Calgary’s firefighters union is raising concerns about a concerning housing trend where new apartment buildings are being built 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 are efforts in Canada to circumvent this requirement.
Recently, the B.C. government modified its building code to permit buildings up to six storeys to have a single stairwell instead of two. Similarly, the City of Edmonton published guidelines to facilitate the approval of single-stair housing by utilizing alternative fire safety measures. This approach has already resulted in the approval of two building permits.
Jamie Blayney, president of the Calgary Firefighters Association, is apprehensive about this trend spreading to Calgary, emphasizing the risks associated with relying on a single stairwell during emergencies. Firefighters across North America share similar concerns and are advocating against such designs in cities like Vancouver and Los Angeles.
Advocates of single-stair housing argue that in the midst of a housing crisis, utilizing one stairwell can expedite construction and reduce costs. Stephen Barnecut, a principal at Gravity Architecture, highlights the benefits of this approach, including cost savings on stairwells and the potential for more innovative design solutions that enhance natural light and air circulation for residents.
Barnecut also notes that single-stair buildings allow for the development of multi-storey structures on smaller plots of land, presenting opportunities for more efficient land utilization. While this design is common in Europe, where safety standards are met using non-combustible materials and designated refuge areas for individuals with mobility challenges during emergencies, it is a relatively new concept in North America.
The City of Calgary’s chief building official expressed openness to reviewing single-stair proposals, provided they meet equivalent safety standards as per the building code. The Calgary Fire Department’s input would be crucial in assessing the impact on emergency response capabilities. Despite this, Blayney maintains that having two exit stairwells remains the safest option and intends to engage with city councillors to address these safety concerns.
