Ontario’s 2026 Carbon Monoxide Alarm Update: What You Need to Know

Starting January 1, 2026, updates to Ontario’s Fire Code will take effect to strengthen carbon monoxide protection in homes and residential buildings. This article highlights what’s changing and what homeowners, installers, and property managers need to know about the updated requirements.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the silent killer because it is an invisible, tasteless and odourless gas that can be deadly. Over 65% of CO-related injuries and deaths in Ontario occur in the home.

Ontario is expanding carbon monoxide alarm requirements through Ontario Regulation 87/25, amending the Fire Code O. Reg. 213/07.

Key Updates  

Additional carbon monoxide alarms required in homes

Under the new update, if you live in a detached home, semi, townhouse, cottage, or similar dwelling with a:

• fuel-burning appliance
• fireplace
• attached garage
• ducted heat from a fuel-fired appliance located elsewhere

You must continue to have a CO alarm near every sleeping area and are now also required to install a CO alarm on every storey of the home, including basements and floors without bedrooms.

Expanded carbon monoxide alarm coverage in multi-unit buildings

Under the new update, apartments, condos, hotels, motels, retirement homes, or other multi-unit buildings will all have expanded requirements. CO alarms will now be required in:

• Suites next to service rooms containing fuel-burning appliances
• Suites adjacent to parking garages
• The service rooms themselves
• In some cases, public corridors that are heated by fuel-burning systems

*Group homes, care facilities, and retirement homes face stricter installation rules to protect residents who may need assistance evacuating.

Important Notes

• CO alarms can be hardwired, battery-operated, or plug-in, and combination smoke/CO units are acceptable if properly certified. If the alarm is hardwired or plug-in, it must include a battery backup to activate in the event of a power failure.
• Property owners, including condo boards, are responsible for installing and maintaining alarms. Tenants must not remove or disable alarms and are required to report any issues.

Residents and property owners must ensure their homes and buildings meet the new Fire Code requirements by January 1, 2026. The rules apply to all properties, not just new builds or renovations, and failure to comply can result in fines ranging from several hundred dollars to more severe penalties for repeated violations.

Source: www.ontario.ca/page/carbon-monoxide-safety

Be Prepared with Aartech Canada

Aartech offers a wide selection of carbon monoxide and combination smoke/CO alarms suitable for all types of installations. Our team is ready to help ensure your home or building is fully prepared for the upcoming Ontario Fire Code changes.

For installers, this means there is an increased demand for combination smoke/CO units, interconnected alarm systems, and multi-unit-friendly solutions. This also means that, after January 1, 2026, installers can expect increased scrutiny from AHJs, with a particular focus on carbon monoxide protection during inspections. Stay ahead and prepare for upcoming assessments with guidance from Aartech Canada.

Carbon Monoxide and Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarms w/ Battery Backup

BRK 120V Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup (CO5120BNA)

BRK 120V Wired Photoelectric Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector, Battery Backup (SC7010BA)

First Alert Plug-In Carbon Monoxide CO Alarm with Battery Backup (CO605A)

Other compliant options available at Aartech Canada can be found here:

Aartech Canada is committed to helping you navigate the upcoming changes. Contact us anytime with questions or for more information.

About the Author

Eric Smith is a Technical Support Specialist and the resident Locking Specialist at Aartech Canada. With a strong focus on door and locking hardware, he has spent months building a solid foundation through hands-on training and industry collaboration. Eric has completed ASSA ABLOY Education Week, works closely with our manufacturers, and continues to expand his expertise in building and fire codes. Passionate about new technology, Eric loves getting his hands on the latest innovations and regularly shares practical knowledge to help professionals and customers better understand locking and door hardware solutions.