GNWT Releases Report on What We Heard About Proposed Changes to the Fire Prevention Act Regulations

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is releasing a What We Heard Report summarizing feedback regarding the proposed Plan Review Appeal Board regulations. The regulations have been developed to finalize legislative amendments to the Fire Prevention Act, approved by the 19th Assembly, as well as amendments to the Fire Prevention Regulations. The report presents reactions from the public and stakeholders following discussions to improve fire safety standards throughout the Northwest Territories (NWT).

The report outlines the amendments made to the Fire Prevention Regulations in preparation for the adoption of the National Building Code – Canada 2020 and the National Fire Prevention Code – Canada 2020. The amendments harmonize the NWT standards with the most recent national codes fire safety regulations, which are already in force, which improves safety and regulatory consistency.

The report also includes comments received by the GNWT on the creation of a Plan Review Appeal Board. This commission will oversee an appeal process for plan reviews carried out by the Fire Commissioner under the Fire Prevention Act. It thus creates a new avenue for appeals against orders issued during the examination of plans.

The Report on What We Heard presents comments from professionals in the sector (architects, engineers, construction associations) and the public who provided food for thought on important subjects, such as the Commission’s eligibility criteria, animal safety in the event of fire and harmonization of the code with the needs of the population. The GNWT thanks everyone who participated; their input played a major role in the development of the proposed changes.

The NOTF will now focus on drafting the final version of the regulations and establishing the Plan Review Appeals Commission.

Media representatives should contact:
Peter Tah
Senior Communications and Planning Advisor
Ministry of Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
[email protected]
867-767-9162, then 21012