Smoke Control Testing in High-Rise Condos: What the 2026 Code Requires and How to Budget for Seasonal Testing

The 2026 Ontario Fire Code amendments revised the smoke-control inspection and testing framework for affected systems. Smoke-control systems can require building-specific procedures, testing, and records that are separate from the annual fire-alarm inspection. Boards should confirm the exact provisions that apply to their building..

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 what high-rise boards need to know about smoke control procedures and seasonal testing, alongside other engineering, quarterly checks, and budgeting for life safety work. Listeners gain a clearer sense of why smoke control cannot be treated as a once-a-year paperwork exercise.

The discussion also helps boards think about testing cycles, engineering input, and predictable budgeting for high-rise safety systems. Check out more information about this podcast here: #WeSpeakCondo podcast

Why Smoke Control Exists

Smoke management is intended to help protect exit routes and limit smoke movement during a fire. In some buildings, pressurization systems use fans and other equipment to maintain pressure differences in stairwells or other protected spaces. The exact smoke-control strategy depends on the building's design and should be confirmed from the approved system documentation and fire safety plan.

Stack effect can change pressure conditions in tall buildings as outdoor temperatures change. That is one reason building-specific smoke-control procedures may account for environmental conditions.

What the Code Actually Requires

The requirement breaks into three parts worth tracking separately.

The procedure. For a smoke-control system designed to Building Code requirements, inspection and testing are performed under procedures established by the system designer. If those procedures are unavailable, the system must be assessed and written periodic procedures established; those procedures must be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer or Architect unless another procedure is approved.

Testing frequency. The applicable smoke-control testing frequency must be determined from the Fire Code provision that applies to the particular system and from the building's designer or approved procedures. Boards should not assume that every smoke-control system is tested quarterly.

Test conditions. Do not assume a universal winter-and-summer schedule or an option to skip a year. Follow the intervals and environmental conditions specified for the building's particular smoke-control system and approved procedures.

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How to Budget for It

Smoke-control testing should be budgeted around the building-specific procedure. Boards should confirm the required frequency, test conditions, professional involvement, and coordination with mechanical systems before setting the budget. If the system or building has changed since the procedure was prepared, a qualified professional should determine whether the procedure still reflects the system as it exists today.

Test at the Extremes, Budget for the Cycle

Smoke control supports protected egress during a fire, but the applicable procedures and testing obligations vary by system. Treat the building's approved procedures, required records, and professional review as separate planning items where applicable. Contact City Sites Property Management to discuss coordination needs and request a proposal.

For a deeper discussion of what high-rise boards need to know about smoke control procedures and seasonal testing, listen to the full #WeSpeakCondo episode with Sam Soltani of The Trace Group. The conversation adds useful perspective on engineering, quarterly checks, and budgeting for life safety work, and is a helpful companion to this article.

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