The United Counties of Prescott and Russell (the “UCPR”) have been informed by the Ontario Building Code Commission (the “BCC”) that the design of the fire alarm system currently installed in the new Prescott and Russell Residence has been deemed non-compliant with the Ontario Building Code.
The UCPR have been working with the Town of Hawkesbury since winter 2025 to finalize the process of obtaining an occupancy permit for their new long-term care facility, a process that was delayed due to concerns regarding the compliance of using a reduced alert level in residents’ rooms. The BCC was asked last fall to review the matter and render a decision.
“We are relieved to have reached a decision and to finally be able to begin the final phase of the new Residence construction project,” said Stéphane P. Parisien, Chief Administrative Officer of the UCPR. “We would like to thank the Town of Hawkesbury for its collaboration throughout this process.”
The UCPR will now begin the work required to upgrade the fire alarm system currently installed in the building and to obtain the occupancy permit. This includes the installation of additional audible devices in the facility’s resident rooms, which will require notably extensive rewiring.
Once the Town of Hawkesbury issues the occupancy permit, Ontario’s Ministry of Long-Term Care will conduct its own quality assurance inspections.
“It is impossible for us to determine the official move-in date of residents before all required approvals have been obtained,” stated Mr. Parisien. “Our primary objective remains to enable the move-in of residents as soon as possible.”
The facility’s fire alarm system was installed in accordance with the design criteria set out in the architectural plans for the new Prescott and Russell Residence.
“We will also explore our recourse options to recover the financial losses related to the design of the facility’s fire alarm system, which has proven to be non-compliant, as well as the delays this issue has caused to the project,” Mr. Parisien concluded.