2026 Ontario Fire Code Update

2026 Ontario Fire Code Update

New Documentation Requirements under CAN/ULC-S536:2019

Beginning January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code will mandate compliance with CAN/ULC-S536:2019 for annual fire alarm inspections and testing, and CAN/ULC-S537:2019 for fire alarm verifications. In preparation for this transition, Fire Safety Solutions is updating all inspection documentation, processes, and reporting tools to meet the new national standards – ensuring our clients remain fully compliant and inspection-ready.

What’s Changing in 2026

Under CAN/ULC-S536:2019 & CAN/ULC-S537:2019, every company performing fire alarm inspections in Ontario must use the official ULC-prescribed report format for all annual, monthly, and verification inspections. These standardized forms replace custom checklists and ensure that every inspection follows a consistent national framework.

Why It Matters

These changes bring Ontario’s fire protection practices in line with modern standards used across Canada. They also improve documentation quality, minimize reporting errors, and enhance system traceability in the event of an emergency or audit.

At Fire Safety Solutions, we’ve already begun adopting these new documents across all service programs, so our clients are ahead of the compliance deadline.

New Document Features and Requirements

The updated reporting requirements under CAN/ULC-S536:2019 include several major enhancements:

1. Technician Attendance Log

Every report now includes a Technician Attendance Log – a detailed record of which technician performed each test, along with arrival and departure times. This log verifies the scope and duration of work performed on-site and ensures full accountability for inspection accuracy.

2. Deficiency Sign-Offs

All identified deficiencies must now be signed off by the customer once corrective work has been completed. This is done to establish a clear accountability trail and reduce liability for building owners and property managers in the event of an incident.

3. Expanded On-Site Documentation Checklist

The CAN/ULC-S536:2019 update introduces an expanded on-site documentation list that must be maintained at the fire alarm control unit or in a designated Fire Safety binder. This includes:

  • A full description of the function of each control and indicator on the fire alarm panel
  • Fire zone descriptions or drawings indicating the area protected by each detection circuit
  • Detailed alarm signal operations and ancillary equipment functions
  • Sequence of operation documentation for smoke control systems, including logic controls
  • Building diagrams clearly identifying all smoke-control devices, like fans and dampers
  • A complete fire alarm system description, including:
    • Sequence of operation and operating instructions
    • Type and location of each field device
    • Programmed input/output functions
    • Fire signal receiving center connections (if applicable)
  • As-built drawings, previous verification reports, and any modification approvals
  • Copy of site-specific software for addressable or programmable systems (where applicable)

These requirements ensure that any fire alarm system can be quickly reviewed, verified, and maintained, no matter who performs the inspection.

Stay Ahead of the Code Change

At Fire Safety Solutions, we are actively implementing CAN/ULC-S536:2019 and CAN/ULC-S537:2019 requirements across all inspection programs. Our updated documentation system ensures every client receives the official ULC forms, proper technician logs, and complete record sets to meet 2026 compliance standards with confidence.

Contact us today to schedule your next inspection or to update your documentation to the new standard.

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