"Build it …ifyou can!": Discretion, Building Inspectors and Part 8 of Ontario's 2006 Building Code.

This research examines how a broadening of discretionary powers afforded build-ing inspectors in Ontario since 2006 have been initially embraced and their ef-fects on the Building Code's implementation. The focus is on the initial few years following the increase in discretionary power, an area little studied in the litera-ture, yet a crucial period of time given the fact that attitudes and habits formed at this early stage can have significant effects on implementation activities. The results reveal how concerns over liability issues have led to the continuation of narrow Building Code interpretations thereby impeding efforts to foster innova-tion and competitiveness therefore limiting efforts to improve the protection of water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]