Ontario’s 2026 Fire Code: New CO Alarm Rules

Overview of Legislative Change
Effective January 1, 2026, amendments to Ontario Regulation 87/25 under the Ontario Fire Code will enhance fire safety requirements across all residential buildings, including condominiums. The changes mandate new carbon monoxide (CO) alarm installations, extending well beyond previous standards to include every level and key areas within dwellings and common spaces. This legislative initiative harmonizes Ontario’s fire safety regime with the 2020 National Fire Code and recognizes the persistent threat posed by carbon monoxide poisoning. Prevention is now emphasized as both a safety priority and a legal duty.

Detailed Carbon Monoxide Alarm Mandates
First and foremost, the requirements for CO alarms apply to homes (including residential condominiums) that have:

• A fuel-burning appliance (like a gas furnace, stove, water heater, or fireplace),
• A wood-burning device, or
• An attached garage.

This applies to detached houses, townhomes, and apartments. 

[NOTE: CO Alarms are also required in some non-residential buildings.  These requirements should be checked on a case-by-case basis.]

Further details are as follows:
In houses and townhomes where CO alarms are required:

• CO alarms are required adjacent to each sleeping area and as of January 1, 2026, on every level of the home.

If a building has an underground parking garage, CO Alarms are required:

• Next to each sleeping area in a unit that shares a wall, floor, or ceiling with the garage.
• Also on all levels (of such units) that don’t have sleeping areas.
• Next to each sleeping room that isn’t part of a dwelling unit (for example, a staff sleep room).

If a building is heated by a forced-air fuel-burning appliance that is not inside a unit, CO alarms are required:

• In the service room or area where the appliance is located (if it is in the building).
• In any public hallway that is heated by the appliance (in specified locations of the hallway).
• Next to each sleeping area in any unit heated by the appliance.
• Also on all levels (of such units) that don’t have sleeping areas.

Broader Regulatory Impacts
Beyond expanded CO alarm provisions, the 2026 amendments introduce new enforcement tools such as Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs), empowering municipalities to issue fines for non‑compliance. Inspection regimes will also become more rigorous, now guided by ULC‑S536 and ULC‑S537 standards for alarm testing and verification.

Obligations of Condominium Corporations
According to Ontario’s Fire Code, condominium corporations are joint owners of the units (for purposes of Fire Code compliance). As a result, condominium corporations have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure that owners are complying with the Fire Code (including requirements respecting CO alarms). Condominium corporations must of course also attend to Fire Code requirements applicable to the common elements (including any requirements for CO alarms on the common elements).

Strategic Implications for Condominium Governance
To meet the updated requirements, condominium corporations should carefully review and update their strategies and procedures for ensuring compliance (including compliance by owners). Options may include:

• Conduct comprehensive audits to identify all required CO alarm locations.
• Revise prevention plans to include updated testing procedures and documentation standards.
• Implement resident and staff education programs to foster awareness and compliance.
• Integrate installation, maintenance, and inspection costs into budget forecasts.
• Seek legal counsel to clarify governance responsibilities and manage potential liability exposure.

Consequences of Non‑Compliance
Failure to comply with the 2026 Ontario Fire Code can also lead to significant penalties. Municipalities may impose AMPs of up to $500,000 for corporations on a first offence, with higher fines for repeat violations. Individuals, including directors, may face fines up to $50,000 and possible imprisonment. Timely and thorough adherence to the amended Fire Code is therefore essential to safeguard residents and ensure full regulatory compliance.

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