New safety box bylaw will change how Waterloo firefighters, property owners deal with fire alarms

Sandy van Solm, Waterloo’s deputy fire chief, on Oct. 3, 2024. (Spencer Turcotte/CTV News)

A new fire safety box bylaw comes into effect at the end of the month, changing how both Waterloo firefighters and building owners handle a fire alarm.

Starting March 23, owners of apartments or other buildings must have a fire safety box and get to their property within 45 minutes of a fire alarm ringing. The City of Waterloo said on their website that these timely arrivals for owners helps free up fire crews to respond to other emergencies.

After March 23, owners are looking at a fine of up to $5,000 if they do not have a fire safety box or are unable to arrive in 45 minutes.

Inside a fire safety box

Contact information of the building owner or a designated contact person, and a layout or drawings of the building are expected to be available in these safety boxes.

The City of Waterloo said access to this information helps responding firefighters assess the situation and navigate the building as quickly as possible in an emergency.

“These changes will help improve emergency response times while keeping both firefighters and residents safe,” said Deputy Fire Chief Sandy van Solm in a release.