Whereas the Province of British Columbia amended the British Columbia Building Code BCBC, effective August 27, 2024, to permit the construction of residential multi-family buildings up to six storeys with a single exit stairway under certain conditions, raising significant concerns among local governments, emergency responders, and public safety associations; And whereas this amendment presents elevated risks to occupant and first responder safety due to limited egress during emergencies, reduced evacuation efficiencyparticularly for people with disabilitiesand compounded safety hazards such as smoke inhalation, non-compliance of fire safety systems, and the growing threat of lithium-ion battery fires: Therefore be it resolved UBCM urge the Province of British Columbia to suspend the implementation of the single exit stairway provisions in the BC Building Code and conduct a comprehensive safety review, including consultation with UBCM, emergency service stakeholders, and reference to BC-specific data, to ensure multi-family residential buildings maintain the highest standards of egress and fire safety.
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs The Province introduced the single exit stairs SES building designs in the BC Building Code as part of the work to support the delivery of safe and attainable housing. The BC Building Code establishes the acceptable level of safety for the design and construction of buildings throughout the Province. The SES requirements in the Building Code provide a level of safety that is consistent with other forms of residential construction permitted across the province. The BC Building Code language was developed by incorporating feedback received during engagement with fire services and other interested parties. Ministry staff are now working with the National Research Council to develop changes to the National Building Code to enable SES buildings across the country in a way that maintains and enhances safety. Communities with an interest in the National Building Code discussions are encouraged to contact Codes Canada for more information on how to observe and participate in the national process.