Whereas the Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board (Board) has been made aware of challenges experienced by York Regional Police caused by the unreliability of in-building communications when attending locations in response to an emergency call; and,
Whereas the Board recognizes that the unreliability of in-building communication for first responders is a safety risk and could be improved through Ontario’s Building Code; and,
Whereas the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has been undertaking the process of developing the next edition of the Ontario Building Code; and,
Whereas the Board has responded to the Ministry’s Regulatory Proposal 23-MMAH020, respecting the Ontario Building Code review, with a submission proposing amendments that would improve the reliability of in-building communication for first responders; and,
Whereas the Board’s submission, made on December 18, 2023 proposes to improve in-building communications through the inclusion of a section with criteria to support improved Emergency Communications within Part 3 of Ontario Regulation 332/12 of the Ontario Building Code; and,
Whereas the inclusion of this proposed section on Emergency Communication would not only increase the reliability of in-building communications, but also improve first responder and community safety.
Therefore be it resolved that:
- The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing prioritize improving in-building communication for first responders as part of the Ontario Building Code Review; and,
- The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing support the inclusion of amendments, that would improve in-building communications for first responders, in the next edition of Ontario’s Building Code; and,
- This resolution be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Solicitor General, the Regional Municipality of York, York Region Paramedic Services, all York Region Municipalities and their respective Fire Chiefs and Chief Building Officials, the Building Industry and Land Development Association, Ontario Association of Police Services Boards, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Public Sector Broadband Network Innovation Alliance for their support.