Ontario to implement expanded safety requirements for CO detection

Firefighters often recommend to habit stack; as you change your clocks back an hour tonight, you should also test your smoke and CO alarms.

But today also marks the beginning of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. The week is recognized across Ontario to highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide and stress the importance of having working CO alarms.

The Office of the Fire Marshal is also taking this opportunity to inform Ontarians about changes coming to the province’s Carbon Monoxide Safety Requirements.

Since 2014, CO detectors have been mandatory outside of all sleeping areas in dwellings with fuel-fired appliances, fireplaces and/or attached garages.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, CO detectors will be mandatory on all storeys of homes with fuel-fired appliances, fireplaces or garages, even on floors without sleeping areas. This rule will also apply to homes that receive heated air from a fuel-fired appliance located outside the home, like in a utility shed.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning is serious and lethal and there is no excuse to not take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family,” Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg said in a press release. “Because only a CO alarm will alert you to exposure, I’m pleased that we are expanding protection in Ontario to prevent CO injuries and deaths with these new Fire Code requirements.”

According to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), over 65 per cent of all injuries and deaths due to carbon monoxide in Ontario occur in homes.

The expanded requirements will also apply to multi-unit residential buildings including apartments, condominiums, hotels, motels and retirement homes.