How Toronto's 2026 Building Code Changes Affect Your Project

Ontario's building code is updated on a rolling cycle, and the 2026 amendments introduce several changes that directly affect residential construction in Toronto. Whether you are planning a new build, a major renovation, or a garden suite, understanding these changes early will save you time and money during the design and permitting process.

The most significant change is the step-up in energy efficiency requirements. New residential buildings must now meet higher insulation values, improved air tightness standards, and more stringent mechanical ventilation requirements. For practical purposes, this means thicker wall assemblies, better windows, and more sophisticated HVAC systems. The upfront cost increase is estimated at 3 to 5 percent, but the ongoing energy savings — and the comfort improvement — typically pay for themselves within five to seven years.

Heat pump requirements are expanding. New construction and major renovations in most climate zones must now include heat pump technology as the primary heating and cooling system. This represents a shift away from traditional gas furnaces toward electric heat pumps, which are significantly more energy-efficient and produce zero on-site emissions. The technology has matured substantially — modern cold-climate heat pumps perform well even in Toronto's coldest winter temperatures.

Accessibility standards have been updated to reflect an aging population. New homes must now include at least one barrier-free entrance, wider doorways on the main floor, and blocking in bathroom walls for future grab bar installation. These requirements add minimal cost during construction but make a significant difference for homeowners who want to age in place — or who may need to accommodate a family member with mobility challenges.

Electric vehicle charging readiness is now required. All new residential buildings with parking must include the electrical infrastructure to support Level 2 EV charging. This does not mean a charger must be installed — just that the wiring, panel capacity, and conduit are in place so a charger can be added later without tearing open walls. The cost is minimal if included during construction, but retrofitting can cost thousands.

Fire safety requirements have been tightened for multi-unit buildings, including duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. Fire separations between units must meet higher ratings, and sprinkler systems are now required in more building types. These changes are driven by Ontario's growing multi-unit housing stock and the need to protect occupants in shared buildings.

For homeowners planning renovations, the code changes are less sweeping. Renovations that do not alter the building envelope or mechanical systems generally do not trigger the new requirements. But any renovation that involves a building permit — which includes most structural work, electrical upgrades, or plumbing changes — must comply with current code for the scope of work being performed.

The key takeaway for anyone planning a construction project in 2026: start the design process with a team that understands the current code. Requirements that are factored into the design from the beginning add modest cost. The same requirements discovered during the permitting process or — worse — during construction can add significant cost and delay.

At Metrohomes, our design and engineering teams stay current with every code change as it takes effect. When we design a project, we design it to the code that will be in force when the permit is issued, not the code that was in force when we started drawing. This forward-looking approach prevents costly redesigns and keeps projects on schedule.