Table of contents
Introduction
Getting started
Regulations
Taxation
Financing
Other resources
Introduction
The construction industry in Ontario is a dynamic, competitive sector that can offer both opportunities and challenges to entrepreneurs. From general contracting to highly specialized restoration, there are many different kinds of construction businesses. Before starting your business, think about the types of construction services your company will provide. Based on your services, there are several steps you will need to take in order to start your business.
Getting started
Regulations
Construction and skilled trades are highly regulated. Some common regulations that could apply to your business include:
Industry regulations and safety
Certifications and specialized trades
In order to legally work in certain skilled trades in Ontario, you must have a Certificate of Qualification, which certifies that you have completed the necessary apprenticeship and/or on-site training requirements for your trade.
Contact Skilled Trades Ontario:
1-855-299-0028
Trades information
Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA)
You need a licence from the HCRA if you are a builder or vendor of new homes, including self-contained, single-family unit condominiums.
To obtain a licence you need to meet required competencies and pay initial fees. Renewal will be required.
Contact HCRA:
1-800-582-7994
Builder/Vendor
Electrical safety
When working with electricity, consult the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), a not-for-profit organization responsible for public electrical safety in Ontario. The ESA provides continuous safety services and advice, equipment/product approval inspections, wiring inspections, general inspections and information on the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
Contact ESA:
1-877-372-7233
Electrical Safety Authority
Technical standards and safety
Your construction work must comply with the regulations and standards set out by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). Contact TSSA if you are an operating engineer or if your construction project will include: amusement devices, ski lifts, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, natural gas, propane fuels and equipment, and petroleum.
Contact TSSA:
1-877-682-8772
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)
Excavation regulation
You must have all underground utilities located and marked prior to starting any excavation work. Ontario One Call is the single point of contact to request the location of underground infrastructure in Ontario. Use the web portal to make your request.
Contact Ontario One Call:
Contractors - Ontario One Call
Excess soil and the Registry
If your construction activities dig up excess soil that must be removed from the site, transported or stored you may have a responsibly to report on the details of these activities. You can find out more about the requirements on reporting excess soil and who needs to file these reports on the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) website.
Contact RPRA:
1-833-600-0530
Excess Soil Registry
Building and fire codes
Ontario building code
Your new construction project and your workers are required to meet the regulations and standards outlined by the Ontario Building Code. Your business will need to meet standards such as safety, fire prevention, environmental and technical standards for any construction in Ontario.
Contact the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing:
416-585-6666
Ontario's Building Code
Warranty and energy efficiency programs
New home warranties
If your business will be involved in the construction or sale of new homes or condominiums, you must be enrolled with the Tarion Warranty Corporation.
Contact the Tarion Warranty Corporation:
1-877-982-7466
Tarion Warranty Corporation - Builders
Energy-efficient new homes
As a new home builder, you may be interested in the energy efficiency programs, standards and incentives offered through Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to encourage energy-efficient homes. These include the EnerGuide Rating System, R-2000 Standard, ENERGY STAR® and other grants and incentives.
Read online:
Homebuilders
Professional opportunities
Labour regulations and workplace safety
If you own or run a construction business, with or without employees, you must register with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). There are some exceptions to the mandatory coverage.
If you hire an independent contractor to work with your business, you must make sure that they have been issued a Clearance Certificate from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). The certificate is issued free of charge and proves that the contractor is registered with the WSIB and has an account in good standing. The certificate also clears you of financial responsibility for WSIB payments.
Contact WSIB:
1-800-387-0750
Expanded compulsory coverage in the construction industry
Clearance Certificate
Occupational health and safety
You and your employees have the right to safe working conditions. Learn about the health and safety rules and regulations that will apply to your business by contacting the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development:
1-877-202-0008
Workplace health and safety
Working at heights training
Before working at heights, workers need to complete an approved training program. As an employer, you must ensure workers who use any of the following methods of fall protection while working on construction projects are trained:
- travel restraint systems
- fall restricting systems
- fall arrest systems
- safety nets
- work belts or safety belts
Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development:
1-877-202-0008
Training for working at heights
Contracting with Quebec contractors
If you plan to hire contractors or workers from Quebec, you will need to ensure that they are registered with the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Jobs Protection Office (JPO). Quebec contractors and construction workers are required to register with JPO and provide proof of competency and fiscal responsibility before they are able to work in Ontario.
Contact JPO:
1-888-998-9959
Working in construction in Ontario and Quebec