Mayor Olivia Chow has proclaimed May as Building Safety Month in Toronto, joining municipalities across North America in recognizing the importance of creating safe, accessible and sustainable buildings.
Throughout May, the City will mark Building Safety Month with a public awareness campaign that aligns with the 50th anniversary of the Ontario Building Code, which has provided the foundation for safe construction practices across Ontario since 1975.
Each year, the City reviews more than 36,000 building permit applications and conducts more than 152,000 inspections to ensure construction projects are designed and built to safety standards set by the Ontario Building Code. In 2024 alone, permitted construction represented $17.5 billion in activity and supported the creation of more than 23,000 new housing units across Toronto.
Building permits and inspections are essential to ensuring structures are designed and built correctly, are structurally sound, and meet all health, safety and accessibility requirements. They protect property owners, occupants and the public.
Information on which projects require building permits is available on the City’s website: When Do I Need a Building Permit? – City of Toronto
Residents seeking permit approvals are encouraged to submit complete and accurate applications to avoid delays. Once submitted, applicants can track the application status and schedule inspections online, including a final inspection to close the permit.
For more information about building permits, inspections and how to build safe in Toronto, visit the City’s website: BuildSafeTO: Learn About Building Permits – City of Toronto
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