The Fire Safety (National Fire Code) Amendment Regulations, 2023, cited as Saskatchewan Regulations 105/2023, were filed on November 16, 2023, and will come into force on January 1, 2024. This regulatory update amends existing fire safety legislation to align with the latest editions of relevant codes, ensuring that the province adheres to updated national safety standards. Officially referred to as The Fire Safety (National Fire Code) Amendment Regulations, 2023, these regulations update fire safety standards.

The amendments focus on revising references to previous editions of the National Fire Code and the National Building Code, transitioning from the 2015 to the 2020 editions. This shift highlights the commitment to maintaining current safety protocols and practices. In Section 3, references to the “2015 edition” are replaced with the “2020 edition,” applicable to both the Fire Safety Regulations and the National Building Code of Canada. Section 3.1 sees similar updates, ensuring all references are aligned with the 2020 edition of the National Building Code.

Appendix A also undergoes revisions, with the heading and various items adjusted to reflect the 2020 standards. Specific items concerning alternative family care homes and other structural safety standards are updated, including revisions to Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards, changing from earlier versions to the most recent ones dated 2015 and 2018.

The primary objective of these amendments is to improve fire safety measures in Saskatchewan by ensuring that all relevant regulations are up-to-date with national standards. By adopting the 2020 editions of the codes, the province aims to mitigate fire risks effectively and align local regulations with evolving best practices in fire safety. These updates also reflect a proactive approach to safety legislation, offering clarity for builders, safety inspectors, and the general public about the standards for new and existing structures.

By updating references to the latest national codes and standards, these regulations reinforce the province’s intention to protect public safety through rigorous and current fire safety practices.

Saskatchewan (105/2023) November 25, 2023