Differences between the models

Intern building inspector programs are not new to Ontario. In 2005, the Government of Ontario made it possible for municipalities to design and establish their own programs to train intern building inspectors. The local programs had to be approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, with interns working under the supervision of an appropriately qualified and registered building official. The purpose of this model was to expand and accelerate the number of qualified building inspectors entering the profession in Ontario.

Starting in July 2022, municipalities have an additional option for hiring and training intern building inspectors. Municipalities interested in designing and delivering their own local building official intern program can choose either the 2005 or 2022 model according to their local needs and preferences.

The differences between the original intern building inspector program (2005) and the alternative model for delivering intern building inspector programs (2022) are set out in the following table. These requirements apply to municipalities. There are no differences between the minimum requirements for applicants to become an intern inspector under the two models.

Table 1: Differences between the original intern building inspector program (2005) and the alternative model for delivering intern building inspector programs (2022)
Program element Original model (2005) New model (2022)
Application to MMAH required prior to commencing program Yes, with required information (see below) Not required
Approval by MMAH of application required Yes, at the discretion of the minister, conditional on signing a Memorandum of Understanding agreement with MMAH Not required
Where program requirements are documented The Memorandum of Understanding agreement signed with MMAH Article 3.1.4.3. of Division C of the Building Code and in the municipality’s written policy
Requirements for establishing program Approval of application containing information including:
  • overview of program
  • enrolment process
  • supervision and supports for interns
  • governance and administration of program
 Administered by the municipality’s Chief Building Official
Frequency of required updates to MMAH Every 6 months Every 12 months
Content of updates With respect to the 6-month reporting period, the number of:
  • interns entering, within or leaving the program
  • offshore-trained professionals progressing through the internship program
  • appeals for refused enrolment or terminated enrolment, along with a summary of those appeals
 With respect to the 12-month update period, the number of interns that:
  • entered, leaving, were refused or terminated from the program
  • became registered
  • trained or practiced as a building official outside of Canada

2005 model of building inspector internship program

Prior to July 2022, a person could be appointed as an intern inspector only under the following conditions.

Enrolment criteria

An intern must have completed:

  • one of the ministry’s Legal/Process examinations (General, CBO, Registered Code Authority or Designer)
  • not less than five years’ verified experience as a building official or building practitioner, or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience in the area of practice

Internship programs may impose additional qualifications and credentials for persons entering an internship program.

Reciprocity between programs

Interns have the right to transfer between approved internship programs, subject to paying fees and meeting enrolment conditions of new program. Communication with ministry

Communication with ministry

Internship programs must submit reports to the ministry every six months, beginning no later than six months following the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding with the ministry outlining:

  • the number of interns entering, within, and leaving the program
  • number of offshore-trained professionals progressing through the program
  • summary of appeals for refused enrolment or terminated enrolment

Program operation

Commitment to operating the program in accordance with the application for approval, including the essential elements and the Memorandum of Understanding.

Existing programs

Municipalities that already have a ministry-approved intern building inspector program in place are not affected by the changes to the Building Code.

Municipalities with existing programs who wish to discuss the recent changes to the Building Code Compendium can contact the ministry at BuildingTransformation@ontario.ca for more information.