The Ontario Building Code | Walkway between Buildings
3.2.3.19. Walkway between buildings
(1) Except as required by Sentence 3.2.3.20.(2), if buildings are connected by a walkway, each building shall be separated from the walkway by a fire separationwith a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
(2) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a walkwayconnected to a building required to be of noncombustible construction shall also be of noncombustible construction.
(3) A walkway connected to a building required to be of noncombustible construction is permitted to be of heavy timber construction provided,
(a) not less than 50% of the area of any enclosing perimeter walls is open to the outdoors, and
(b) the walkwayis at ground level.
(4) A walkway of noncombustible construction used only as a pedestrian thoroughfare need not conform to the requirements of Articles 3.2.3.14. and 3.2.3.15.
(5) A walkway between buildingsshall be not more than 9 m wide.
In Plain Language
This clause covers additional exceptions and special conditions under which the standard limiting-distance and unprotected-opening calculations in this Subsection can be adjusted, generally where alternative fire-protection measures achieve an equivalent level of safety.
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.