Effective January 1, 2026, there are new requirements in the Ontario Fire Code that will affect equipment and operations in residential buildings. Some of the key updates are summarized below. See Regulation 87/25 for all changes.  

1. Doors and Entrances

The current Fire Code requirements for locking, latching and fastening devices for required exit doors will now apply for every exit door.

Unless equipped with an electromagnetic locking device that is approved by the Chief Fire Official of your municipality or complies with the Building Code, all exit door locking mechanisms must either be approved by the Chief Fire Official or be a simple release that can be readily opened from the inside.

2. Inspections, Testing and Reporting

Ontario is adopting the ULC-S536 and ULC-S537 standards for fire alarm inspection, testing, and verification. Beginning January 1, 2026, inspection reports and verification forms must follow a specific Code-required format with precise details.

New requirements include:

• Report Format –mandatory standardized forms for annual and monthly reports
• Battery Testing –from basic voltage checks to functional/load testing with recorded results
• Devices – newer devices like voice evac and wireless CO detectors, need to be tested
• Deficiency Handling – are to be recorded in separate lists apart from notes for clearer “fix-lists”
• Attendance Log – now requires standard information including names, dates, and times
• Monthly Checks –mandatory standardized monthly logs

3. Keys and Special devices

Any keys or special devices needed to operate the firm alarm system or provide access to any fire protection systems or equipment shall be readily available to on-duty supervisory staff.

4. Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Devices

If the building uses a forced-air fuel-burning appliance for heat, a CO alarm must be installed outside each sleeping area if the unit is heated by the appliance, each storey without a sleeping area, the appliance service room, and in public corridors heated by the appliance spaced a maximum of 25 metres apart (and there must be at least one per portion of a divided corridor).

5. Fire System Monitoring: Written Documentation

If fire alarm monitoring is required under the Building or Fire Code and is provided by a central station, the owner must get documentation that the monitoring service complies with:

1. NFPA 71 “Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Signaling Systems for Central Station Service” or
2. CAN/ULC-S561 “Standard for Installation and Services for Fire Signal Receiving Centres and Systems”

There are also changes to the integrated fire protection and life safety systems testing to conform with the national CAN/ULC-S1001 standard.

6. New Enforcement Tool: Administrative Monetary Penalties

Municipalities in Ontario could start handing out fines for Fire Code violations through something called Administrative Monetary Penalties, or AMPs.  Tenants, owners, corporations, and others who are found to be in breach of fire safety rules can all be held accountable under this tool. 

To ensure continued compliance with the updated Fire Code requirements taking effect January 1, 2026, building operators are strongly encouraged to consult with their fire and life safety consultant. A thorough review of the forthcoming changes will help identify any necessary adjustments to procedures and reporting and ensure that all life safety equipment is up to date. Early engagement will also help avoid potential compliance issues as the new regulations come into force.   

Kristin Ley is a Partner and the Practice Group Leader in the Multi-Residential Housing Group and she can be reached at: