Excavation · Kitchener
Excavation Permits & Utility Locates in Kitchener
Before any blade touches ground, two things have to happen. Here's what permits and locates mean for your project.
Digging without locating buried services is dangerous and illegal — and skipping a required permit can stall your project. Here's the plain-English version for Kitchener homeowners.
Utility locates (Ontario One Call)
Before any excavation in Ontario, buried utilities must be located and marked. It's a free request through Ontario One Call, and it's the law. Locates mark gas, hydro, water, and telecom lines so the dig stays safe. We submit and work from current locates on every job — you don't have to chase it.
Permits
Whether you need a permit depends on the work. Foundation excavation and structural work generally require a building permit through the City of Kitchener; simple grading or a shallow trench on private property often does not. Rural properties in the surrounding townships have their own requirements, especially around septic and wells.
Once that groundwork is done, the dig itself is quick — see how long excavation takes.
Frequently asked questions
Who calls for utility locates?
We do — we submit the Ontario One Call request and work from the marked locates on every job.
Do I need a permit to dig on my own property?
It depends on the work. Foundations and structural digs usually need a permit; minor grading often doesn't. We'll confirm for your project.
Serving Kitchener and surrounding areas. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote specific to your project.