In their November/December 2020 issue, Sprinkler Age magazine featured its Annual Legislative Review for the United States and Canada. This summary of legislation and codes offers an overview of regulations affecting the fire sprinkler industry in individual Canadian provinces. The information was obtained from a survey mailed to the fire marshals in all 10 provinces. Listed below are the responses and findings for Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan. A dash (-) indicates no response.
Legislative Review 2020
| Province | Province Code Adoption | Additional NFPA Standards | NFPA 13 Edition Adopted | Local Jurisdiction Can Use Latest NFPA 13 Edition | Minimum Base or a Min/Max for Endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 2014 Alberta Bldg. Code (amended 2010 NBC) NBC 2010 amended | 13D, 13R, 14, 20 | 2013 | Yes, W/AHJ approval | Minimum |
| British Columbia | NBC 2010 amended | 2010 NBC adopted in ‘12 but updated in ‘17 to req. NFPA 13R (‘13 ed.). Also updated ‘14 to req. ‘10 versions of NFPA 13D, 14 & 20 | 2013 as of 12/14 | No | Minimum |
| Manitoba | NBC 2015 amended | No | 2013 | Yes, w/AHJ approval | Minimum |
| New Brunswick | 2010 NBC | 13D, 13R, 14, 20 | 2010 | Yes, w/AHJ approval | Minimum |
| Newfoundland | 2010 NBC & NFPA 101 | 13D, 13R, 14, 20 | Latest | Yes | Minimum |
| Nova Scotia | 2010 NBC | 13D, 13R, 14, 20 | 2013 | Yes, w/AHJ approval | Minimum |
| Ontario | 2012 Ontario Building Code (amended 2010 NBCC) | 13D, 13R, 14, 20 | 2013 | Yes, w/AHJ approval | Minimum |
| Prince Edward Island | 2010 NBC & NFPA 1 & 101 (NBC Province not Authority) | 13D, 13R, 14, 20 | 2013 | Yes, w/AHJ approval | Minimum |
| Quebec | 2015 Quebec Construction Code (amended 2010 NBC) | 13D, 13R, 14, 20 | 2007 | Yes, w/AHJ approval | Minimum |
| Saskatchewan | 2010 NBC with 2013 Saskatchewan amended | 13D, 13R, 14, 20 | 2007 | Yes, w/AHJ approval | Minimum |
Canada Inspection, Testing and Maintenance and Seismic Protection Requirements
| Province | Required for those who perform inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems: NICET Level I | Required for those who perform inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems: NICET Level II | Required for those who perform inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems: NICET Level III | Required for those who perform inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems: Other (CSA, Local) | Seismic protection required on fire sprinkler systems: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | – | – | N | – | Only in active seismic areas |
| British Columbia | N | N | N | N | Y |
| Manitoba | N | N | N | Y (requires apprenticeship cert. for sprinklers) | Only in active seismic areas |
| New Brunswick | – | – | N | – | Only in active seismic areas |
| Newfoundland | – | – | N | – | Only in active seismic areas |
| Nova Scotia | – | – | – | Y (requires a Red Seal sprinkler fitter) | Yes, if required by code |
| Ontario | – | – | N | – | Only in active seismic areas |
| Prince Edward Island | – | – | N | – | Only in active seismic areas |
| Quebec | – | – | N | – | Only in active seismic areas |
| Saskatchewan | – | – | N | – | Only in active seismic areas |
Risk Logic, Inc. can be of assistance regarding fire protection Codes and Regulations. We can ensure that the above codes, as well as NFPA and FM Global standards, are being followed to avoid a major property loss.