Higher Standard Requested for the Required Building Code for Residential Care Facilities

WHEREAS residential care facilities are not required to be designated as post-disaster buildings for the purpose of seismic design; AND WHEREAS residents of such facilities may be non-ambulatory or have chronic or progressive health problems requiring care or assistance; AND WHEREAS in the event of major earthquake or fire, the capacity of designated emergency shelters to care for persons with disabilities may be limited: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ministry of Community Services revise the British Columbia Building Code to require buildings occupied by persons who require special care or treatment because of age or cognitive or physical limitations, to be assigned a higher standard than presently required.