Beginning January 2026, the updated CAN/ULC-S536:19 Standard for Fire Alarm Inspections will formally come into effect across Ontario. For condominium managers, this represents one of the most significant regulatory changes in recent years, reshaping how inspections are performed, documented, and verified. The implications are clear: inspections will be longer, more detailed, and heavily standardized. While these changes are designed to improve life safety and consistency, they will also place new administrative and operational demands on condominium corporations and their managers.

Why the Change?

The 2019 edition of CAN/ULC-S536, commonly referred to as S536:19 was developed to eliminate inconsistencies in fire alarm inspections and reporting. Until now, many inspection reports were customizable, leading to confusion among authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) and gaps in documentation. By making the inspection report an official part of the Fire Code, Ontario ensures every building, whether a condominium or commercial property, follows the same inspection and reporting framework.

For condominium managers, this means inspections are no longer just a technical exercise for contractors. They become a legal and regulatory obligation that boards and managers must understand, track, and oversee with precision.

Key Changes Condominium Managers Must Prepare For

1.    Sixteen Required Documents On-Site (Now a Best Practice)
What Changed: Inspections now require 16 specific documents to be available on-site. These include installation certificates, verification records, battery logs, previous inspection reports, smoke control system documentation, and detailed equipment specifications.
Impact: Managers must ensure complete and accessible recordkeeping. Missing documentation must be logged and may delay inspections or trigger compliance issues.

2.    Circuit Fault Tolerance Testing
What Changed: Inspectors must now test isolator devices in addressable loops to confirm they isolate faults while allowing the rest of the system to function. This requires creating faults (open, short, ground) and documenting system responses zone by zone.
Impact: This is highly technical and time-consuming. Managers should anticipate longer inspections and potential temporary system interruptions during testing.

3.    Battery Testing Requirements
What Changed: Previous flexibility in testing has been eliminated. Only three methods are now permitted, with the fixed-value resistor test emerging as the most practical. The use of capacity meters is no longer allowed. Testing now requires significantly more time.
Impact: A single battery set test that previously took 27 seconds may now take up to five minutes. This will increase service costs and require careful scheduling to minimize disruption.

4.    Standardized Inspection Reports
What Changed: Reports can no longer be customized—sections cannot be removed, reordered, or left blank. Every inspection must be documented using the standardized 18+ page template.
Impact: Managers can expect longer reports, clearer deficiency tracking, and less variability across service providers. Every field must be filled out, even if not directly applicable.

5.    Deficiency Tracking & Corrections
What Changed: Deficiencies and corrections must now be recorded within the same standardized report, with explicit reference to the applicable clause in the standard. Building owners must sign off once deficiencies are corrected.
Impact: Managers must carefully review reports and coordinate timely corrective actions. Failure to track and resolve deficiencies now carries higher legal and liability risks.

6.   Technician Attendance Logs
What Changed: The primary technician must now record time in, time out, notes, and certification number for every inspection day. Only the primary technician is required to complete this, but it must be done on-site.
Impact: This measure addresses “drive-by” inspections where reports were submitted without actual site visits. For managers, it means added assurance of accountability—but also longer inspection times.

Legal & Liability Considerations

The 2026 changes carry significant legal weight. Fire alarm inspection reports are now regulatory documents—meaning that inaccuracies, omissions, or missing documentation could result in liability for the condominium corporation, the board, and the property manager.

Under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, failure to comply with inspection and maintenance requirements can lead to substantial fines or legal proceedings. For condominium corporations, non-compliance may also constitute a breach of the Condominium Act, exposing directors and managers to potential claims from unit owners.

Best Practices for Condominium Managers

1.    Audit Records Now
Review your fire alarm and life safety documentation. Ensure the 16 required documents are up-to-date and organized before your next annual inspection.

2.    Budget for Longer Inspections
Inspections will take more time—sometimes hours longer depending on building size. Plan for increased service costs in upcoming budgets.

3.    Coordinate With Service Providers
Confirm that your fire alarm contractor is prepared for the 2026 changes. Ensure they are trained on S536:19 testing methods and standardized reporting.

4.    Educate Boards and Residents
Keep your board informed about cost and time impacts. Educate residents about possible system interruptions during testing.

5.    Maintain Open Communication With Authorities
Develop a strong relationship with your local fire department. Clarify expectations on inspection reports, documentation, and corrective actions.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 Fire Code changes reinforce a central principle: fire safety is a shared responsibility. While contractors perform the technical work, condominium managers are ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance and oversight. By preparing early, embracing standardized documentation, and maintaining rigorous recordkeeping, managers can navigate the new requirements confidently—and most importantly, ensure the safety of their communities.

As of January 2026, significant updates to Ontario’s Fire Code will take effect, placing condominium managers at the forefront of ensuring compliance. These changes are not just regulatory adjustments. They directly impact life safety, operational planning, and legal responsibilities within the condominium sector. With fire safety under greater scrutiny than ever before, managers and boards must understand their obligations and prepare accordingly.

Why These Changes Matter

Condominiums are unique communities: multiple residents under one roof, complex systems of ownership, and shared life safety infrastructure. The Fire Code establishes minimum requirements to reduce fire risks, enhance emergency preparedness, and safeguard both property and lives. For condominium corporations and their managers, compliance is not optional. It is a statutory duty. Failure to comply can result in fines, liability exposure, or worse, catastrophic safety incidents.

The upcoming changes to the Fire Code aim to modernize standards, address evolving building technologies, and align with best practices across Canada. Managers should anticipate increased inspection, documentation, and testing requirements, along with clearer expectations for emergency planning and reporting. 

Gladys Mellado is a Sales, Operations, and Marketing Leader with 19 years ofcross-industry expertise spanning Telecommunications, FMCG, Electronics, and Fire Safety. She is currently serving as Sales and Marketing Manager at Lifeline Fire Protection.
www.lifelinefireprotection.com
 

View PDF View Flipbook Back to Latest Issue