The United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) will need to make significant upgrades to the fire alarm system at the new Prescott and Russell Residence following a decision by the Ontario Building Code Commission (BCC) that the current installation does not comply with the Ontario Building Code.
This finding highlights a major technical issue that is delaying the issuance of the occupancy permit for the new long-term care facility, a process that has been underway since winter 2025 in collaboration with the Town of Hawkesbury.
According to UCPR, the corrective work required is substantial. It includes, in particular, the addition of supplementary sound systems in residents’ rooms to meet the Code’s requirements. These adjustments will necessitate significant technical interventions, including large-scale wiring work inside the already constructed building.
“We are relieved to have reached a decision and to finally be able to begin the final phase of the new Residence construction project,” said Stéphane P. Parisien, Chief Administrative Officer of the UCPR, while highlighting the Town of Hawkesbury’s collaboration on this complex matter.
These upgrade works are now a mandatory step prior to the issuance of the occupancy permit. Once the permit is granted, the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care will also need to conduct its own compliance and quality control inspections.
Due to these additional requirements, the project timeline remains uncertain.
“It is impossible for us to determine the official move-in date of residents before all required approvals have been obtained,” explains Parisien. “Our primary objective remains to enable the move-in of residents as soon as possible.”
The fire alarm system currently in place was installed in accordance with the residence’s original architectural plans. However, the BBC’s decision now requires significant modifications to comply with provincial standards.
In light of this situation, the UCPR also states that it is considering legal action to recover financial losses related to the system’s non-compliant design as well as the delays caused by this issue.
These upgrade works therefore represent a critical step toward the official opening of the new Prescott and Russell Residence, while ensuring the facility’s safety and compliance.
“We will also explore our recourse options to recover the financial losses related to the design of the facility’s fire alarm system, which has proven to be non-compliant, as well as the delays this issue has caused to the project,” concluded Parisien
