Inspections

Inspections ensure that buildings in Ontario comply with the Ontario Fire Code. The Code states that existing buildings must be maintained as built or retrofitted to ensure occupant fire safety.

Specific inspections are required for:

  • Licensing of public garages,
  • liquor licences,
  • public-hall licences,
  • fire-safety plans, and
  • fire routes

Fire-safety inspections can be initiated three ways:

  1. public complaints
  2. firefighter-identified fault
  3. owner's request

Retrofitting

Retrofit legislation as described in Part 9 of the Fire Code addresses the upgrade of existing buildings. Under Part 9 of the Fire Code, alteration may require some construction, renovations or additions. The owner must submit plans, obtain necessary permits, and have all of the work approved by the local Building Code officials. The buildings concerned include:

  • assembly occupancies,
  • rooming houses,
  • health-care facilities, and
  • multi-unit residential buildings.

Since the application of these regulations, all City health-care facilities, most local rooming houses and some urban-assembly occupancies have completed the retrofit process.

To date, only older highrise apartments have been inspected and are in various stages of completing compliance with the Code.

Residential buildings with two dwelling units must also meet the retrofit safety regulations. They must have:

  • an electrical inspection by and subsequent approval from Electrical Safety Authority,
  • inter-connected smoke alarms,
  • fire separations and
  • adequate exits.

Exemptions

Federal and farm buildings (excluding residences) and foreign embassies are exempt from the regulations governing the Ontario Fire Code.

For more information, please call 613-580-2860.

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