Before construction starts in Ontario

The filings, surveys and plans that have to be in place in the first week of a job, and who is responsible for each.

Updated November 13, 2026

Short answer

Before work starts on an Ontario project, the constructor files a Notice of Project with the Ministry of Labour where labour and materials are expected to exceed $50,000. Underground services are located through Ontario One Call, the owner’s list of designated substances is in every bidder’s hands, the building or demolition permit is issued, and a site-specific safety plan names the supervisor.

The checklist

Item	Who	When	Rule
Notice of Project	Constructor	Before work starts	Where labour and materials are expected to exceed $50,000 (O. Reg. 213/91)
Designated substances list	Owner, to every bidder	Before a contract is made	Occupational Health and Safety Act, section 30
Locates	Whoever is digging	Before any excavation	Requested through Ontario One Call
Building or demolition permit	Owner, or an agent the owner authorizes	Before the work it covers	Building Code Act, section 8
Site-specific safety plan	Constructor	Before work starts	Hazards, controls, emergency procedures and the supervisor
Engineer’s reviews	Owner’s engineer, booked by the constructor	At the hold points on the drawings	Excavation, formwork, shoring and reinforcing
Construction hours	Constructor	Every working day	The municipal noise by-law
Payment terms	Owner and contractor	In the contract	Construction Act: 28 days, 7 days, 10% holdback

What the owner provides

Designated substances list: Asbestos, lead, silica and the other designated substances on the site, before bidding.
Drawings and specifications: Issued for construction, with every addendum.
Survey and geotechnical report: Where the work depends on them.
Approvals the owner holds: Site plan approval and the building permit, unless the contract gives them to the contractor.
Access and utilities: Who provides site access, power and water.
Insurance: Builder’s risk and liability, as the contract sets out.

What the contractor provides

Constructor’s duties: Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, for the whole site.
Supervisor: A competent supervisor named for the site.
Schedule: The pours, the hold points and the trades that follow.
Insurance and clearances: Certificates as the contract requires, including the workplace safety clearance.
Submittals: Shop drawings, mix designs and product data, for review.
Site set-up: Fencing, hoarding, signage, washrooms and erosion control.

Questions

Who is the constructor on a project?

The person who undertakes the project for the owner, usually the general contractor. An owner who hires more than one contractor directly can become the constructor and take on its duties.

Is a Notice of Project needed for a renovation?

Yes, where the total cost of labour and materials is expected to exceed $50,000, whether the work is new construction, renovation or demolition.

What is a designated substance?

One of the eleven substances regulated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, including asbestos, lead, mercury and silica. The owner identifies those present on the site and lists them for bidders before a contract is made.

Sources

Checked against these sources on November 13, 2026. This page is general information about building in Ontario. It is not legal advice, and the rules change, so confirm the current requirement for your project.