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Whereas Ontario Municipalities are committed to recognizing that our growth and strength depend on the safety and essential role our homes, buildings, and infrastructure play, both in everyday life and when disasters strike; and

Whereas our confidence in the structural integrity of these buildings that make up our communities are achieved through the devotion of vigilant guardians––building officials, fire prevention officials, architects, engineers, builders, tradespeople, design professionals, and others in the construction industry––who work year-round to ensure the safe construction of buildings; and

Whereas modern building codes include safeguards to protect the public from hazards such as hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, wildland fires, floods, earthquakes; and

Whereas Building Safety Month, a campaign supported by the Ontario Large Municipalities Chief Building Officials (OLMCBO) and the Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA), is intended to remind the public about the critical role of our communities’ largely unknown protectors of public safety––our local code officials––who assure us of safe, sustainable, and affordable buildings that are essential to our prosperity; and

Whereas 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Ontario Building Code (OBC). This year, we recognize the 50th year of the OBC during Building Safety Month in May; and

Whereas the government of Ontario introduced the first Ontario Building Code in 1975 to promote public safety through the application of uniform building standards. The OBC established technical requirements for all building construction and demolition in the province. The Ontario Building Code has evolved significantly since its introduction in 1975, with major updates incorporating new technologies and safety standards. Key changes to the Building Code over the last 50 years include: barrier-free accessibility requirements, enhanced fire safety measures, energy efficiency standards, climate resilience measures and more; and

Whereas Building Officials in Ontario have the important job of enforcing the building code and ensuring that construction and renovations meet safety and quality standards. Over the last 50 years, the role of building officials has become much more complex. In the early days, building enforcement was informal, handled by local by-law officers with little training. Without standardized codes, inspections were conducted based on basic safety concerns. With the introduction of the building code, professional building inspectors became necessary. The role grew beyond inspections to include plan reviews, zoning compliance, and fire and safety enforcement and more; and

As we observe Building Safety Month this May, we acknowledge the evolution of the Ontario Building Code over the last 50 years and its role in keeping Ontario safe.

Therefore, I, Mayor Lynn Dollin, on behalf of the Town of Innisfil hereby proclaim May 2025 as Building Safety Month in the Town of Innisfil.