Vernon Firefighters Praise West Kelowna’s Stand Against Single-Egress Buildings

May 22 2026 - Vernon Firefighters Union (IAFF Local 1517) has publicly applauded West Kelowna City Council for unanimously prohibiting single-egress residential buildings, emphasizing that public safety must come before increased housing density.

File Image of Vernon Firefighters

In a social media post this week, the union supported West Kelowna’s decision and Fire Chief Jason Brolund’s recommendation to maintain the requirement for two separate stairwells. Firefighters in both communities argue that a single staircase creates a dangerous single point of failure during emergencies: residents trying to evacuate downward while firefighters advance hoses upward, limited access for rescues, and the risk of the only exit becoming blocked by smoke or fire.

Background on the Changes

The controversy stems from changes made by the British Columbia NDP government under Premier David Eby.

In August 2024 (effective August 27), the province revised the BC Building Code to allow single-stair (single-egress) multi-unit residential buildings up to six storeys high, provided they include enhanced safety features such as full sprinklers, smoke control systems, and limits on occupancy and travel distance.

Prior to the 2024 changes, the BC Building Code, like most jurisdictions, generally required two means of egress (two stairwells) for multi-unit residential buildings above two or three storeys to ensure redundant escape routes and firefighter access.

Limited Adoption Across Canada

British Columbia remains the only province in Canada to permit single-egress designs as a standard option in its building code.

Other provinces and territories continue to follow the National Building Code of Canada, which generally requires two exits for most multi-unit residential buildings above low-rise levels.

Some municipalities in Ontario and Alberta are studying limited “alternative solutions,” but no other jurisdiction has adopted BC’s broader approach.

The issue continues to spark debate between housing advocates seeking more affordable density and fire safety professionals who warn that speed and cost savings should not compromise life safety.

West Kelowna’s Stand Against Single-Egress Buildings