Toronto condo storage lockers may violate fire code

Toronto fire officials say storage lockers built directly into condo parking garages may not comply with Ontario’s Fire Code, putting some residents in a difficult position. At Edge Lofts on Queen Street East, residents were recently told to remove items from wiremesh lockers beside parking spaces after the building was flagged for a firecode issue. Some owners say they paid significant sums for parking and storage they expected to use long term. Fire officials say garages and storage areas are governed by different safety rules, including sprinkler and fireseparation requirements. A fire consultant said similar lockers have existed for decades and often sit in a regulatory grey area, with different inspections producing different outcomes depending on how the spaces were labelled and used. Lawyers and consultants say more condo corporations are facing similar orders and are often left to negotiate with fire authorities over what can remain in the cages, such as bicycles or other noncombustible items.