Demolition Services Licensing in Quebec

Demolition contractors in Quebec must hold the appropriate RBQ licence for construction work. Demolition permits are required from municipal building departments. Contractors must comply with CNESST regulations for workplace safety, including specific requirements for working at heights, excavation, and demolition. Workers handling asbestos must comply with CNESST asbestos regulations (updated April 2022). Proper waste disposal must follow Quebec's Environment Quality Act. On regulated construction sites, workers must hold appropriate CCQ competency certificates.

Ask for the contractor's RBQ licence number. Confirm they will handle asbestos testing for pre-1985 buildings and obtain the required demolition permit.

(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?

Yes, demolition services in Quebec are expected to carry liability insurance.

In Quebec, most contractors performing construction work must hold an RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) licence. You can verify any contractor's licence on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Always ask for the licence number and verify it before hiring.

Typical rates for demolition services in Quebec 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.