# Canada Building Codes: The NBC, Province by Province Canada's National Building Code is adopted province by province, several of which publish their own codes. This hub tracks the NBC baseline and the rules you can calculate. - Canonical HTML: https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ - Publisher: Chippy Tools - Language: en - Updated: 2026-09-13 [Browse all topics](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/topics/)[Free web tools](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/tools/)[Printable references](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/printables/) [All countries](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/) [Canada](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/) Topics Stairs - [NBC Stair & Guard Rules: Riser, Run, Handrails, Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/stairs/stair-and-barrier-requirements/) Footings - [Canada Footing Sizes (NBC 9.15)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/footings/footing-sizes-and-depth/) Room heights - [Canada Minimum Ceiling Heights (NBC 9.5)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/rooms/minimum-ceiling-heights/) Ramps - [Canada Ramp Slopes (NBC 9.8)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ramps/ramp-gradients/) Wet areas - [Shower & Bathtub Waterproof Finish (NBC 9.29.2)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/wet-areas/waterproofing-requirements/) By province & territory - [Alberta](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ab/) - [British Columbia](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/bc/) - [Manitoba](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/mb/) - [New Brunswick](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nb/) - [Newfoundland and Labrador](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nl/) - [Nova Scotia](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ns/) - [Northern Territory](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nt/) - [Nunavut](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nu/) - [Ontario](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/on/) - [Prince Edward Island](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/pe/) - [Québec](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/qc/) - [Saskatchewan](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/sk/) - [Yukon](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/yt/) Calculation guides - [Concrete Calculations: The Complete On-Site Guide](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/concrete-calculations-guide/) - [How to Calculate Concrete Volume for a Slab](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/concrete-volume-slab/) - [How Many Bags of Concrete Per m³? (20kg, 25kg, 40kg)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/bags-of-concrete-per-m3/) - [Concrete for Post Holes: Volume Per Hole & Bags Needed](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/concrete-post-holes/) - [Concrete Mix Ratios Explained: 1:2:3, 1:2:4 & Water-Cement Ratio](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/concrete-mix-ratios/) - [Roof Pitch to Angle: Convert Rise/Run to Degrees & Grade](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/roof-pitch-to-angle/) - [Rafter Length Calculation: Run, Rise & Overhang](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/rafter-length/) - [Stair Rise & Run Setout: Riser, Going & the 2R+G Formula](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/stair-rise-and-run-setout/) - [How to Convert a Fall or Gradient: Ratio, Percentage & Degrees](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/fall-and-gradient-conversion/) - [Stud & Joist Spacing Takeoff: How Many at 400, 450 & 600 mm Centres](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/stud-and-joist-spacing-takeoff/) - [Gravel & Base Volume: Compacted Depth vs Loose-Fill Order Quantity](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/gravel-and-base-volume/) In this section [Browse all topics](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/topics/)[Free web tools](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/tools/)[Printable references](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/printables/) [All countries](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/) [Canada](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/) Topics Stairs - [NBC Stair & Guard Rules: Riser, Run, Handrails, Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/stairs/stair-and-barrier-requirements/) Footings - [Canada Footing Sizes (NBC 9.15)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/footings/footing-sizes-and-depth/) Room heights - [Canada Minimum Ceiling Heights (NBC 9.5)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/rooms/minimum-ceiling-heights/) Ramps - [Canada Ramp Slopes (NBC 9.8)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ramps/ramp-gradients/) Wet areas - [Shower & Bathtub Waterproof Finish (NBC 9.29.2)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/wet-areas/waterproofing-requirements/) By province & territory - [Alberta](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ab/) - [British Columbia](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/bc/) - [Manitoba](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/mb/) - [New Brunswick](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nb/) - [Newfoundland and Labrador](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nl/) - [Nova Scotia](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ns/) - [Northern Territory](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nt/) - [Nunavut](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nu/) - [Ontario](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/on/) - [Prince Edward Island](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/pe/) - [Québec](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/qc/) - [Saskatchewan](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/sk/) - [Yukon](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/yt/) Calculation guides - [Concrete Calculations: The Complete On-Site Guide](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/concrete-calculations-guide/) - [How to Calculate Concrete Volume for a Slab](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/concrete-volume-slab/) - [How Many Bags of Concrete Per m³? (20kg, 25kg, 40kg)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/bags-of-concrete-per-m3/) - [Concrete for Post Holes: Volume Per Hole & Bags Needed](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/concrete-post-holes/) - [Concrete Mix Ratios Explained: 1:2:3, 1:2:4 & Water-Cement Ratio](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/concrete-mix-ratios/) - [Roof Pitch to Angle: Convert Rise/Run to Degrees & Grade](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/roof-pitch-to-angle/) - [Rafter Length Calculation: Run, Rise & Overhang](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/rafter-length/) - [Stair Rise & Run Setout: Riser, Going & the 2R+G Formula](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/stair-rise-and-run-setout/) - [How to Convert a Fall or Gradient: Ratio, Percentage & Degrees](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/fall-and-gradient-conversion/) - [Stud & Joist Spacing Takeoff: How Many at 400, 450 & 600 mm Centres](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/stud-and-joist-spacing-takeoff/) - [Gravel & Base Volume: Compacted Depth vs Loose-Fill Order Quantity](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/concrete/gravel-and-base-volume/) [Building Codes](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/) Canada # Canada Building Codes: The NBC, Province by Province Canada's National Building Code is adopted province by province, several of which publish their own derived codes. This hub tracks provincial adoption and the requirements you can calculate. ## Which edition applies, by province & territory | Jurisdiction | Current code | Adoption / transition | Status | |-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------| | [Alberta](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ab/) | National Building Code — 2023 Alberta Edition | Alberta uses the National Building Code — 2023 Alberta Edition (in force 1 May 2024), which adopts NBC 2020.… | Adopted | | [British Columbia](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/bc/) | BC Building Code 2024 | British Columbia uses its own BC Building Code (BCBC 2024, effective 8 March 2024), adopting NBC 2020 with BC… | Adopted | | [Manitoba](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/mb/) | Manitoba Building Code (NBC 2020) | In force 1 Jan 2024 | Adopted | | [New Brunswick](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nb/) | NBC 2020 | In force 1 Apr 2025 | Adopted | | [Newfoundland and Labrador](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nl/) | NBC 2020 | Adopted 28 Sep 2022; NBC 2025 transition possible | Adopted | | [Nova Scotia](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ns/) | NS Building Code (NBC 2020) | In force 1 Apr 2025 | Adopted | | [Northwest Territories](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nt/) | NBC 2020 (by reference) | No standalone territorial code — NBC via fire regs + municipal by-laws | Local | | [Nunavut](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nu/) | Building Code Act (NBC 2015) | In force 1 Sep 2018 — still on the 2015 edition | Adopted | | [Ontario](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/on/) | Ontario Building Code (2024) | Ontario uses the 2024 Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, in force 1 January 2025), which adopts NBC 2020… | Adopted | | [Prince Edward Island](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/pe/) | Building Codes Act (NBC edition TBC) | Province-wide; specific edition set by regulation — confirm locally | Adopted | | [Québec](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/qc/) | Construction Code, Ch. I — NBC 2020 (modified) | Québec's Construction Code adopts NBC 2020 (modified Québec), in force since 17 April 2025 and mandatory from… | Transition | | [Saskatchewan](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/sk/) | Construction Codes Act (NBC 2020) | In force 1 Jan 2024 | Adopted | | [Yukon](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/yt/) | NBC 2020 | Adopted by dynamic reference, ~Apr 2023 | Adopted | - [Alberta](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ab/) Adopted Current National Building Code — 2023 Alberta Edition Alberta uses the National Building Code — 2023 Alberta Edition (in force 1 May 2024), which adopts NBC 2020. The Part 9 residential stair and guard figures match the NBC baseline. - [British Columbia](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/bc/) Adopted Current BC Building Code 2024 British Columbia uses its own BC Building Code (BCBC 2024, effective 8 March 2024), adopting NBC 2020 with BC variations. The residential stair and guard figures match the NBC baseline. - [Manitoba](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/mb/) Adopted Current Manitoba Building Code (NBC 2020) In force 1 Jan 2024 - [New Brunswick](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nb/) Adopted Current NBC 2020 In force 1 Apr 2025 - [Newfoundland and Labrador](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nl/) Adopted Current NBC 2020 Adopted 28 Sep 2022; NBC 2025 transition possible - [Nova Scotia](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ns/) Adopted Current NS Building Code (NBC 2020) In force 1 Apr 2025 - [Northwest Territories](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nt/) Local Current NBC 2020 (by reference) No standalone territorial code — NBC via fire regs + municipal by-laws - [Nunavut](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nu/) Adopted Current Building Code Act (NBC 2015) In force 1 Sep 2018 — still on the 2015 edition - [Ontario](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/on/) Adopted Current Ontario Building Code (2024) Ontario uses the 2024 Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, in force 1 January 2025), which adopts NBC 2020 with Ontario amendments. The residential stair and guard figures match the NBC baseline. - [Prince Edward Island](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/pe/) Adopted Current Building Codes Act (NBC edition TBC) Province-wide; specific edition set by regulation — confirm locally - [Québec](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/qc/) Transition Current Construction Code, Ch. I — NBC 2020 (modified) Québec's Construction Code adopts NBC 2020 (modified Québec), in force since 17 April 2025 and mandatory from 17 October 2026 (NBC 2015 modified may still be used until then). The residential stair… - [Saskatchewan](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/sk/) Adopted Current Construction Codes Act (NBC 2020) In force 1 Jan 2024 - [Yukon](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/yt/) Adopted Current NBC 2020 Adopted by dynamic reference, ~Apr 2023 Adoption timing changes on government timelines — entries marked *Verify* are being confirmed with the relevant authority. ## Rules by topic Find guidance for the work you are doing, then confirm the requirements for your building and location. ### Stairs - [NBC Stair & Guard Rules: Riser, Run, Handrails, Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/stairs/stair-and-barrier-requirements/) ### Footings & slabs - [Canada Footing Sizes (NBC 9.15)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/footings/footing-sizes-and-depth/) ### Room heights - [Canada Minimum Ceiling Heights (NBC 9.5)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/rooms/minimum-ceiling-heights/) ### Ramps - [Canada Ramp Slopes (NBC 9.8)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ramps/ramp-gradients/) ### Wet areas - [Shower & Bathtub Waterproof Finish (NBC 9.29.2)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/wet-areas/waterproofing-requirements/) ## How the code works in Canada Canada has one national rule book — the **National Building Code (NBC)**. But here’s the catch: the NBC is a **model code**. On its own it has no legal force. It only becomes law when a **province or territory adopts it** — and most of them change bits when they do. So the code that binds your job is your **province’s** code, not the national one. The NBC is just the starting point everyone works from. ## Which code applies to me? Start with where you’re building: - **Most provinces and territories** adopt the NBC, often with their own tweaks on top. The figures on this site are the **NBC 2020, Part 9.8** baseline (unchanged from NBC 2015). - **Ontario** runs its own **Ontario Building Code (OBC)** — different numbering, some different figures. - **Québec** runs its own construction code, built on the NBC but amended. - **British Columbia** runs the **BC Building Code (BCBC)**. - **Alberta** runs its own edition of the code. These provincial codes have their **own numbering** and can set **some different figures**. So before you set out, **confirm the edition in force in your province** — and check whether your province has changed the number you care about. ## By province & territory - [Alberta](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ab/) - [British Columbia](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/bc/) - [Manitoba](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/mb/) - [New Brunswick](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nb/) - [Newfoundland and Labrador](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nl/) - [Nova Scotia](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ns/) - [Northwest Territories](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nt/) - [Nunavut](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nu/) - [Ontario](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/on/) - [Prince Edward Island](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/pe/) - [Québec](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/qc/) - [Saskatchewan](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/sk/) - [Yukon](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/yt/) This page is general information for tradespeople and is not compliance, engineering or legal advice. Requirements are subject to state and territory variations and adoption timing. Always confirm requirements with your building certifier and relevant state authority. ## Page directory - [Alberta Building Code: Stairs & Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ab/index.md): Alberta runs the National Building Code — 2023 Alberta Edition. The residential stair and guard numbers match the NBC 2020 baseline. - [BC Building Code: Stairs & Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/bc/index.md): British Columbia runs the BCBC 2024 — its own edition of the NBC 2020 — and the residential stair and guard numbers match the national code. - [Canada Footing Sizes (NBC 9.15)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/footings/footing-sizes-and-depth/index.md): The National Building Code's minimum footing widths by number of storeys, the thickness rule, and where the frost line takes over. - [Canada Minimum Ceiling Heights (NBC 9.5)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/rooms/minimum-ceiling-heights/index.md): The National Building Code's ceiling heights — 2.1 m for living rooms, bathrooms and halls, 2.0 m in an unfinished basement. - [Canada Ramp Slopes (NBC 9.8)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ramps/ramp-gradients/index.md): The National Building Code's residential ramp limit — 1 in 10 for a house ramp, the 1500 mm rise rule, landings and widths. - [Manitoba Building Code: Stairs & Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/mb/index.md): Manitoba runs its own Manitoba Building Code — an adoption of the NBC 2020, in force since January 2024. The residential stair and guard numbers match the national code. - [NBC Stair & Guard Rules: Riser, Run, Handrails, Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/stairs/stair-and-barrier-requirements/index.md): The National Building Code numbers for a stair in a house — 200 mm max riser, 255 mm min run, 900 mm guards — plus why Ontario, Québec, BC and Alberta may differ. - [New Brunswick Building Code: Stairs & Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nb/index.md): New Brunswick adopts the National Building Code — 2020 edition directly, in force since April 2025. The residential stair and guard numbers match the national code. - [Newfoundland and Labrador Building Code: Stairs & Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nl/index.md): Newfoundland and Labrador adopts the National Building Code — 2020 edition directly, in force since September 2022. The residential stair and guard numbers match the national code. - [Northwest Territories Building Code: Stairs & Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nt/index.md): The Northwest Territories has no standalone territorial building code — the NBC 2020 applies by reference through fire regulations and municipal by-laws. Confirm locally before you build. - [Nova Scotia Building Code: Stairs & Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/ns/index.md): Nova Scotia runs its own NS Building Code — its own edition of the NBC 2020 — in force since April 2025. The residential stair and guard numbers match the national code. - [Nunavut Building Code: Stairs & Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/nu/index.md): Nunavut's Building Code Act references the National Building Code — 2015 edition, in force since 2018 and older than every other Canadian jurisdiction on this site. Confirm the current edition before you build. - [Ontario Building Code: Stairs & Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/on/index.md): Ontario runs the 2024 Ontario Building Code — its own edition of the NBC — but the residential stair and guard numbers match the national code. Here's what applies. - [Prince Edward Island Building Code: Stairs & Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/pe/index.md): PEI's Building Codes Act sets the adopted edition by regulation, and our sources don't confirm which one is currently in force. Confirm locally before you build. - [Québec Construction Code: Stairs & Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/qc/index.md): Québec's Construction Code adopts the NBC 2020 (modified) — mandatory from October 2026. The residential stair figures match the national code. - [Saskatchewan Building Code: Stairs & Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/sk/index.md): Saskatchewan adopts the National Building Code — 2020 edition directly via the Construction Codes Act, in force since January 2024. The residential stair and guard numbers match the national code. - [Shower & Bathtub Waterproof Finish (NBC 9.29.2)](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/wet-areas/waterproofing-requirements/index.md): The National Building Code's waterproof-finish heights — 1.8 m in a shower stall, 1.2 m above a bathtub with a shower, 400 mm above one without — plus the tile backer rule. - [Yukon Building Code: Stairs & Guards](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ca/yt/index.md): Yukon adopts the National Building Code — 2020 edition by dynamic reference, in force since April 2023. The residential stair and guard numbers match the national code.