The firefighters union in Calgary is raising alarm over a concerning housing trend where new apartment buildings are being constructed with only one exit stairwell, potentially compromising safety in case of emergencies. While the national building code mandates that residential buildings over two storeys must have two stairwells, there has been a recent move in Canada to allow exceptions.
Last year, the B.C. government modified its building code to permit buildings up to six storeys to have only one stairwell, bypassing the usual requirement of two. Similarly, the City of Edmonton introduced guidelines earlier this year to facilitate the approval of single-stair housing projects by employing alternative fire safety measures instead of the traditional two-stair approach. Despite concerns raised by the Calgary Firefighters Association, two building permits have already been granted in Edmonton using this method.
Jamie Blayney, the president of the Calgary Firefighters Association, expressed apprehension that Calgary might be the next city to adopt this practice and emphasized the risks associated with having a single stairwell in high-rise buildings during emergencies. Firefighters across North America have been vocal about opposing such designs due to safety concerns, while proponents argue that utilizing one stairwell can expedite and reduce the cost of construction, especially in the current housing crisis.
Advocates of single-stair housing, such as Stephen Barnecut from Gravity Architecture, believe that this approach offers benefits like cost savings and enhanced design possibilities, leading to better lighting and ventilation for residents. Barnecut highlighted the potential for constructing taller buildings on smaller land plots, presenting a more efficient use of space compared to the traditional two-stair model. He also pointed to Europe as an example of how single-stair buildings can be constructed safely using non-combustible materials and incorporating designated refuge areas for individuals with mobility challenges in case of emergencies.
While the City of Calgary expressed openness to considering proposals for single-stair buildings, Chief Building Official Ulrik Seward emphasized the importance of meeting equivalent safety standards to the building code and collaborating with the Calgary Fire Department to ensure emergency response capabilities are not compromised. Despite the potential advantages cited by proponents, the firefighters union maintains that having two exit stairwells remains the safest option for high-rise buildings. As discussions continue with city councillors, the union aims to address these safety concerns and advocate for stringent fire safety measures in new developments.
