Starting from 2026, new regulations will require many homeowners and landlords in Ontario to install carbon monoxide alarms. Effective January 1, amendments to the Ontario Fire Code will mandate a functioning carbon monoxide alarm on each floor of a residence with a gas-powered appliance like a furnace, water heater, or stove. Until the end of 2025, the existing rules only necessitate a carbon monoxide detector outside sleeping areas.
London’s fire department Deputy Chief, Matt Hepditch, explained that the updated regulations aim to enhance safety against the invisible and odorless threat of carbon monoxide. This deadly gas, generated during the combustion of fuels such as natural gas and wood, can impede the body’s oxygen absorption, leading to severe health issues and even death if not properly ventilated.
Carbon monoxide exposure often manifests as flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and impaired motor skills. In severe cases, unconsciousness and death can occur swiftly. Reports from the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs indicate that carbon monoxide poisoning results in over 50 fatalities annually in Canada, with a majority happening during the colder seasons.
Despite the effectiveness of carbon monoxide alarms in preventing accidental poisoning, Hepditch highlighted that malfunctioning or absent alarms are frequently discovered by fire inspectors. He emphasized the importance of testing both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly, especially during the holiday season, to ensure they are operational.
When purchasing carbon monoxide alarms, homeowners are advised to choose devices certified for use in Canada, bearing logos such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC). These alarms can be battery-operated, hard-wired with battery backups, or plug-in models, with some offering dual functionality to detect smoke as well.
Other safety tips include being aware of the distinct alerts of carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, evacuating immediately upon hearing an alarm, yearly inspection of fuel-burning appliances, and ensuring proper venting to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Hepditch stressed the importance of prompt action in response to carbon monoxide alarms and the significance of regular appliance maintenance to mitigate risks.