Code Library › Volume 1 › Section 3.2 — Building Fire Safety
PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

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 separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min. (2) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), a walkway connected to a building required to be of noncombustible construction shall also be of noncombustible construction. (3) Except as provided in Sentence (4), a walkway connected to a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction shall be of noncombustible construction or encapsulated mass timber construction. (4) A walkway connected to a building required to be of noncombustible construction or to a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber 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 walkway is at ground level. (5) 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. (6) A walkway between buildings shall be not more than 9 m wide
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Common questions about this part of the code

When is noncombustible construction required under the Ontario Building Code?When are automatic sprinklers required in a building in Ontario?What are the fire department access route requirements under the Ontario Building Code?When is a fire alarm system required in a building in Ontario?

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Code text is reproduced for reference from the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, 2024 Building Code Compendium). This page is provided for general information and is not an official copy. Always verify requirements against the official Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.