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2026 Ontario Fire Code Update: The Complete Checklist for Condo Boards

Writer: City Sites Property Management
City Sites Property Management
Feb 18
3 min read

Significant Ontario Fire Code amendments took effect on January 1, 2026. For condominium boards, relevant changes can include carbon monoxide alarms, updated fire-alarm standards, certain integrated systems, smoke-control provisions, exit-door testing in specified smoke-control situations, and electronic records. Which requirements apply depends on the building's occupancy, systems, and design. The requirements are set out under O. Reg. 213/07, as amended.


Red binder with blank label on a desk beside a pen and open book, suggesting office paperwork

In City Site’s podcast “Ontario Fire Code Changes Condo Boards Need To Know in 2026” with Sam Soltani of The Trace Group, we discuss exactly the practical compliance steps created by the 2026 Ontario Fire Code changes, alongside other fire alarms, smoke control, fire safety plans, and record keeping. The podcast offers a practical companion to the checklist by explaining how the new requirements affect day-to-day board oversight.


It helps listeners connect individual inspections and records with the larger goal of keeping a building continuously ready. Check out more information about this podcast here: #WeSpeakCondo podcast


1. Carbon Monoxide Detection in Hallways

Where a forced-air fuel-burning appliance outside a residential or care suite directly heats a public corridor serving residential suites, the amended Fire Code requires CO alarms in that corridor. In an undivided corridor, required alarms must be spaced not more than 25 metres apart. Boards should confirm whether this rule applies to their building and whether required alarms are installed, tested, and recorded.


2. Fire Alarm Testing Under CAN/ULC-S536 and S537

Ontario's Fire Code references CAN/ULC-S536-2019 for inspection and testing of fire alarm systems and CAN/ULC-S537-2019 for verification when verification is required. These standards serve different purposes. Required Fire Code tests and corrective measures must be documented, and boards should ask their qualified fire-alarm contractor to identify the applicable standard and reporting requirements for the work being performed.


3. Integrated Systems Testing Under CAN/ULC-S1001

Integrated testing under CAN/ULC-S1001 applies only to qualifying integrated systems. Effective January 1, 2026, the Fire Code requires ongoing testing and maintenance to S1001 for integrated systems installed on or after January 1, 2020 that were required by the Building Code to be verified to that standard. Boards planning fire-alarm, sprinkler, door-release, or security-interface work should confirm with the project professional whether verification or integrated-system requirements apply.


4. Smoke Control Procedures

Smoke-control inspection and testing requirements are system-specific. For systems designed to Building Code requirements, testing follows procedures established by the system designer. If those procedures are unavailable, the system must be assessed and written periodic procedures established and signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer or Architect, unless another procedure is approved. Boards should confirm the applicable procedure and test schedule for their building.


5. Exit Door Testing

The 2026 amendments include a door-operability requirement in a specific smoke-control context. Where vestibules, stairshafts, or other areas are pressurized as a means of smoke control, all doors in the path of exit travel must be tested for required operability when the entire smoke-control system is tested. This should not be described as a new blanket testing rule for every exit door in every residential building.


6. Records and the Annual Fire Safety Plan

Electronic records are now expressly permitted where they can readily be made available to the Chief Fire Official on request. Fire safety plans to which Section 2.8 applies must be reviewed at least every 12 months and revised as necessary. The Code does not impose a province-wide annual resubmission process. Required testing and corrective-action records should be stored where they can be produced when requested.


A Checklist Becomes a Plan


Close-up of a hand using a black marker to check off circles on a paper checklist with red check marks.

A checklist only helps when each applicable item has an owner and a date. Boards can assign the relevant areas to management or qualified consultants, confirm how each requirement will be verified, and build needed work into the annual planning cycle. Contact City Sites Property Management to discuss your building's needs and request a proposal.


For a deeper discussion of the practical compliance steps created by the 2026 Ontario Fire Code changes, listen to the full #WeSpeakCondo episode with Sam Soltani of The Trace Group. The conversation adds useful perspective on fire alarms, smoke control, fire safety plans, and record-keeping, and is a helpful companion to this article.



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