Effective July 1, 2022

Saskatchewan’s Building Code Regulations require every building with a residential occupancy (e.g. sleeping quarters) to have carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms installed by January 1, 2022, regardless of when the building was initially constructed or last renovated. Any building in which people sleep in, even on a part-time or seasonal basis, must be equipped with smoke alarms; buildings must also have CO alarms if there is a fuel burning appliance.

Building owners are responsible for installing alarms in their buildings. Alarms with a 10 year tamper resistant battery are permitted to meet this requirement provided the building is not already required by the National Building Code or a municipal bylaw to have a hardwired CO and smoke alarms.

Local authorities are responsible for enforcing this requirement. However, local authorities and their building officials are encouraged to take a passive approach to enforcement. If building officials are present for another reason (e.g. permit inspection) and notice the building is not in compliance with the new requirements, they could write an order to have the owner install the missing alarms.

For more information:

Visit Saskatchewan’s Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Smoke Alarm Standards:

Download and read building advisories to learn where CO and smoke alarms should be installed in residential buildings:

If you have any questions about the new CO and smoke alarm requirements, please contact the Saskatchewan Building and Technical Standards branch at 306-787-4113 or btstandards@gov.sk.ca