The Ontario Building Code | Stud Wall Reinforcement
3.3.4.9. stud wall Reinforcement
(1) If wood wall studs or sheet steel wall studs enclose the main bathroom in a dwelling unit, reinforcement shall be installed to permit the future installation of the following:
(a) for a water closet, a grab bar described in Clauses 3.8.3.8.(3)(a) and a grab bar described in Clause 3.8.3.8.(3)(c),
(b) for a shower, a grab bar described in Clause 3.8.3.13.(2)(f), and
(c) for a bathtub, a grab bar described in Clause 3.8.3.13.(4)(c).
In Plain Language
Bathroom walls framed with wood or sheet steel studs must include blocking or reinforcement installed during construction, so grab bars can be properly anchored later if a resident's accessibility needs change over time.
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.