National Building Code coming to P.E.I.

The P.E.I. government is planning to require that builders in rural P.E.I. adhere to the National Building Code.

Communities, Land and Environment Minister Robert Mitchell plans to introduce the legislation in the fall, and said a draft bill is already drawn up that would bring the national building code into force in unincorporated areas of the province.

The province is responsible for planning and standards in areas that aren't part of a municipality.

Mitchell said bringing in the national building code in those areas would provide many advantages.

"These will handle things like structural issues, mold and mildew in places," he said.

"It's going to also enhance the life expectancy of these buildings. As well, some of the energy efficient issues that haven't been addressed over the years, they become encompassed in the new act."

Encouraging other municipalities to bring in the code

Before bringing forward the bill in the fall, said Mitchell, he will hold consultations over the summer.

Currently the national building code is only in force in Charlottetown, Summerside and Stratford.

Mitchell said the province also hopes to convince more Island municipalities to adopt the code.

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