Codes Canada staff reviewed the principles of Smart Regulation (included in the agenda package) to ensure Task Group members understand and apply these principles when proposing or reviewing code changes. Members were reminded that proposed changes must represent a minimum necessary solution, be feasible for industry to implement, and be defensible through impact analysis.

At the February 20, 2026 meeting, the TG agreed to advance a Code Change Request to call up ASHRAE 62.2, which addresses dwelling unit ventilation requirements in Part 6. A copy of the 2025 version of the standard had been shared on Teamwork for review by the TG. Codes Canada staff provided an overview of comparative review between existing British Columbia and Quebec Part 6 ventilation requirements, with a comparison of the Part 9 requirements to be carried out at a later date.

The TG was reminded that when the National Building Code was updated in 2020, the reference to an updated version of ASHRAE 62.1 resulted in dwelling units being excluded, creating a significant gap for designers and regulators. Staff also noted that the 2018 version of ASHRAE 62.2 included a user guide, and the Task Group will need to determine the most appropriate edition to reference. As in the previous meeting, members familiar with the standard including a member of ASHRAE generally supported referencing the 2025 version and noted that a user guide is under development.

The Chair led a section‑by‑section review of the proposed standard, with consensus reached on referencing specific sections rather than the standard in its entirety. CHBA recommended referencing airtightness testing standards for infiltration rates that are already cited in the NBC or NECB and/or consulting with airtightness testers in Canada. Issues related to recirculating kitchen exhaust fans were raised by TG members and the chair noted that there are "carcinogens" produced during cooking and stressed the importance of including kitchen exhaust requirements based on the best available science.  CHBA BC noted that recirc exhaust fans with HRV exhaust intakes (fitted with a grease filter) within the kitchen are commonly used, especially in energy-efficient homes where builders and designers are trying to reduce penetrations through building envelopes and a ban on current code solutions would need to be carefully considered.

Review of the standard will continue at upcoming meetings.

For any questions, please reach out to Jack.Mantyla@chba.ca