Our fire and decorating guide will help you have a safe and happy holiday season

Learn more about our holiday decorating program.

As we spend more time indoors during the winter months, the risk of common fire hazards goes up. The Ontario Fire Code also sets clear rules for festive decorations in hallways, lobbies, and on doors, to protect everyone who lives and works in your building. 
 

Decorating tips 

After consulting with tenants, we are implementing a holiday decorating program for 2025. Here are some guidelines for decorating lobbies and community rooms, to help keep everyone safe. 

  • Wreaths, trees, decorations, and doormats are not allowed on doors and in hallways. 

  • Trees/decorations must be artificial. They must also be fire resistant, fire retardant, or non-combustible. Fresh cut or live trees and decorations are not permitted. 

  • Lights must be Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified and in good condition. 

  • Make sure you check decorations for frayed wires or damaged cords before using them.  

  • If you are decorating in shared spaces, keep all exits clear and always maintain a clear walkway that is at least five feet wide. 

  • There needs to be another way to exit the building that is not through the lobby door. 

  • Be sure to take down all interior holiday decorations by Saturday, January 31, 2026. 

 

Other holiday safety tips 

  • Create and practice an escape plan so everyone in your home can evacuate safely in case of emergency.  

  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires.  

  • Limit the number of cords plugged into electrical outlets. Too many can cause a fire.  

  • Blow out candles before leaving the room and keep them away from children, pets, and anything that can burn.  

  • Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children.  

  • Keep radiators and space heaters away from anything that can catch fire, like curtains or blankets. 

  • Prepare an emergency kit with essential items like a flashlight, first aid materials, blankets, and water.  

  • If your smoke alarm is not working, call the Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500 or speak to your superintendent.  

  • If you’re going to smoke, do it outside. When smoking outside, you must be at least nine metres (about 30 feet) from the building entrance or exit. Put out your cigarette using a large, deep ashtray.  

  • Carbon monoxide alarms are installed in your home. Speak to your superintendent if you’re not sure where it is.  

  • Place festive decorations away from heat sources like candles, fireplaces, heaters, or radiators.