1. National Code: Overview, Development, Changes, Experts
2. BC: Code Info, Interpretations, New Objective Codes
3. Existing Buildings: Codes, User Guide, House Inspections
4. Standards: Overview, Approved Products Lists
5. Energy & Environment: Building & Product Standards
6. Quality: Protocol, QA Systems, Quality Control Service
7. Other: WCB, Construction Specifications, Seismic
8. Ken’s Top Pick: If You Have Time To Surf Only One Site

1. National Code: Overview, Development, Changes, Experts

Building Codes Overview
The Canadian Wood Council site gives a simple overview of our Canadian code system, code types, who develops and enforces them, and which codes govern which buildings.

Canada’s Code Development System
A description of code types, historical background, difference between codes & standards, roles/responsibilities, and the development & change process are at the National Code Site.

Proposed Changes to National Building Code
Code changes are coming. Here the NRC lists the significant changes proposed for NBC Part 9. A full list of changes for all code parts can be accessed via the drop down box at the end.

National Code Experts & Contact Info
The Canadian National Research Council expertise database gives you names, roles and contact details for the people involved in different areas of their codes departments.

2. BC: Code Info, Interpretations, New Objective Codes

BC Building Code Information
The Building Policy Branch of the Government of BC governs our building codes and building regulatory system. Their site offers information on codes, appeals, and their contact details.

BC Code Interpretations
The Interpretations Committee helps gain consistency in the application of our codes. The Building Officials Association of BC site lists the interpretations they have made since 2000.

New Objective-Based Codes
You may have heard that the next edition of the BC Building & Fire codes will be in objective-based format. This BC Ministry site offers you some background information and a test drive.

3. Existing Buildings: Codes, User Guide, House Inspections

Applying Building Codes To Existing Buildings
Especially for renovations, it’s important to know how codes may apply to existing buildings. This Canadian Building Digest offers different criteria to help you through this process.

User’s Guide: Application of Part 9 to Existing Buildings
Canada’s IRC has published this 138-page user’s guide ($57) that explains the principles by which the National Building Code requirements could be applied to existing buildings.

Standards For House Inspectors
Homeowners often get a house inspector to check out their home. These Standards of Practice for single family homes are provided by the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors.

4. Standards: Overview, Approved Products Lists

What Are Standards & How Are They Developed?
Standards are accepted practices, technical requirements and terminologies for products and services. The Canadian General Standards Board site explains it all.

CCMC Evaluated Products
The Canadian Construction Materials Centre evaluates new and innovative construction materials, products, systems and services. Products evaluated by CCMC are listed here.

CSA Certified Products
Standard construction products are tested and certified by the Canadian Standards Association. Their Directory Search allows you to get a list of certified products in each category.

CGSB Certified Products
The Canadian General Standards Board develops standards and also test products to ensure they meet those standards. Here you can find out which products they have certified.

5. Energy & Environment: Building & Product Standards

R-2000 Building Standards
Homes built to minimum energy and environmental standards can be certified R2000. NRCan gives you details of the IAQ, HVAC, envelope, and other performance requirements.

Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations For Products
Energy-consuming products like appliances, DHW heaters, and HVAC systems must meet these national performance standards set by Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency.

Energy Star: Qualified Energy Efficient Products List
Are you looking for energy efficient products? Energy Star is the North American brand name used on qualified products. NRCan explains approval criteria and offers product listings.

Eco Logo: Environmental Choice Program
Green Building interest is on the increase. This Eco Logo program from Environment Canada approves environmentally preferable products and services, described and listed here.

6. Quality: Protocol, QA Systems, Quality Control Service

Quality Assurance Protocol: CMHC & Polygon
This CMHC report provides an overview of the management system for assuring quality, developed with Polygon. It offers you an outline of procedures that you may find valuable.

Quality Management Systems & Tools
If you want to implement a certified quality management system, you may want to purchase some of these CSA Quality Assurance Program or ISO 9000 resources.

Quality Control Service For Builders
Although this Quality Built service is for US builders, you may get value from seeing such an offering, developed as a result of their serious risk management (moisture) issues.

7. Other: WCB, Construction Specifications, Seismic

WCB Regulations & Guidelines For Construction
The health and safety standards that must be followed by our industry can be accessed on this WCB page. You will also find injury prevention resources, courses, stats and more.

Construction Specifications
For specification documents visit Construction Specifications Canada. Click on the “Master Specifications” link for info on the Master Specifications, HomeSpec, and RenoSpec.

Seismic Hazard & National Building Code
With increasing requirements for addressing seismic issues you may find this NRCan site valuable. It notes NBC sections relating to seismic, and has lots of earthquake information.

8. Ken’s Top Pick: If You Have Time To Surf Only One Site

The National Code Site
The National Code Site from NRC is the best place to start if you are looking for anything relating to the content or process for the national building, plumbing, fire, or energy codes.

Dittie For Today: On Morals

So far, about morals, I know only that what is moral is what you feel good after and what is immoral is what you feel bad after. - Ernest Hemingway