Building Codes for Steel Structures in Canada.

One of the biggest differences between a properly engineered steel building and a cheap import kit is code compliance. Here's an overview of the codes and standards that apply to steel buildings in Canada, and why they matter for commercial and industrial owners.

The National Building Code of Canada (NBC)

The NBC is the model code for building design across Canada. It sets the structural loads a building must resist and the fire, safety and accessibility requirements for its use. Most provinces adopt it directly or with modifications.

Loads the NBC requires

• Snow loads: based on location-specific climate data, plus drift and sliding snow. These vary dramatically across Canada.
• Wind loads: based on local wind pressures and building exposure.
• Earthquake (seismic) loads: especially significant in BC, parts of Quebec and eastern Ontario.
• Dead, live and collateral loads: the building itself, occupants and equipment, plus sprinklers, HVAC and lighting.

Provincial codes: the Ontario Building Code (OBC)

In Ontario, the Ontario Building Code governs. It's based on the NBC with Ontario-specific requirements and administration. Your municipality's building department enforces it through the permit process. Other provinces have their own codes, including the Alberta Building Code, BC Building Code and Quebec Construction Code.

Steel design standards

• CSA S16: Design of Steel Structures. Governs the design of structural steel members and connections.
• CSA S136: North American Specification for cold-formed steel members, used for purlins, girts and light-gauge components.
• CSA A660: Certification of manufacturers of steel building systems. It's a quality program for companies that design and manufacture pre-engineered buildings.
• CSA W47.1: Certification of companies for fusion welding of steel.

How codes affect your building

Location changes the steel

The same 80x150 building needs much heavier framing in a high-snow area than in southwestern Ontario. That's why "one-size" kits rarely meet Canadian code, and why quotes must be based on your actual address.

Use changes the requirements

The occupancy classification (for example storage, industrial or mercantile) affects fire separations, sprinklers, exits and accessibility. A building permitted as storage can't simply be turned into an assembly space. See agricultural vs commercial steel buildings.

Energy codes

Heated buildings must meet energy efficiency requirements (Ontario's SB-10, or the National Energy Code for Buildings in many provinces), which shape insulation and envelope design.

What to ask your supplier

• Is the building designed for my site's NBC and provincial code loads?
• Will I receive drawings stamped by an engineer licensed in my province?
• Are collateral loads for sprinklers, HVAC and solar included?
• Who prepares the permit package?

Code-compliant from the start

Meta Steel Buildings is registered with Professional Engineers Ontario, and we design every building to the code requirements for its site and use. Our permit services take care of the paperwork. Request a quote for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What building code applies to steel structures in Canada?

The National Building Code of Canada, as adopted by each province (for example the Ontario Building Code), sets loads and safety requirements. Steel design follows CSA S16 for structural steel and CSA S136 for cold-formed members.

What is CSA A660?

CSA A660 is the certification standard for manufacturers of steel building systems. It is a quality program covering the design and manufacture of pre-engineered steel buildings.

How do Canadian building codes affect steel building design?

Codes set location-specific snow, wind and seismic loads, which size the steel members, and use-based requirements for fire safety, exits, accessibility and energy efficiency.