New Construction Laws
New and upcoming construction laws, building codes and regulations across Canada, and what each change means for owners, buyers, contractors, trades, workers, suppliers and designers. Every entry links to the official source.
32 changes
Showing changes that affect architects, engineers and designers, with what each one means for you.
Changes for designers
13 changes · page 1 of 2Quebec extends building and electrical code transition periods by one year
In force since Sep 10, 2026
What it means for you: Older code editions remain usable longer, but the RBQ recommends the current editions.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Designer
Small-scale multi-unit housing: Bill 25 widens zones that must allow 3–6 units
In force since Jun 30, 2026
What it means for you: Design multiplexes to provincial policy-manual site standards instead of negotiating rezonings.
Affects Owner Contractor Designer
Quebec Electrical chapter updated (CEC 2021 modified Quebec)
In force since Mar 26, 2026
What it means for you: Electrical engineers should design to CEC 2021 (modified Quebec).
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Worker Supplier Designer
Construction Act: annual holdback release, proper-invoice deeming, broader adjudication
In force since Jan 1, 2026
What it means for you: Consultants under construction contracts can use the expanded adjudication for fee and scope disputes.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Buy Canadian policy: Canadian steel, aluminum and wood on large federal construction
In force since Dec 16, 2025
What it means for you: Specifications for federal projects should allow for available Canadian-made steel, aluminum and wood products.
Affects Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
CCMC-evaluated innovative products no longer need an Ontario Minister's Ruling
In force since Jul 1, 2025
What it means for you: A CCMC evaluation report is enough to specify an innovative product in Ontario.
Affects Contractor Supplier Designer
Bill 17: development charge deferral, limits on municipal construction by-laws
In force since Jun 5, 2025
What it means for you: Fewer municipal construction standards to reconcile against the Building Code.
Affects Owner Contractor Designer
New Brunswick adopts 2020 national codes with Energy Tier 2 minimum
In force since May 1, 2025
What it means for you: Energy modelling or prescriptive paths must achieve Tier 2 under NBC 2020 and NECB 2020.
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Quebec Construction Code Chapter I updated to NBC 2020 (modified Quebec)
In force since Apr 17, 2025
What it means for you: Design to NBC 2020 (modified Quebec). The RBQ has published explanatory guides.
Affects Owner Contractor Worker Designer
Nova Scotia adopts 2020 national codes with phased tiers
In force since Apr 1, 2025
What it means for you: Design to NBC 2020 and plan for the scheduled tier increases.
Affects Contractor Trade contractor Designer
BC Building Code 2024 seismic and adaptable-dwelling rules take effect
In force since Mar 10, 2025
What it means for you: Structural engineers apply the 2020 NBC-based seismic hazard values. Architects plan 20% adaptable units in large buildings.
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Encapsulated mass timber buildings allowed up to 18 storeys
In force since Jan 1, 2025
What it means for you: Architects and engineers can design EMTC to 18 storeys with relaxed encapsulation.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Plain-language summaries by ArtBuild, checked against the official source on the date shown on each page. This is general information, not legal advice, and you are responsible for how you use it. Laws change: always read the official text, and we recommend asking a lawyer or the regulator about your situation.