Changes to CO Alarm Requirements Coming January 1, 2026

Tay Township Fire and Emergency Services is notifying residents of important changes to the Ontario Fire Code that will take effect on January 1, 2026, aimed at enhancing safety in residential spaces. 

Under the updated regulations, all residential occupancies including homes, apartments and other dwellings that contain a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage must have: 

• A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm adjacent to each sleeping area. 

• A CO alarm on each storey without a sleeping area (on every floor). 

“Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because it is odourless, tasteless and colourless. These properties make it undetectable without a proper alarm, and exposure can be fatal. This safety enhancement to the Ontario Fire Code emphasizes the importance of having working CO alarms to protect everyone in your home,” said Fire Chief Shawn Aymer. 

Ontario Regulation 87/25 (O. Reg. 87/25) made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, makes changes to the Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg 213/07) that includes additional carbon monoxide detector requirements.   

Tay Township Fire and Emergency Services encourage all residents to review their current CO alarm setup and make necessary updates before the new requirements take effect.  

Our Fire Department is always available to help you with your CO and smoke alarms. The goal is to ensure that working CO and smoke alarms are in every home in Tay Township.   

For questions or more information, please contact  

Jenny Duffy, Fire and Emergency Services Assistant  705-534-7248 ext. 262  
jduffy@tay.ca