with the National Fire Code, others introduce new responsibilities that require planning and attention.

Combined with increased fire department inspections and stricter enforcement across the province, these changes reinforce the importance of taking a proactive approach to fire safety and compliance.

Modernized Record Keeping

One of the most practical updates is the acceptance of electronic records. Inspection reports, maintenance logs, and testing documentation may now be stored digitally, provided they can be produced promptly during a fire department inspection.

Condominium corporations should ensure records are well organized, include both the contractors and staff inspection records, and that staff know how to access them quickly if requested.

New Rules for Common Area Furniture

The revised Fire Code provides clearer guidance on furniture in residential lobbies and corridors. Solid wood furniture and certain approved upholstered furnishings are now permitted, provided they do not obstruct exit routes and meet specific fire safety requirements.

The changes offer greater flexibility while establishing consistent expectations for both building owners and fire inspectors.

Expanded Inspection and Testing Requirements

Several new provisions focus on ensuring building safety systems continue to perform as intended. There are more stringent requirements in ULC-S-536 annual fire inspections.

Plus, Means of egress doors, including suite doors, must be inspected regularly to confirm they operate properly, while specialized doors such as sliding doors, revolving doors, and electromagnetic locking systems require periodic testing and documented records.

The Code also requires supervisory staff to have immediate access to keys or devices needed to reach fire protection equipment, including sprinkler rooms, fire alarm panels, and emergency generators.

Carbon Monoxide Requirements Have Expanded

One of the most significant changes involves carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.

The updated Code expands where CO alarms are required in residential buildings served by fuel-burning appliances or containing attached parking garages. In many cases, alarms are now required on every storey of a dwelling—not just near sleeping areas. Additional requirements also apply to certain common corridors and care occupancies.

These changes may affect maintenance programs, replacement schedules, and resident communications, particularly in townhouse and low-rise condominium communities.

Integrated Systems Testing Becomes Standard Practice

The Code also reinforces the importance of Integrated Systems Testing under CAN/ULC-S1001.

Buildings constructed since 2020, along with those completing significant fire protection or life safety upgrades, must verify that interconnected systems—including fire alarms, elevators, smoke control systems, and magnetic door holders—operate together correctly.

Condominium corporations planning major renovations should include integrated systems testing as part of their project planning and budgeting. S-1001 is outside the scope of what your fire alarm contractors test and must be conducted by a certified firm.

Fire Code Compliance Goes Beyond Equipment Testing

A common misconception is that passing the annual fire alarm inspection means a building is fully compliant.

In reality, annual testing addresses only one aspect of fire safety. Fire code compliance also includes maintaining current Fire Safety Plans, documenting inspections, training staff, conducting required drills, keeping accurate records, and correcting deficiencies promptly.

Many of these responsibilities rest with the condominium corporation and property management team—not the fire alarm contractor.

Be prepared in 2026

The new Fire Code serves as a reminder that fire safety is an ongoing management responsibility, not simply an annual inspection.

Boards and managers should review their Fire Safety Plans, confirm maintenance and inspection procedures reflect the new requirements, ensure records are complete and readily accessible, and prepare for any upcoming renovations that could affect life safety systems.

Taking a proactive approach not only reduces the likelihood of enforcement action but also strengthens resident safety and demonstrates due diligence.

Ultimately, the goal of the 2026 Fire Code changes is not simply regulatory compliance—it is ensuring that buildings, life safety systems, and the people responsible for them are prepared to respond effectively when an emergency occurs.

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Michele Farley
FCS Fire Consulting Services Ltd.
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