The Ontario Building Code | Exterior Environmental Loads
5.2.1.1. exterior Environmental Loads
(1) Above ground climatic loads shall be determined according to MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-1, "Climatic and Seismic Data".
(2) Except as provided in Sentence (3), below ground exterior environmental loads not described in MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-1, "Climatic and Seismic Data", shall be determined from existing geological and hydrological data or from site tests.
(3) Where local design and construction practice has shown soiltemperature analysis to be unnecessary, soiltemperatures need not be determined.
In Plain Language
Above-ground climatic loads used in environmental separation design must be determined according to the referenced supplementary standard covering climatic and seismic data specific to different locations in Ontario.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.