Apr 2021

Canadian Legislative Review: Overview of Codes, Standards and Regulations

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

ProvinceProvince Code AdoptionAdditional
NFPA Standards
NFPA 13
Edition Adopted
Local Jurisdiction Can Use Latest NFPA 13 EditionMinimum
Base or a Min/Max for Endorsement
Alberta2014 Alberta Bldg. Code
(amended 2010 NBC)
NBC 2010 amended
13D, 13R, 14, 202013Yes, W/AHJ approval

Minimum
British ColumbiaNBC 2010 amended2010 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 & 202013 as of 12/14NoMinimum
ManitobaNBC 2015 amendedNo2013Yes, w/AHJ approvalMinimum
New Brunswick2010 NBC13D, 13R, 14, 202010Yes, w/AHJ approvalMinimum
Newfoundland2010 NBC & NFPA 10113D, 13R, 14, 20LatestYesMinimum
Nova Scotia2010 NBC13D, 13R, 14, 202013Yes, w/AHJ approvalMinimum
Ontario2012 Ontario Building Code (amended 2010 NBCC)13D, 13R, 14, 202013Yes, w/AHJ approvalMinimum
Prince Edward Island2010 NBC & NFPA 1 & 101 (NBC Province not Authority)13D, 13R, 14, 202013Yes, w/AHJ approvalMinimum
Quebec2015 Quebec Construction Code (amended 2010 NBC)13D, 13R, 14, 202007Yes, w/AHJ approvalMinimum
Saskatchewan2010 NBC with 2013 Saskatchewan amended13D, 13R, 14, 202007Yes, w/AHJ approvalMinimum
NBC – National Building Code of Canada

Canada Inspection, Testing and Maintenance and Seismic Protection Requirements

ProvinceRequired 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:
AlbertaN

Only in active seismic areas
British ColumbiaNNNNY
ManitobaNNNY (requires apprenticeship cert. for sprinklers)Only in active seismic areas
New BrunswickNOnly in active seismic areas
NewfoundlandNOnly in active seismic areas
Nova ScotiaY (requires a Red Seal sprinkler fitter) Yes, if required by code
OntarioNOnly in active seismic areas
Prince Edward IslandNOnly in active seismic areas
QuebecNOnly in active seismic areas
SaskatchewanNOnly in active seismic areas
Sprinkler Age Magazine

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.