What is the primary purpose of the Ontario Building Code?

The primary purpose of the Ontario Building Code is to establish standards for building construction and maintenance. This code sets forth regulations that ensure structures are built safely and effectively, with considerations for the health and safety of occupants. These standards cover various aspects including structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency, among others.

By providing a comprehensive framework that outlines the minimum acceptable design and construction practices, the Ontario Building Code aims to safeguard public welfare. It ensures that buildings meet certain performance criteria to provide a safe environment for their users, underlining the importance of consistently applied construction standards across the province.

While health and safety in the workplace, environmental practices, and public education reform may also be regulated or affected by various policies, they do not fall within the primary scope of the Building Code. The focus here is strictly on the tangible aspects of building design and construction necessary to protect residents and users of buildings in Ontario.