Egress Code in Ontario
A window must meet certain requirements to comply with the Ontario Building Code. The basement egress requirement in Ontario ensure inhabitants stay safe by providing a second means of exit from a basement living space, in the event of an emergency.
What are Ontario Egress Requirements?
- The window must be openable from the inside without the use of tools or special knowledge.
- It must provide an unobstructed opening with a minimum area of 0.35 sq. m. (3.77 sq. ft.) with no dimension less than 380 mm (1’3”).
- There must be a 550 mm (1’ 10 2/3”) space of clearing in front of the window.
- Where a window sash swings towards a window well, it must not do so in a way that would restrict escape in an emergency.
What are Egress Windows?
Egress means to go out. Egress windows, then, are windows you can use to leave your home. While they may seem like a regulatory burden, these windows furnish occupants with natural light, provide a source of natural ventilation, and can become a lifesaver in an emergency.
If there is a fire in your home, for example, a single stairwell may become unusable, leaving family members and tenants without a clear path to safety. For bedrooms and floors with doors that lead directly outside, these windows are not strictly necessary. This is because there are clear escape routes that can be taken in the case of an emergency. In basements, however, egress windows are essential and, if there is a bedroom, required by law.
The Ontario Building Code
As of 1 January 2025, Ontario has adopted its 2024 Building Code, increasing its overall harmonization with the National Construction Codes by removing over 1700 technical variations between the provincial and national requirements. As of 1 April 2025, all permit applications in Ontario must use the new 2024 Building Code.
Section 9.9.10 (Egress from Bedrooms), of the new 2024 Ontario Building Code (© King’s Printer for Ontario, 2024. Reproduced with permission.) requires that:
"(1) Except where a door on the same floor level as the bedroom provides direct access to the exterior, every floor level containing a bedroom in a suite shall be provided with at least outside window that
(a) is openable from the inside without the use of tools,
(b) provides an individual, unobstructed open portion having a minimum area of 0.35 sq. m. (3.77 sq. ft.) with no dimension less than 380 mm (15"), and
(c) maintains the required opening described in Clause (b) without the need for additional support.
(2) Except for basement areas, the window required in Sentence (1) shall have a maximum sill height of 1 000 mm above the floor.
(3) Where a window required in Sentence (1) opens into a window well, a clearance of not less than 550 mm (22 2/3") shall be provided in front of the window.
(4) Where the sash of a windowreferred to in Sentence (3) swings towards the window well, the operation of the sash shall not reduce the clearance in a manner that would restrict escape in an emergency.
(5) Where a protective enclosure is installed over the window well referred to in Sentence (3), the enclosure shall be openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge of the opening mechanism.
(6) When sliding windows are used, the minimum dimension described in Sentence (1) shall apply to the openable portion of the window.
(7) Where the sleeping area in a line/work unit is on a mezzanine with no obstructions more than 1 070 mm above the floow, the window required in Sentence (1) may be provided on the main level of the live/work unit provided the mezzanine is not more than 25% of the area of the live/work unit or 20 sq. m., whichever is less, and an unobstructed direct path of travel is provided from the mezzanine to this window."
With an unobstructed clear opening of 0.357 square meters and the smallest clear opening height being 380 mm, Window A would pass Ontario Egress. It is important to note that, since the height is so small, the width must be rather large to meet the area requirements.
This window has the smallest square dimensions that will meet the area requirements. 592 mm x 592 mm leaves the window with exactly the 3.5 square meter clear opening required to pass egress.
This window meets the requirements for smallest dimension (380 mm), however it does not meet the minimum requirements for area. This window would not pass egress in Ontario.
Egress Window Well Requirements in Ontario
In order the meet egress code in Ontario, an egress window that is below ground level must open into a well that meets certain requirements. The well must extend 550 mm beyond the fully open window (for an out-swinging window) or beyond the wall (for an in-swinging window).
This is a side cross-sectional view of a basement with egress window and adjacent window well. As this egress window is in-swinging, the window well must extend at least 550 mm from the wall.
This is a side cross sectional view of a basement with an out-swinging egress window and its window well. To meet egress in Ontario, this well must extend 550 mm past the fully open window.
In Short
To put it all simply, if you are developing your basement in Ontario you will need an egress window that has a wide clearance and be easily opened. The Great Egress Company provides a curated collection of windows that meet egress requirements. The easiest way to get your hands on a code-compliant egress window is to let us ship one straight to your door. Have a look for yourself.
Our Canadian-made windows come in several types and sizes that will pass egress in Ontario. If you need a specific size or a specific colour, we can have a custom window made just for you.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, building, or safety advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, building codes and regulations may change, and requirements can vary based on specific circumstances. For official guidance and to confirm compliance with local building codes, homeowners and contractors should consult directly with their local building department or an authorised building official. The Great Egress Company assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information provided.