Overview

Ontario Regulation 451/22 provides this new option for internships.

Municipalities that wish to establish a building inspector internship program under the new model introduced in 2022 must meet the requirements set out in Sentence 3.1.4.3.(2) in Division C of the Building Code. Under the new model:

  • the program (up to 18 months) must be administered by the Chief Building Official (CBO) and interns would be allowed to perform all duties of a qualified building inspector, subject to certain requirements
  • the CBO must follow specific notice requirements to both the ministry and the public as well as submit program data to the ministry on an annual basis
  • the ministry reserves the right to terminate a local municipal internship program if there are reasonable grounds that the program will result in a failure in construction or demolition.

Duration of the internship

Under this program, interns will have up to 18 months (may be extended under certain circumstances) to:

  • work under the mentorship of a municipal building official
  • develop an understanding of how to apply Ontario’s Building Code
  • develop skills and competencies in plans examination and inspections to become a qualified professional

Internships may last longer than 18 months if working with more than one type of building. For example, an intern could complete up to 18 months working with houses and small buildings, then work as an intern with one or more different types of buildings (for example, large buildings) for an additional period of up to 18 months. The types of buildings are described in Column 3 of Table 3.5.2.1. of Division C of the Building Code.

Interns may work in one or more municipalities throughout their internship period. These municipalities would collaborate to collectively supervise the tasks and responsibilities assigned to the intern.

Extensions

A Chief Building Official administering an internship program may request the ministry approve an extension to the 18-month time limit for an intern under extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances may include matters such as:

  • maternal or parental leave
  • illness
  • disability
  • bereavement
  • personal hardship

Chief Building Officials should contact the ministry at BuildingTransformation@ontario.ca with any questions about extensions.

Municipalities

All municipalities in Ontario are eligible to set up a local internship program for inspectors.

Municipalities interested in establishing an internship program should consider whether they have:

  • support from municipal council and administration for hosting intern inspectors
  • staff that have professional, supervisory and mentoring skills to be an effective supervisor for the intern inspectors
  • the capacity to train intern inspectors in relevant areas of the Building Code to help them become qualified (pass the required exams) and registered with the ministry in the future
  • the capacity to help intern inspectors in pursuing a career as a qualified building professional once they complete their internship

Minimum Qualifications

Under the new internship model, the Building Code does not require a minimum level of education or experience for persons to be an intern inspector. However, municipalities will need to establish minimum qualifications related to education and experience for applicants to apply to become an intern inspector in their local program.

Costs

The ministry does not charge interns or municipalities to establish or participate in a local intern building inspector program.

Municipalities are responsible for all costs associated with the development and operation of their intern building inspector programs, based on local needs and circumstances. Each local intern inspector program will be unique to the municipality.

Roles and responsibilities

Chief Building Officials (CBOs) in participating municipalities

  • Establish the internship program, including creating and maintaining a written policy with respect to the program and ensuring the policy is brought to the attention of the public.
  • Along with qualified building officials from the municipality, supervise the work of the interns during the internship in accordance with the written program policy.
  • Submit the required annual program updates to the ministry (see key dates and reporting).

Qualified building inspectors in participating municipalities

  • Along with the Chief Building Official for the municipality administering the internship program, support the supervision of interns during the program.

Participating municipalities

  • Engage in planning activities related to program delivery, which include assessing service needs and staffing as required.
  • Deliver services and administer the program in accordance with these program guidelines and the Building Code regulation.
  • Submit initial and subsequent high-level annual updates related to the program.
  • Ensure compliance with the requirements in the Building Code regulation.

Prospective applicants

  • Contact municipalities to ask whether they offer any intern inspector positions, and to undertake any application process required by the municipality.

Intern inspectors

  • Gain an understanding of the Building Code and how it is enforced within the local municipal building department for the classes of inspections they are performing (for example, houses, small buildings, etc.).
  • Obtain knowledge and experience in preparation to take ministry technical and legal exams before being able to practise independently as building officials.

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

  • Establish policy framework and program guidelines for intern inspectors.
  • Ensure administrative accountability by municipalities for the local internship programs.
  • Review updates submitted by participating municipalities, as well as monitor compliance with the program guidelines and Building Code regulation.
  • Take appropriate and progressive corrective action for non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the Building Code regulation.
  • Support the development of the building sector outside the provisions of the Building Code, such as the sharing of best practices of successful implementation of local internship programs, and collaboration with other municipalities, ministries and agencies to improve marketing and promotion of building trades recruitment.