Sprinkler upgrades schedule set in Manitoba health facilities regulations update
Iain Hoey
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Sprinkler upgrades milestones set in updated regulations
Updated fire safety regulations in Manitoba have been amended to align with a phased construction schedule for retrofitting health-care facilities with sprinkler systems.
The Manitoba government announced the change through Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara.
Asagwara said: “In 2020, the previous government changed the completion target without updating regulations or providing clear public communication,
“When we formed government in 2023 and became aware of that gap, we focused on protecting residents, supporting front-line workers and ensuring strong fire safety measures were in place at every site.
“Our government worked with health facilities and local fire officials to confirm interim protections while moving projects into active construction.”
Construction schedule and compliance dates across 194 facilities
The sprinkler installation requirement was established in legislation in 2015 for personal care homes, hospitals and health-care facilities, with a system-wide completion target of Jan. 1, 2026.
A $286 million fire and life-safety initiative fund was created in 2020 to support the work, with the regulatory framework not updated at that time to reflect the revised construction schedule.
The requirement for sprinkler installation remains unchanged, with the updated regulations setting milestones as work continues at hospitals, personal care homes and health centres.
The updated framework applies to 194 active health-care facilities, with work phased to keep sites fully operational during construction.
Site-specific compliance schedules are based on the scope of work required.
Construction activity has accelerated since 2023.
The Manitoba government said $73 million has been invested in the fire and life-safety initiative to date, with approximately $2 million spent prior to fall 2023 and more than $71 million invested since then to move projects into active construction.
A total of 117 hospitals, personal care homes and health centres are reported to have full sprinkler coverage.
An additional 41 sites are expected to reach compliance by the end of the 2026 to 27 fiscal year, bringing the total to 158 of 194 facilities completed.
The remaining 36 sites are scheduled for completion by Dec. 31, 2028.
Facilities awaiting upgrades are required to maintain enhanced interim fire safety measures including regular inspections, staff training, response planning and ongoing co-ordination with local fire services.
The updated regulations align legal requirements with the current phased construction schedule while sprinkler installation work continues across the province.