Demolition Services Licensing in Ontario

Ontario does not have a specific demolition contractor licence. However, demolition work is regulated through municipal building permits and the Ontario Building Code. Demolition permits are required for removing buildings, structures, and in many cases substantial interior work. Contractors must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Ontario Regulation 213/91 (Construction Projects). Workers handling asbestos must hold Type 3 certification. Proper waste disposal must follow Ontario Regulation 347 (General Waste Management). Municipal requirements vary, and Toronto has additional regulations including replacement building requirements for residential demolition.

Ask for proof of WSIB coverage and liability insurance. Confirm they will obtain the required demolition permit and handle asbestos testing if the building is pre-1985.

(1) Does not mention or arrange for a hazardous material survey before demolishing an older structure (2) No plan for proper waste disposal or cannot name the disposal facility they use (3) Does not pull demolition permits or claims permits are not required (4) No liability insurance or WSIB coverage for workers on your property (5) Significantly lower quote than competitors, which may indicate illegal dumping or unsafe practices

(1) Will you arrange the demolition permit and hazardous material survey? (2) Where will demolition waste be disposed of, and is that facility properly licensed? (3) Do you carry general liability insurance and WSIB coverage? (4) Is site cleanup and debris removal included in your quote? (5) How will you protect the remaining structure and adjacent areas during demolition?

For demolition services work in Ontario, you may need the following permits: Municipal Demolition Permit, Utility Disconnection Permits. Before hiring a demolition contractor, confirm they will handle the asbestos assessment, demolition permit, and utility disconnections. These are not optional steps.

Yes, demolition services in Ontario are expected to carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage.

Typical rates for demolition services in Ontario range from $50-$100/hour (labour); projects typically quoted per job. Structure size and type, accessibility of the site, presence of hazardous materials (asbestos, lead paint) requiring specialized removal, disposal and tipping fees (which vary by municipality), whether salvageable materials can be recovered, permit fees, and complexity of disconnecting utilities. Toronto projects typically cost more due to higher disposal fees, labour rates, and stricter municipal regulations. Buildings constructed before 1990 commonly require a hazardous material survey before demolition can begin.