The 2020 National Model Codes were published March 28, 2022, updating a set of model construction codes that will make Canadian homes and buildings safer and more accessible, while responding to climate change. The new Codes 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, 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.”

One take-away for agriculture:  

• The introduction of technical requirements for large farm buildings and addition of new agricultural occupancies.

Code users are invited to download the Codes and review the changes that apply to their work. 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.

Discussions about the 2025 National Model Codes are already underway. 

The 2020 Codes are available through the National Research Council of Canada (NRC)’s 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. 

The National Model Codes are developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes on a five-year cycle and are published by the NRC.

Source: Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, March 28, 2022 news release