The Ontario Building Code | Access Routes
3.2.5.4. Access Routes
(1) A building that is more than 3 storeys in building height or more than 600 m2 in building area shall be provided with access routes for fire department vehicles,
(a) to the buildingface having a principal entrance, and
(b) to each buildingface having access openings for firefighting as required by Articles 3.2.5.1. and 3.2.5.2.
In Plain Language
This clause sets minimum width, turning radius, and clearance requirements for a fire department access route, since a route too narrow or with too tight a turn could prevent a fire truck from reaching the building at all.
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.