What clearance and exit requirements apply to tents in Ontario?
Tents must maintain clearances from buildings, other tents and property lines to limit fire spread, keep the surrounding ground clear of combustible material, and provide enough exits, sized and spaced for the occupant load, with exit paths kept clear and marked in assembly tents.
Paraphrased for clarity — open this provision in the BUILDAiD Library for the exact wording.
Tent egress fails differently than building egress: exits are fabric openings that can be tied shut, blocked by weighted sidewalls, or obstructed by anchor lines and ballast blocks, so plan exit locations against the actual rigging. Clearance requirements affect site planning at festivals where vendors want tents packed tightly, and combustible ground cover like straw or dry grass beneath tents draws fire department attention. For occupied assembly tents, exit signage and emergency lighting are expected once events run after dark, and heating and cooking appliances need dedicated separation.
Tents need breathing room, set back from buildings and each other so fire cannot jump between them, with dry grass and junk cleared away. There must be enough clearly marked ways out, and nothing may block the exits.
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This page is provided for general information. Building code requirements depend on your specific project, occupancy and municipality, and code editions change. Always verify requirements against the current Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.