Inspection services

The Fire Prevention Services Division of Waterloo Fire Rescue assists building owners to achieve compliance with the Ontario Fire Code by providing inspections. Read more below about types of inspections and other services.

On this page

1. Contact Fire Prevention Services Division
2. Types of inspections you can request
3. Request a demolition inspection
4. Request another type of inspection
5. Request a fire safety plan review and approval
6. Request a file search on a property
7. Fees

Contact Fire Prevention Services Division

If you require assistance with any of these services, use the form below to email us or call 519-884-2121.

Emailing or calling with a concern to Waterloo Fire Prevention Services does not automatically validate it as a complaint under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

Contact Fire Prevention Services Division

Types of inspections you can request

Waterloo Fire Rescue acts as an authority having jurisdiction in accordance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

Types of inspections to meet fire code requirements:

• inspections required for compliance with the Ontario Fire Code such as approvals, alternative solutions, life safety studies, annual vulnerable occupancy fire drills and required inspections
• those required by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
• inspections to meet City of Waterloo building demolition requirements

The division does not inspect:

• fire safety equipment and systems in buildings for licence requirements, contact a third-party inspection company for this service
• fire hydrants inspections are conducted by city utilities. Email utilities@waterloo.ca for any fire hydrant related inquiries or to report an issue with a fire hydrant.

Request a demolition inspection

Demolition Inspections are required when buildings in the City of Waterloo are demolished. Demolition inspections must be requested at least 10 business days in advance. Residents and business owners are responsible for allowing sufficient time for applications to be processed and inspections to be completed. 

There is no charge for a demolition inspection.

To request a demolition inspection:

1. Ensure you have a filled out the City of Waterloo demolition tracking sheet. Find the form on our demolition web page. It must be signed and dated by all parties before submission.
2. Be prepared to answer questions related to the building occupancy and a fire safety plan.
3. Email fire@waterloo.ca to submit your request.

Request an annual inspection, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) inspection or to comply with the Ontario Fire Code

Waterloo Fire Services can complete inspections. There is an initial fee equal to the hourly rate and additional hourly costs apply.

The initial fee is $86.23. 

1. Email fire@waterloo.ca to submit your request.
2. Pay at Columbia Street headquarters. Payment is accepted by cheque made payable to the City of Waterloo only.

Payment must be received prior to your request being processed.

Request fire safety plan review and approval

Waterloo Fire Rescue offers review and approval of fire safety plans to meet Ontario Fire Code requirements. 

If you have questions regarding whether or not your building requires a fire safety plan or have questions about the fire safety plan approval process, please contact fire@waterloo.ca or call 519-884-2121.

Fire safety plan templates are available by emailing fire@waterloo.ca.

Request a file search on a property

To request a search of fire prevention records of violations or hazards associated with a property, you require a signed letter from the person requesting the file search and written authorization from the current owner giving permission to Fire Prevention Services to conduct and release the findings of the search.

The fee is $44.17 including tax.

We do not accept transactional documents between other parties.

Waterloo Prevention services inspectors are required to follow up on any fire violations or hazards brought to our attention from this search or any fire inspections compelled by the search.

1. Email fire@waterloo.ca to submit your request.
2. Pay at Columbia Street headquarters. Payment is accepted by cheque made payable to the City of Waterloo only.

Fees