Setting the Standard
Key Updates from Building and Technical Standards
Summer 2025
Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Smoke Alarms Reminder
The Building Code Regulations require carbon monoxide alarms and smoke alarms (or combination carbon monoxide-smoke alarms) to be installed in all residential buildings in Saskatchewan, regardless of the date the building was constructed.
Enforcement of this regulation came into force on July 1, 2022. For more information and to download advisories, please visit the Building and Technical Standards webpage regarding Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Smoke Alarms.
Building Bylaws under The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act
As of January 1, 2024, all local authorities in Saskatchewan are required under The Construction Codes Act (the CC Act) to have a building bylaw. Any local authority that had not adopted its own building bylaw by that date was prescribed the model building bylaw (found in the appendix to The Building Code Regulations or at this link), to ensure they have the tools necessary to regulate building construction.
However, some local authorities still have building bylaws adopted under The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act, which was repealed in 2022. Although these building bylaws remain valid and can be used to enforce construction standards, they must be updated to reflect the powers and responsibilities outlined in the CC Act. Local authorities using one of these old bylaws have until December 31, 2028, to update their building bylaw to the CC Act. Local authorities should consider this when planning reviews or amendments to their bylaws.
Fall 2025 Legislative Framework Training Workshop in Regina
The objective of the Legislative Framework Training (LFT) workshop is to provide a better understanding of Saskatchewan’s construction legislation and regulations for the successful application of the National Building Code of Canada 2020 (NBC) and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020. The LFT workshop is open to a broad range of stakeholders at no cost. Workshop topics include:
NBC 2020, Division A, Part 2 – Objectives
NBC 2020, Division A, Part 3 – Functional Statements
NBC 2020, Division C – Administrative Provisions
The Administrative Requirements for Use with the National Building Code of Canada, 1985
The Construction Codes Act
The Building Code Regulations
The Energy Code Regulations
Building Bylaw and Enforcement Guide complete with Model Building Bylaw
Alternative Solutions
It will be held in person in Regina on September 24 and 25, 2025. Visit the Building and Technical Standards Course page to register and see other courses available.
Woodworks Webinar Series
The Canadian Wood Council is offering two free webinar courses on their WoodWorks platform with Mass Timber Construction on the following dates:
August 14, Mass Timber Industrial Buildings and Warehouses are redefining a sector long dominated by prefabricated steel. Featuring two real-world projects from Sudbury, Ontario, this session examines cost competitiveness, design flexibility, and sustainability benefits in modern industrial development.
August 21 – Exploring the Feasibility of Point-Supported Mass Timber for Tallwood Construction. This webinar takes a closer look at how point-supported systems compare to traditional framing, steel, and concrete in taller buildings—featuring case studies, design fundamentals, and insights from Canadian codification efforts.
These webinars will supplement understanding of industry practices for mass timber construction with some relation to the construction codes for application.
Construction Codes Advisories and Guides
The Building and Technical Standards branch is currently reviewing and updating its advisories and guides to ensure they reflect current codes and standards. As part of this effort, the following documents have been recently revised:
- Building Official Orders – updated July 2025
- Bedroom Egress Windows – updated July 2025
- Construction Codes Amendment Guide – updated July 2025
- Clearance Above Cooktops – updated July 2025
For the latest updates, announcements, information, and news releases, please visit our website at saskatchewan.ca/btstandards.
Building and Technical Standards Branch
Ministry of Government Relations
1430 – 1855 Victoria Avenue
Regina, Canada S4P 3T2
Bus: 306-787-4113