ONTARIO FIRE CODE CHANGES FOR 2026

the essential guide to help you understand What is changing and how these changes impact all of us?

Starting January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code will mandate the adoption of the CAN/ULC-S536:19 Standard for the Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems.

The changes were made official through Ontario Regulation 87/25, an amending regulation filed under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997. This amendment package, aimed at aligning Ontario with the 2020 National Fire Code of Canada, was published in the Ontario Gazette and registered with the Ministry of the Attorney General, with its details announced in early 2025 via official bulletins from the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management.

This Standard replaces the previous edition (often referenced as the 2013 version in practice, though some sources note earlier alignments like 2004) and aims to enhance system reliability, incorporate modern technologies, and standardize processes across the province.

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WHY THESE CHANGES MATTERThis is a signifant update that impacts all building owners and property managers in Ontario with fire alarm systems.

The CAN/ULC-S536:19 standard shifts inspections from basic checks to more rigorous, component-level verifications, ensuring systems perform reliably in emergencies. This aligns Ontario with practices already in place in other provinces like British Columbia and Manitoba, reducing inconsistencies and enhancing overall safety. Key drivers include:

Better detection of hidden issues through deeper testing.
Standardized reporting to support insurance, audits, and regulatory enforcement.
Coverage of emerging tech like wireless systems and air-sampling detectors.

Impacts on Your Preventive Maintenance ProgramsYour current maintenance routine will need adjustments to align with these requirements.

Extended Inspection Times: Annual inspections may take 20-35% longer due to thorough testing and documentation-potentially requiring multiple visits for large or complex buildings (e.g., high-rises with suite access needs). Plan for this in your scheduling to avoid downtime.
Monthly Checks Get Formalized: Shift from ad-hoc logs to standardized forms. This is straightforward but requires training your on-site team or contractors to maintain accurate records.
Deficiency Management: Expect more "must-fix" items uncovered by deeper tests (e.g., aging batteries or unlabeled devices). You'll need to track corrections with proof, integrating this into your Fire Safety Plan.
Program Updates to Stay Compliant: Update your service contracts to include the new CAN/ULC-S536:19 requirements. For multi-tenant or residential properties, plan ahead for better resident access coordination. These steps strengthen system reliability, reduce risks like false alarms or failures, and may help lower insurance costs over time.

In short: Your program becomes more structured and proactive, but it demands longer testing timelines, better coordination, and rigorous record-keeping.

Understanding Possible Cost Increases

While the standard prioritizes safety, it does come with upfront adjustments. Based on industry analyses, here's a realistic outlook:

Inspection Fees: Expect a rise in annual inspection costs due to increased labor. This varies by building size, system type, complexity, and location.
Deficiency Work: Deeper testing may reveal more deficiencies, adding 10-20% to your yearly maintenance budget initially.
Other Factors: No major equipment overhauls are required for existing systems, but voluntary upgrades could qualify as recommendations.

These one-time increases are industry-wide and impact all buildings in Ontario.

How WE Can Support You

We're here to make this transition seamless. If you have questions, please reach out to your Account Manager, or use the form below to reach out to us and one of our Fire Protection Experts will be in contact.

Contact us today and let's turn these changes into an opportunity for stronger safety and peace of mind.

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