Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Yasir Naqvi said the odourless, colourless gas kills about 50 Canadians, including 11 Ontarians, every year.
While there will be an emphasis on public education for the next few months, failure to install a carbon monoxide detector carries a fine of $235.
Bill 77 updates the Ontario Fire Code to mandate the use of carbon monoxide warning devices in houses, condos, apartments, hotels and university residences that have a fuel-burning device such as a fireplace, gas stove, water heater or furnace — or if the home is attached to a garage.
The only residences not affected by the new regulation are those that are all electric and have no attached garages.
The devices range in price from $30-$60 and can be plugged in, hard-wired or battery operated, Naqvi said.
The Ontario Building Code has required detectors in residential construction since 2011, but this bill applies to all homes in the province.
