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Table of Contents:
- Calgary Firefighters Association warns against one-stairwell buildings
- Stephen Barnecut and the case for single-stair design
- European practices and Canadian safety standards
- City of Calgary’s position on new proposals
Calgary Firefighters Association warns against one-stairwell buildings
Jamie Blayney, president of the Calgary Firefighters Association, has voiced serious concerns about allowing single-stairwell residential buildings in the city. He emphasized that such designs could put residents and firefighters at risk during emergencies.
Under Canada’s national building code, residential structures taller than two storeys must have two stairwells. However, a growing movement across the country seeks to modify this standard.
- In 2023, the British Columbia government updated its building code, allowing up to six-storey residential buildings with one stairwell.
- In early 2024, the City of Edmonton released a guide for developers to gain approval for single-stair projects through alternative fire safety solutions.
So far, two building permits have been approved under these new rules. Blayney fears Calgary could be next. “We don’t want to see even one of those buildings get built inside the city,” he said. He warned that as fires become faster and more intense, sharing a single escape route with residents could endanger both firefighters and occupants.
Stephen Barnecut and the case for single-stair design
Architect Stephen Barnecut, principal of Gravity Architecture, believes these designs can be both practical and safe. His firm collaborated with students from the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape to develop single-stair, or “point access block,” housing concepts. The team submitted its work to a competition in Denver, and one project was shortlisted.
Barnecut highlights several advantages:
- Reduced construction costs, since stairwells are expensive to build.
- Improved interior design flexibility, allowing architects to create brighter and better-ventilated spaces.
- Efficient land use, enabling multi-storey buildings to fit on smaller lots.
He also pointed out that such designs are common across Europe, where safety standards differ. In those countries:
- Stairwells are typically built from non-combustible materials.
- Buildings often include refuge areas for people with limited mobility.
According to Barnecut, “The single stair in some ways is just a more progressive way of doing things if it’s done the way it’s done in Europe.”
European practices and Canadian safety standards
European models are often cited as examples of how single-stair buildings can function safely. In countries like Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands, fire-resistant materials and compartmentalized design limit the spread of smoke and flames.
In contrast, Canadian regulations have historically prioritized multiple exit routes as a fail-safe measure. Blayney and other North American firefighter associations argue that Canada’s current fire dynamics — with synthetic materials and faster burn rates — make two stairwells essential.
Their stance is backed by concerns from fire departments in Vancouver and Los Angeles, where similar proposals have sparked opposition. For them, redundancy in escape routes is not optional but crucial to survival during fast-moving fires.
City of Calgary’s position on new proposals
Ulrik Seward, the City of Calgary’s chief building official, confirmed that no single-stair applications have been received so far. However, he noted that the city is open to reviewing such proposals if they meet code requirements through proven alternative safety designs.
Seward stated that in any case “where emergency response may be impacted, such as with single egress designs,” the Calgary Fire Department would play a key role in assessing the plans. Designs must reflect both departmental capabilities and the site’s unique conditions.
At the same time, the firefighters’ union remains firm. Blayney insists there is no substitute as safe as two stairwells and plans to continue discussions with city councillors to ensure the issue remains on the municipal agenda.
As Calgary faces increasing pressure to expand affordable housing, the debate between efficiency and safety continues. Whether the city follows the path of British Columbia and Edmonton or maintains its two-stairwell standard may set a precedent for future urban design across Canada.
Source: CBC
