Metrolinx can request voluntary Building Code assessments and inspections for provincial transit projects

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

A new section (not yet in force) allows Metrolinx (the Corporation) to voluntarily notify a municipality's chief building official when it plans to construct or demolish a building as part of a provincial transit project. The chief building official must then assess the proposal against the Building Code and related design-professional requirements, and provide a written report within a prescribed period — but the assessment does not cover zoning or site-plan compliance. Metrolinx can also invite inspections at prescribed construction stages and request a written opinion on occupancy readiness. Importantly, the Building Code Act itself does not apply to Metrolinx; this is a voluntary advisory process only, and municipalities bear liability for tortious acts by their officials in carrying it out. New regulation-making powers are added to set fees, timelines, report formats, and exemptions tied to this process.

Who this affects: Metrolinx (the Corporation) · municipal chief building officials and inspectors · registered code agencies · architects and professional engineers involved in transit construction · municipalities hosting provincial transit projects