REGINA, SASK. – The Government of Saskatchewan has announced the adoption of the 2020 editions of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC), National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB), and the National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC).
This regulatory update, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2024, aligns with the province’s obligations under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement to harmonize construction codes nationwide within two years of their publication.
The update to the 2020 codes under the Construction Codes Act gives stakeholders in the construction industry, including architects, engineers, and building officials, ample time to adapt before the peak construction season, states a release. Â
It also underscores Saskatchewan’s commitment to its Growth Plan and the Prairie Resilience strategy. Government Relations Minister Don McMorris emphasized the role of these codes in enhancing building safety and efficiency, particularly for new homes in Saskatchewan.
Key amendments include consolidating Saskatchewan’s four climate zones into one for streamlined energy-efficiency application and establishing differentiated energy efficiency tiers under the NBC and NECB. The tiers are designed to cater to buildings of varying sizes, with Tier 1 targeting larger buildings and Tier 2 for smaller ones, including residential houses. The new regulations exempt buildings erected before Jan. 1, 2019, from the updated energy efficiency provisions when undergoing renovations.
Additionally, the amendments provide clearer guidelines for carbon monoxide and smoke alarms to standardize enforcement and specify the requirements for backwater valves in buildings, aiming to prevent sewer backups. These changes reflect Saskatchewan’s proactive approach to ensuring the safety, sustainability, and future-proofing of its infrastructure and residential buildings.
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