National Building Code

Code Adoption for Horizontal Railing in the City of Vancouver

The 2025 Vancouver Building By-law has harmonized with the National Building Code articles pertaining to guard requirements and climbability as of September 15, 2025. The new by-law allows for greater design freedom for guard infill, which means Vancouverites can now explore and enjoy a larger world of guardrail design choices, including horizontal railing.

Refer to the City of Vancouver Building By-Law #14343; and see Book I (General) Volume II, Article 9.8.8.6. on page 32.

The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) is the model building code of Canada. It is issued by the National Research Council of Canada. Provinces and territories consider and generally adopt the NBC, and they can also make substantive variations to it. This has resulted in a patchwork of provincial/territorial approaches to Construction Codes. When beginning construction on a new building or doing renovations on an existing structure, it is important to be familiar with the regulations that apply in your jurisdiction. Always consult with your local building department to ensure proper compliance before starting your project.

Codes Harmonization

The Canadian Free Trade Agreement’s (CFTA’s) Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table (RCT) is working to improve the regulatory environment in Canada. Starting with NBC 2015, provinces and territories have agreed to improve harmonization with the NBC by reducing or eliminating variations in the technical requirements of Construction Codes. These are essential steps in reducing construction costs and trade barriers.

Ontario Building Code

In November 2021, Bezdan contacted industry professionals to support harmonizing the Ontario Building Code (OBC) with the National Building Code 2015 (NBC) for guards. This would have permitted horizontal elements like cable rail in guard design.

Update:

The province of Ontario decided not to harmonize with the last round of changes to the OBC in early 2022. Bezdan and industry partners were disappointed with this decision. Bezdan continues to take steps to lift the restrictions and will be applying to Minister Steve Clark to make this necessary change on behalf of all Ontarians.

• The National Building Code 2020 and National Building Code 2015 can be downloaded for free in electronic format or purchased in printed format here. For guardrail design, refer to Article 9.8.8.6. Design of Guards to Not Facilitate Climbing.
• The Ontario Building Code 2017 can be viewed online. Refer to Section 9 for handrail and guardrail requirements.
• The Vancouver Building Bylaw 2019 can be viewed online. Refer to Section 9.8. Stairs, Ramps, Handrails and Guards.
• Quebec is regulated under NBC 2010 with amendments.

Refer to  Provincial & Territorial Code Adoptions for links to all other provincial and territory building codes. Find your local authority in Canada.

The provision to limit climbing introduced in the NBC in 1975 was not backed by any documented injury related to climbable guards. These provisions were unnecessarily restrictive, negatively impacting the ornamental guard industry and design freedom in Canada. With a lack of evidence to support these restrictions, Bezdan, along with industry proponents, pursued the change reflected in NBC 2015.

It took nearly eight years of comprehensive and diligent voluntary effort by industry proponents to realize a consensus-based code change. The new code allows for greater design freedom for guard infill, which means a whole new world of guardrail design options. Learn more about the rationale for these code changes and what the research revealed. Read article.

NBC 2015 Articles 

NBC 2015 Rationale