MELVILLE, Sask. — Saskatchewan building owners have just over a week to prepare for new carbon monoxide alarm requirements that will take effect across the province on Nov. 1.
Known as Henry's Law, the new regulations require carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in all suites in multi-unit residential buildings in Saskatchewan, including apartments, condominiums, secondary suites and other multi-unit residential buildings.
The law is named in memory of Henry Losco, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Regina in December 2025.
Melville fire chief Aaron Buckingham said the regulations close a gap that previously existed in provincial safety regulations.
"On the fifth of May this year, the minister introduced Henry's Law as an amendment to the National Building Code for the province," Buckingham said. "The amendment requires all residential suites in Saskatchewan, regardless of where they are located in the building, to have a carbon monoxide alarm installed."
Buckingham said the legislation was prompted by a tragedy that demonstrated the dangers of carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless gas that can quickly become deadly.
While the new rules focus on residential suites, Buckingham said every household should consider installing carbon monoxide alarms, particularly in homes with natural gas appliances or other fuel-burning equipment.
"A good practice in your residential dwelling is to have a CO alarm near your mechanical room if you have things like a natural gas hot water heater because those are high-potential places for carbon monoxide to start," he said.
The Melville Fire Department has responded to several carbon monoxide alarm calls over the past year. Buckingham said alarms should always be taken seriously.
"If your CO alarm activates in your house, regardless of what you think, the best practice is to get out as soon as humanly possible, get outside and call 911," he said.
Emergency responders can then determine whether carbon monoxide is present and whether utility providers need to be called to investigate gas appliances or systems.
Buckingham noted that natural gas furnaces, hot water heaters, stoves and other fuel-burning appliances can all pose risks if they malfunction or vent improperly.
He also reminded residents that carbon monoxide alarms do not last forever.
"Once you buy a CO alarm, it's not something that's good forever," Buckingham said. "The accepted practice is that once installed, they should be replaced at least every 10 years."
When purchasing alarms, Buckingham recommends buying products that meet Canadian safety standards and avoiding uncertified devices sold through unknown online retailers.
"Make sure they are CSA approved or have a ULC rating on them," he said. "You may want to buy something based on price, but buying a smoke alarm or CO detector based on price is putting your family at an unnecessary risk."
Although some landlords and building owners may view the new requirements as an added expense, Buckingham said the investment is small compared to the potential consequences.
"Would you rather buy a CO alarm and save someone's life, or have to answer for the fact that you didn't?" he said. "It's certainly a safety factor, and I'm very happy that the government has taken this step in trying to protect the general public."
The province has also introduced flexibility for certain buildings equipped with fire alarm systems, allowing interconnected carbon monoxide detectors to be used instead of individual alarms in specific circumstances.
Information about the new requirements is available through Saskatchewan government publications and the City of Melville.
