Temporary modification of use or temporary increase of maximum capacity of a building used as a meeting place

  1. Any fire safety installation such as a fire alarm system, sprinkler system, etc. must be functional at all times during the event. For a new installation, have evidence of system verification on site.
  2. Any meeting establishment that can accommodate over 300 people on the ground floor or over 150 people on any other floor must be equipped with a functional fire alarm system. 
  3. Any meeting site with a capacity of greater than 60 people must have at least two evacuation routes that are accessible at all times and that measure at least 910 mm in width. 
  4. Depending on which of the two is more restrictive, a building's maximum floor area capacity must respect either the eligible number of people based on the type of event or the evacuation routes as determined by the Québec Construction Code (CCQ).
  5. The evacuation routes must be identified as "Exit" or "Sortie" with signs that comply with CCQ regulations. The building must also be equipped with functional emergency lighting to facilitate the evacuation in the event of an electrical failure.
  6. Ensure that exit doors are unlocked and free of any obstructions at all times during the event.
  7. Ensure that aisles and passages are free of any obstructions and well lit at all times.
  8. For a banquet-type event, the space between the tables in two consecutive rows must be at least 1400 mm.
  9. For a conference-type event and when the number of people exceeds 200 in the room, any non-fixed seats in a single row must be attached in groups of at least 8 seats. In rows of fewer than 8 seats, the seats must be joined together.
  10. Any combustible decoration must be flameproof in accordance with standards NFPA 705-2009 or CAN/ULC-S109-03.
  11. Have a validated fire safety plan (FSP) and enough security personnel who are able to apply the plan.
  12. 12. Ensure that the deployment of a flame effect display in the building in no way hinders the operation of the fire protection and ventilation systems and equipment.
  13. Candles and open flame devices must be solidly mounted on a fire-resistant base and must be placed or protected so as to ensure that the flame does not accidentally come into contact with any combustible material.
  14. The use of portable cooking equipment, whether powered by charcoal or any other fuel, is prohibited inside a building.
  15. Have an approved class 3A-10BC portable fire extinguisher at each emergency exit on the meeting sites. Also place evidence of verification on the fire extinguisher that does not exceed one year and is stamped by a certified technician.