Amended Fire Prevention Bylaw approved by Council; includes stronger enforcement for vacant buildings

City Council has approved amendments to the City’s Fire Prevention & Emergency Services Bylaw to help strengthen community safety and wellbeing.

The bylaw amendment received three readings at the June 22, 2026 Regular Council Meeting.

The updates include clearer wording and adoption of the National Fire Code of Canada (2020). For the public, the key change is stronger enforcement for vacant buildings in the community.

Enforcement changes include:          

• properties which are boarded up for up to three (3) months are considered in ‘disrepair’ and now must be fixed by replacing covered windows with glass or plexiglass and covered doorways with exterior doors
• properties which are boarded up for more than six (6) months may be subject to an ‘order to remedy’
• potential escalation to an order for demolition, where necessary

North Battleford Fire Chief Lindsay Holm said he appreciated Council’s support for the stronger measures for vacant buildings in the community.

“Boarded-up properties are a concern for emergency services because plywood and similar materials can make it difficult to see what is happening inside. In some cases, this can delay the discovery of a fire, creating safety risks for people entering vacant buildings and for the surrounding neighbourhood. Requiring operational or plexiglass window coverings and proper exterior doors will help improve community safety and the appearance of our neighbourhoods.”

The amended bylaw is now in effect in North Battleford and applies to both residential and commercial properties. For questions about compliance with the amended Fire Prevention & Emergency Services Bylaw, please contact the North Battleford Fire Department at 306-445-1770.

-30-

For more information:
Candace Toma, Public & Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator
306-441-0713 | publicrelations@cityofnb.ca