Does the OBC set egress sizes for Ottawa bedrooms?

Yes, the Ontario Building Code (OBC) sets minimum egress window requirements that apply to bedrooms in Ottawa and across Ontario. These are important life-safety requirements ensuring occupants can escape in an emergency.

The OBC requires that every bedroom have at least one window that meets minimum egress standards. Under the OBC, an egress window must provide an unobstructed opening of at least 0.35 square metres (3.77 sq ft), with no dimension (height or width) less than 380mm (15 inches). The window must be openable from the inside without tools or special knowledge.

The sill height also matters — the OBC generally requires the egress window sill to be no more than 1,000mm (about 39 inches) above the finished floor, so occupants can actually reach and climb through it. Basement bedroom windows are subject to the same egress rules, which is why you'll often see larger windows in finished basement bedrooms.

In Ottawa specifically, the City's Building Services department enforces the OBC, and local inspectors may have specific interpretations or additional requirements depending on the age of the home, renovation scope, or occupancy type. If you're finishing a basement or adding a bedroom, it's worth confirming requirements directly with Ottawa Building Services before proceeding.

When replacing an existing bedroom window, you generally don't need a permit if you're staying within the same rough opening — but the replacement window must still meet current egress requirements if the space is used as a bedroom. This is something Ottawa Window Pros verifies on every bedroom window replacement.

City of Ottawa requirements may vary — confirm with your installer or contact Ottawa Building Services at 613-580-2424 to verify requirements for your specific project. For a free estimate on a compliant bedroom window replacement, feel free to request a quote from Ottawa Window Pros.