The National Research Council of Canada launches consultations to study single egress design in residential buildings

From: National Research Council Canada

News release

September 4, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Research Council of Canada

Finding solutions to Canada’s housing crisis requires rethinking how we design homes, while maintaining the safety of residents and first responders. That is why the Government of Canada is studying ways to optimize new building designs to create more residences in underused urban areas.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, announced that the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has launched consultations with provinces, territories, industry, accessibility advocates and fire safety experts, as part of a research project to study the safety and inform potential model code provisions for multi-unit residential buildings with a single means of egress (pathway to exit).

The single egress design approach aims to optimize building space and allow for more residential construction. The consultations are being conducted to better understand the needs and perspectives of stakeholders, which will be used to inform the consideration of changes to the National Building Code. The consultations will be completed by the end of September 2024.

Topics to be discussed as part of the consultations include:

  • Review of Canadian and international examples of single egress code provisions, standards, and best practices
  • Identification of types of buildings to be evaluated (for example, building archetype, number of storeys and building design)
  • Review of existing fire safety building requirements

The consultations will also incorporate learnings from other jurisdictions working on and implementing such changes, including the province of British Columbia.

Quotes

“We are dedicated to tackling Canada’s housing challenges with smart, innovative solutions. These consultations, led by the NRC, will explore new ways to design buildings that maximize our urban spaces. Initiatives like this are crucial in helping us build more sustainable communities for everyone.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry

“Today’s announcement is going to help change and modernize the way we build homes in this country. This research will make a real difference in helping us build more homes, faster and at prices Canadians can afford.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“The National Research Council of Canada looks forward to applying our expertise in construction research to work with all stakeholders to study the concept of single egress design for residential buildings. These consultations are an important component in advancing construction practices to build more homes for Canadians.”
– Mitch Davies, President, National Research Council of Canada

Quick facts

  • Budget 2024 and Canada's Housing Plan announced that the National Research Council of Canada would launch consultations with provinces, territories, industry and fire safety experts to streamline the inspection process and address regulatory barriers, including point block access and single egress designs.

  • In Canada, provincial and territorial governments have the constitutional authority to enact legislation that regulates building design and construction within their jurisdictions to meet their specific needs.

  • The National Research Council of Canada's Construction Research Centre supports industry in areas such as building envelope and materials, civil engineering and infrastructure, life cycle assessment and fire safety. NRC's construction experts work with industry to develop new products and services, and provide impartial information to governments, standards organizations and code development bodies.

Associated links

Contacts

Audrey Milette
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
audrey.milette@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
National Research Council of Canada
Toll free: 1-855-282-1637
media@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

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