ONTARIO FIRE CODE CHANGES 2026
Upcoming Ontario Fire Code Changes – Effective January 1, 2026
Attention Building Owners & Property Managers in Ontario
Significant updates to the Ontario Fire Code (OFC) will take effect on January 1, 2026, impacting all building owners and property managers across the province. Ontario is formally adopting the latest national standards for fire alarm verification and inspection:
- CAN/ULC-S536:2019 – Standard for Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems
- CAN/ULC-S537:2019 – Standard for Verification of Fire Alarm Systems
These changes introduce updated compliance requirements for:
Fire alarm system verification processes
Inspection, testing, and documentation obligations
Competency and qualification expectations for service providers
Record retention and reporting standards
What This Means for You
The adoption of S536-2019 and S537-2019 will affect the duration and cost of fire alarm inspections, due to:
- More comprehensive verification procedures, requiring additional time on-site
- Detailed testing and documentation requirements to meet the new standards
- Potential need for additional service resources, impacting scheduling and labor costs
Building owners and property managers should plan for longer inspections and higher service costs as part of Fire Code compliance starting in 2026.
How Mircom-Gardia Can Help
Mircom-Gardia is ready to support your transition to the new standards with:
- Certified fire alarm inspection, testing, and verification services
- Updated digital and physical compliance reporting formats
- Skilled technicians trained to CAN/ULC-S536 & S537-2019 requirements
- Expertise working directly with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)