Homes across Ontario — including those in Ottawa — will soon face stricter safety standards as the province rolls out new rules for carbon monoxide alarms. The updated regulation under the Ontario Fire Code will require carbon monoxide detectors to be installed on every level of homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces or attached garages, starting January 1, 2026, according to provincial officials and the Office of the Fire Marshal.
The goal is to reduce preventable poisoning incidents and improve household safety across the province. Carbon monoxide (CO) — often called the silent killer — is an odourless, colourless gas that can build up indoors from malfunctioning furnaces, water heaters, stoves or vehicles left running in attached garages.
What the new carbon monoxide alarm rules include
The new requirements expand on the current provincial regulations, which only mandate alarms near sleeping areas in homes that contain fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. Under the updated code, homeowners must install at least one carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of the dwelling, even if that level doesn’t have a bedroom.
The rule applies to:
- Single-family homes with fuel-burning appliances or fireplaces.
- Townhouses and condominiums with attached garages.
- Multi-residential buildings, hotels, and retirement residences.
The City of Ottawa has encouraged residents to start preparing now by testing existing detectors, checking expiry dates, and installing additional units if necessary. Local fire departments will increase public-education campaigns in 2025 to help ensure compliance before the rule officially takes effect.
| Effective Date | New Requirement | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | CO alarm required on every floor of affected homes | Owners, landlords, and tenants |
| Current (2024-2025) | Alarm required outside sleeping areas only | Homes already equipped with fuel-burning appliances |
Officials say the expansion follows studies showing that more than 60 % of Ontario’s carbon monoxide incidents occur on lower levels or in areas without sleeping quarters.
Why these changes matter for Ontario homeowners
Carbon monoxide poisoning sends hundreds of Canadians to emergency rooms each year. It is most dangerous because symptoms — including dizziness, nausea, and confusion — can appear suddenly and are often mistaken for the flu.
By expanding alarm coverage, Ontario aims to eliminate “blind spots” where CO can accumulate undetected. The new requirement will also help landlords and property managers maintain uniform standards across rental properties, multi-unit buildings, and care facilities.
Fire officials say the update aligns Ontario’s standards more closely with other provinces and the latest Canadian Standards Association (CSA 6.19) safety recommendations. The Ministry of the Solicitor General noted that the changes will be accompanied by enforcement provisions, allowing fire inspectors to issue warnings or fines for non-compliance once the new rule takes effect.
Residents are encouraged to use the coming year to upgrade to 10-year sealed-battery alarms, which require less maintenance and are compliant with CSA safety standards.
How residents can prepare before 2026
Safety experts recommend that homeowners and landlords act early by reviewing their property layouts and ensuring every floor has at least one functioning CO alarm.
Tips to prepare:
- Verify that each alarm is less than 10 years old and bears the CSA certification mark.
- Test alarms monthly and replace batteries annually (or as directed by the manufacturer).
- Place alarms near bedrooms and central locations on each level.
- Never block vents or chimneys connected to gas-burning appliances.
- If an alarm sounds, leave the home immediately and call 911 or your local fire department.
In Ottawa, local officials plan to integrate carbon-monoxide awareness into home-inspection and fire-prevention programs over the coming year. The province has also indicated that information campaigns will run throughout 2025 to educate residents on proper installation, maintenance and the risks of CO exposure.
The new carbon monoxide alarm regulations taking effect January 1, 2026, will make Ontario homes — from Ottawa to Thunder Bay — safer by ensuring that alarms are installed on every floor. The initiative by the Ontario Fire Marshal represents a major step in protecting families from carbon-monoxide poisoning and raising compliance across residential properties.
The Canada Survivor Allowance 2025 offers up to $1,200 monthly for low-income widows or widowers aged 60–64. Eligible applicants can apply through Service Canada in November to receive payments directly to their bank accounts.
With just over a year until the law comes into force, homeowners, tenants, and landlords are urged to take action now. Regular testing, timely replacements, and adherence to these expanded requirements can prevent tragedies and ensure every home meets Ontario’s new safety standards.
