The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) has released the 2025 editions of the National Model Codes, introducing key updates that enhance building safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and climate readiness across Canada. These updates are part of a national effort to create a harmonized framework for construction standards, aligning regulations across federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions.

Developed through extensive collaboration with expert volunteers, stakeholders, industry professionals, and the public, the 2025 Codes are the result of a multi-year code development cycle. This marks the first full code cycle completed under the Reconciliation Agreement on Construction Codes (2019), aimed at streamlining code development and harmonization nationwide.

Key areas of focus for the 2025 updates include:

• Expanded accessibility requirements for all dwelling types, allowing flexibility for provinces and territories to tailor enforcement based on local housing needs.
• Climate change adaptation, including projected climate data for the next 50 years to inform more resilient building designs.
• A new requirement for a passive radon stack in homes and care facilities to reduce long-term radon exposure risks.
• Enhanced focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, supporting operational emissions control through tiered performance options.
• Energy efficiency standards for alterations to existing buildings, enabling more effective and enforceable retrofit strategies.

The 2025 Codes emphasize modern, flexible standards that reflect Canada’s diverse climate and evolving building needs, while offering a consistent path forward for construction professionals, developers, and municipalities.

CBHCC Co-Chairs Silvia Garcia (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) and Thomas Ferguson (National Research Council of Canada) highlighted the importance of nationwide collaboration in building a future-ready construction code framework.

The updated Codes are now available for free electronically through the NRC Publications Archive, with printed copies available via the NRC Virtual Store.

Looking ahead, work is already underway on the 2030 editions, and stakeholders are invited to participate in shaping future code content through public engagement and technical committees. More details and involvement opportunities can be found on the CBHCC website.

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