The NMCC on Fire and Life Safety met for the third time to review six proposed changes and receive updates from its task and working groups.  

The Part 9 retrofit Task Group (TG) responded to another TG regarding a proposed change on exterior insulation.

The Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction (EMTC) TG has been directed by the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes to deliver a complete package of proposed changes by December 2026, taking into account existing provincial requirements. The TG will assess whether this timeline is achievable following its February meeting.

The Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging TG is prioritizing Part 9 changes related to energy storage systems before transitioning to Part 3. The EV Charging working group continues to make good progress.

The Hazardous Processes TG drafted six proposed Fire Code changes. Two addressing water‑miscible liquid mixtures were approved by the NMCC during this meeting. Four related to "hot works" were reviewed and returned for further development after Fire Chiefs raised concerns about proposed permit requirements, citing limited enforcement capacity.  An Alberta government representative indicated they would not be adopting the "hot works" requirements.

The Fire‑Resistance Rating Working Group is developing a proposed change to the Part 9 Fire and Sound Transmission Tables, including referencing an ASTM standard and considering a reduction in fire‑resistance ratings for one option from one hour to 45 minutes.

The Single Egress TG, focused on Part 3 buildings, has met three times and identified significant risks, including NRC research capacity and the challenge of achieving consensus. A face‑to‑face meeting is scheduled for March 25–27, 2026, in Ottawa.

Further work will examine NBC Division B Sentence 3.1.9.3.(3) to determine whether requirements for vertical fire stopping around outlet boxes can be applied to horizontal applications.  CHBA noted that the penetration requirements were addressed in Part 9 during the last Code cycle to allow the use of combustible airtight electrical boxes.   

During a staff presentation outlining the code process, CHBA inquired whether proposed changes would be reviewed by the Standing Committee on Codes Coordination (SCCC) before or after review by an NMCC, since the SCCC was shown under the Task Group review. Codes staff advised the review by the SCCC takes place in parallel with the NMCC review.