Inspection services

The Fire Prevention 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. Types of inspections you can request
  2. Request a demolition inspection
  3. Request an annual inspection
  4. Request an AGCO inspection
  5. Request an inspection
  6. Request a fire safety plan review and approval
  7. Request a fire code violation file search
  8. Submit your request

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

Other inspection types:

  • fire investigations for fire origin and cause determination
  • demolition inspections to meet building standards of the City of Waterloo
  • inspections upon complaint
  • homeowner requested inspections to review potential issues like barbecue tank storage, chimneys, electrical cords, heat sources, smoke alarms and exits

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 City of Waterloo Demolition tracking sheet (PDF). 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. Use our online request form. Attach the form and submit your request.

Questions regarding status of applications or inspections can be made 10 days following submission. Status updates will not be available before 10 business days have passed.

Request an annual inspection

Waterloo Fire Services can complete inspections to meet requirements for vulnerable occupant buildings such as retirement and care homes. Annual 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.

The fee is $86.23 per hour. 

To request an inspection:

  1. Submit your request using our online form.
  2. Payment of $86.23 is required before inspection. Pay at Columbia Street headquarters. Payment is accepted by cheque made payable to the City of Waterloo only.

Payment must be received prior the inspection taking place. The 10 day waiting period will commence from the date the payment is received.

Questions regarding status of applications or inspections can be made 10 days following submission. Status updates will not be available before 10 business days have passed.

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) inspection

The fee is $86.23 per hour. To request an inspection:

  1. Use our online request form.
  2. Payment of $86.23 is required before inspection. Pay at Columbia Street headquarters. Payment is accepted by cheque made payable to the City of Waterloo only.

Payment must be received prior the inspection taking place. The 10 day waiting period will commence from the date the payment is received.

Questions regarding status of applications or inspections can be made 10 days following submission. Status updates will not be available before 10 business days have passed.

Request an inspection

The fee is $86.23 per hour. To request an inspection:

  1. Submit your request using our online form.
  2. Pay for one hour in advance at Columbia Street headquarters. Payment is accepted by cheque made payable to the City of Waterloo only.

Payment must be received prior the inspection taking place. The 10 day waiting period will commence from the date the payment is received.

Questions regarding status of applications or inspections can be made 10 days following submission. Status updates will not be available before 10 business days have passed.

Request fire safety plan review and approval

Waterloo Fire Rescue offers review and approval of fire safety plans to meet Ontario Fire Code requirements. The fee for review is $69.00 per hour. Second reviews will result in further charges.

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

For more information contact the fire prevention public education officer at 519-884-6030 x 23309.

To request a fire safety plan review:

  1. Submit your request using our online form. Attach the fire safety plan to the form or mail it to Columbia Street headquarters attention to Fire Prevention Division.
  2. You will be billed after the review is complete. Pay at Columbia Street headquarters. Payment is accepted by cheque made payable to the City of Waterloo only.

If you are taking over a business and an approved fire safety plan is in place, and no changes have been made to the building structure or to capacity, you may update the contact sheet and continue implementing the approved fire safety plan for no additional cost. 

Request a file/fire search on a property

To determine if there are file/fire records on a property, you require a letter from the person requesting the file search and written authorization from the current owner giving permission to conduct the search. The fee is $44.17 including tax.

To start a search:

  1. Submit your request using our online form. 
  2. Pay at Columbia Street headquarters. Payment is accepted by cheque made payable to the City of Waterloo only.

Freedom of Information request

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request is required when there is an inquiry made about any property within the City of Waterloo when you are not the property owner. Information can not be shared until a formal FOI request has been made. To make a FOI request, these requests can be made through Legislative Services.

All information is disclosed at the discretion of the City Clerk.

Submit your request

After you have reviewed the requirements for each type of request, fill out the form and submit it.

Submit your request