The firefighters union in Calgary is expressing concerns over a potentially risky housing development trend where apartment buildings are being constructed with just one exit stairwell. According to the national building code, new residential apartment buildings taller than two storeys are required to have two stairwells. However, there is a recent movement in Canada to circumvent this regulation.
Last year, the British Columbia government amended its building code to permit buildings up to six storeys to have only one stairwell instead of the mandated two. Similarly, the City of Edmonton introduced a guide earlier this year to assist developers in obtaining approval for single-stair housing by utilizing alternative fire safety solutions. Despite this, only two building permits have been granted thus far.
Jamie Blayney, president of the Calgary Firefighters Association, is apprehensive that Calgary may follow suit. He emphasized the importance of avoiding the construction of such buildings in the city due to the heightened risk posed by rapidly spreading fires and the potential congestion in a single stairwell during evacuations.
Blayney’s concerns align with those of firefighters across North America who are actively opposing similar initiatives in cities like Vancouver and Los Angeles. On the other hand, proponents argue that adopting single-stair designs is a cost-effective and efficient response to the ongoing housing crisis.
Stephen Barnecut, the principal of Gravity Architecture, anticipates the emergence of such developments in Calgary soon. He highlighted the benefits of single-stair housing, including cost savings on stairwells and the opportunity for innovative design solutions that enhance natural light and air circulation for residents.
Additionally, single-stair buildings enable the construction of multi-storey structures on smaller plots of land, providing a more expedited approach to urban development. Barnecut pointed out that this building model is prevalent in Europe, where safety measures, such as non-combustible materials in stairwells and designated refuge areas, are meticulously implemented.
Although the City of Calgary has not received any proposals for single-stair buildings to date, it remains open to reviewing submissions that adhere to equivalent safety standards outlined in the building code. Ulrik Seward, the city’s chief building official, emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Calgary Fire Department to ensure emergency response capabilities are not compromised.
As discussions continue within the firefighters’ union and with city councillors, Blayney remains adamant that two exit stairwells are irreplaceable in terms of ensuring optimal safety for residents.