July 13, 2023

The Hon. Minister Kerzner, Solicitor General
Ministry of the Solicitor General
Office of the Fire Marshal
25 Morton Shulman Ave.
Toronto, ON M3M 0B1

Dear Minister Kerzner;

We are writing with respect to the Ministry’s public consultation seeking input on proposed amendments to O. Reg. 213/07 (Ontario Fire Code) made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA).

ACMO lends its support to the proposed changes which provide much needed clarity regarding the code to better support the condominium industry and condominium managers while affording better protection for condo owners and the public. We applaud the Ministry for undertaking this initiative.

While some of the proposed changes will lead to additional costs to condominiums (e.g. furniture placement, exit signs/egress door maintenance, CO and smoke alarm installation, flame spread finishes, 5-year system testing, etc…) we feel these are long overdue and necessary to ensure the safety of residents. The fact that the proposals extend discretionary authority to chief fire officials to accept or recommend alternatives/options and extend compliance timelines is very reasonable and will aid in compliance.

We greatly appreciate the opportunity to participate in this consultation and provide input into the proposed changes to the code. If you require any further feedback on this issue as it relates to condominiums in Ontario, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best Regards,

Paul MacDonald
Executive Director of ACMO

Eric Plant
President of ACMO