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Canadian Codes Centre

		Additional Info
		Purchase Construction Codes / User's Guides online
		Proposed Changes to the 1995 Codes
		Barrett document (PDF, HTML)

Today's construction technologies and techniques differ vastly from those in use at the time the first National Building Code (NBC) was produced in 1941. To keep pace with changes, and to ensure that the latest innovations and applications are applied safely by the construction industry, a new version of the NBC is published approximately every five years. IRC's Canadian Codes Centre plays a vital role in this process by providing technical and administrative support to the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) and its related committees, which are responsible for the development of the national model construction codes of Canada. These codes are the following:

• National Building Code of Canada 2005
• National Fire Code of Canada 2005
• National Plumbing Code of Canada 2005
• National Farm Building Code of Canada 1995
• National Housing Code of Canada and Illustrated Guide 1998
• Model National Energy Code of Canada for Houses 1997
• Model National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 1997

The CCBFC oversees the work of a number of technical standing committees, whose members apply their experience to develop and improve the codes that protect the health and safety of Canadians. Representing all major facets of the construction industry, Commission members include building and fire officials, architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners as well as members of the public. They serve as individuals, not as designated appointees of any organization. IRC, through the Canadian Codes Centre, ensures that the best available knowledge from across Canada and around the world is brought to bear on the development of the national codes. The unique association between IRC and the CCBFC gives the Commission ready access to IRC scientists, engineers and state-of-the-art facilities, enhancing Canada's position as a world leader in the development of comprehensive, yet practical, construction codes.

COORDINATED CODES SYSTEM

The input of provincial governments, municipalities and the construction industry is crucial to the strength of Canada's codes. The current code-writing process has one of the most extensive-and involved-public review procedures in the world. Thorough consultations lead to an improved coordinated approach to code development involving every province, territory and the CCBFC.

Enhancing the code-writing process by coordinating the separate national and provincial public reviews promotes greater participation by the provinces and territories, better stakeholder consultation, and more uniform provincial and territorial codes. The participation of the provinces and territories at every stage of code development streamlines the process and encourages the elimination of differences between the provincial and territorial codes.

OBJECTIVE-BASED CODES

While Canada's national construction codes have continually improved over the years, they have also become somewhat more complex. The CCBFC has therefore undertaken to develop an easier-to-understand, easier-to-implement system of objective-based codes, which were published in September 2005.

By explaining every requirement in terms of its underlying aim, objective-based codes help users understand clearly the reasons behind the requirements. This capitalizes on the flexibility that exists in the current codes: if a new method or technology-one not mentioned specifically under a particular requirement-is shown to achieve the intended purpose, it can be recognized as an acceptable alternative. Therefore, objective-based codes promise to foster a spirit of innovation and create new opportunities for Canadian manufacturers.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

An important aspect of the work of the Canadian Codes Centre lies in helping code users to understand and apply the codes. To this end, the Centre, through the CCBFC, provides commentaries, user's guides and seminars to the construction industry explaining the intent and application of code requirements. An illustrated Housing Code specific to house construction requirements provides clear, detailed, instructive illustration. A guide to the National Plumbing Code and an updated user guide on building-envelope requirements are also available.

HOW TO REACH US

For more information on Canada's national model construction codes, or if you are interested in becoming a member of one of the standing committees or groups, please contact:

Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes
Canadian Codes Centre
National Research Council of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0R6
Telephone: (613) 993-9960
Facsimile: (613) 952-4040
E-mail: codes@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca