Ontario CodeNews Issue 386: Amendments to Ontario's 2024 Building Code: Codification of Combined Treatment and Dispersal Systems

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has amended Part 8 "Sewage Systems" of Ontario's 2024 Building Code to incorporate design, construction, maintenance, and operational requirements for Combined Treatment and Dispersal Systems.

The Ministry has made amendments to modernize Ontario's Building Code by establishing a clear, consistent, province-wide regulatory framework for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Combined Treatment and Dispersal Systems, while maintaining public health, safety, and environmental protection objectives. 

The changes include new definitions, a new Subsection establishing requirements for these systems, and updates to related design, leaching beds, and maintenance provisions.

By broadening sewage system options, particularly for sites where traditional large-scale systems may not be practical, the amendments facilitate housing development and increase flexibility for property owners and designers.

The changes will come into effect on January 1, 2027. 

These changes are now included in an updated Ontario Amendment Document, which serves as the official document that contains the above changes. The changes are highlighted with a yellow background in the unofficial copy of the Ontario Amendment Document.

Email ontario.amendment.document@ontario.ca to obtain an Ontario Amendment Document.