EC2024-179 outlines amendments to the Building Codes Regulations under the Building Codes Act in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.).These changes reflect an effort to modernize building regulations and ensure alignment with the latest standards in building safety and energy efficiency, as provided by national guidelines.

The first amendment concerns the adoption of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) 2020 and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020. Specifically, subsection 2(1) of the existing Building Codes Regulations (EC177/20) has been amended to replace previous references to the NBCC and the National Energy Code from 2015 and 2017 with the latest versions from 2020. This update ensures that provincial building codes remain current, reflecting the most recent revisions, amendments, and corrections published by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes. The adoption of the 2020 codes aims to enhance building safety, efficiency, and performance standards throughout the province.

The second amendment involves a specific clause in the regulations, particularly clause 4(f), which has been revoked and replaced with a new version that provides clearer terminology and incorporates references to the National Building Code of Canada 2020. The revised clause specifies that farm buildings falling within the scope of the National Farm Building Code of Canada, 1995, or the 2020 National Building Code are included in the regulatory framework. This change clarifies the applicability of the codes to farm buildings, ensuring they are subject to modern safety and performance standards.

Section 1 emphasizes the adoption of the National Building Code of Canada 2020 and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020, reflecting a shift towards modern building practices that promote safety and sustainability in construction. Section 2 discusses the revocation of clause 4(f) and its replacement, highlighting the importance of accurate terminology and up-to-date references in the regulations to ensure stakeholders can easily understand the requirements for building codes, particularly in the agricultural sector. Section 3 outlines the effective date of the amendments.

The amendments made under EC2024-179 have implications for builders, architects, and developers in P.E.I. By adopting the latest national codes, the regulations aim to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in building practices. The inclusion of farm buildings under the updated definitions ensures that agricultural structures are built to contemporary standards, enhancing their overall safety and performance. Overall, these regulatory changes are the government’s approach to ensure that its building codes reflect current best practices and standards in construction and energy efficiency. By aligning with national codes, it is the intention that P.E.I. can better protect its residents, promote energy conservation, and support the construction of safe and sustainable buildings.

Prince Edward Island (EC2024-179) March 9, 2024