The Ontario Building Code | Building in Flood Plains
3.1.1.3. building in Flood Plains
(1) Buildings constructed on flood plains shall,
(a) be designed and constructed in accordance with good engineering practice to withstand anticipated vertical and horizontal hydrostatic pressures acting on the structure, and
(b) incorporate floodproofing measures that will preserve the integrity of exits and means of egress during times of flooding.
3.1.2. Classification of Buildings or Parts of Buildings by Major Occupancy
In Plain Language
Buildings constructed on flood plains must be engineered to withstand the hydrostatic pressures floodwater would exert, both vertically and horizontally, and must incorporate floodproofing measures specifically to keep exits and egress routes usable during a flood event.
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.