The Ontario Building Code | Measurement of Travel Distance
9.9.8.1. Measurement of Travel Distance
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), for the purposes of this Subsection, travel distance means the distance from any point in the floor area to an exit measured along the path of exit travel.
(2) Where a room or suite is separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance ratingof at least 45 min, or in a sprinklered building, by a fire separation that is not required to have afire-resistance rating, the travel distance is permitted to be measured from an egress door of the room or suite to the nearest exit.
(3) Where a public corridor is not less than 9 m wide and conforms to Clause 3.4.2.5.(1)(d), the travel distance is permitted to be determined in accordance with that Clause.
In Plain Language
This article sets out the method used to measure travel distance, the path length someone actually walks from any point to an exit, ensuring consistent evaluation of egress compliance.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.