$2.5 Million In Building Code Refunds On The Way

August 19, 2019

Online versions of the BC Building Codes are now available free of charge, and nearly 5,000 people who purchased the code on or after Sept. 5, 2018, will soon get a refund.

As of April 1, 2019, electronic versions of the National Building Code of Canada were made available at no cost. The change eliminated the royalties BC pays to the federal government for the national codes. The refunds for BC’s codes are the result of an agreement between the Government of Canada and the Province to pass these savings on to British Columbians.

BC is now refunding the full purchase amount to anyone who bought an online subscription of the codes and offering a substantial refund for those who purchased a printed copy. Going forward, the Province will offer free digital versions of the codes and printed copies will be available at a reduced rate. This move marks another step forward as the BC government works to make life more affordable for everyone who lives and works in the province.

Building codes establish the minimum standard for the design and construction of buildings, supporting the safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection of buildings, along with energy and water efficiency. Typical users of building codes include industry and trades professionals, students enrolled in construction-related programs, building inspectors and other municipal officials and homeowners.

The BC Building Code is a provincial regulation that governs how new construction, building alterations, repairs and demolitions must be done. It is based on the national code, with some modifications specific to BC

The Government of Canada and the Province are refunding approximately $2.5 million in total: $1.875 million from Canada and $625,000 from BC Refund cheques will be mailed over the next four to six weeks.

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