Help and resources for demolition contractors in Ontario
Before you sign a contract with a demolition or excavation contractor in Ontario, it helps to know which agencies oversee the trade, verify safety compliance, and handle disputes. Below is a curated list of government bodies, industry associations, and consumer resources that cover demolition work across the province, from utility locates before you dig to legal recourse if a job goes wrong.
Government & regulatory
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Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
Ontario's workplace insurance authority. Homeowners and businesses can look up a contractor's WSIB Clearance Certificate online to confirm the company and its workers are registered and in good standing, which matters since demolition work carries a real injury risk.
Visit website → Phone: 416-344-1000; toll-free 1-800-387-0750 Head office: WSIB Place, 300 Tartan Drive, London, ON N5V 0E9; mailing address: 200 Front Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 3J1 -
Ontario One Call
A legally mandated notification service under the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012 that locates buried utility lines before digging or demolition starts. Anyone arranging excavation or demolition work in Ontario is required to contact them first.
Visit website → Phone: Support Services (24/7): 1-800-400-2255; Corporate Office: 1-844-257-9490 -
Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Enforces the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Ontario Regulation 278/05, which require a Designated Substance Survey for asbestos and other hazardous materials before a building can be demolished, altered, or repaired. Anyone commissioning a demolition should confirm this survey has been completed.
Industry & professional associations
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Ontario Association of Demolition Contractors (OADC)
Ontario's industry trade association for demolition and abatement contractors, in operation since 1976 under its earlier name, the Metropolitan Toronto Demolition Contractors Association. It represents member firms and is a good starting point for finding established, association-affiliated demolition contractors.
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National Demolition Association (NDA)
A North American industry association representing demolition contractors in the U.S. and Canada, offering safety, training, and regulatory resources for the trade.
Consumer protection
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Consumer Protection Ontario (Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement)
Enforces Ontario's consumer protection laws, investigates complaints against businesses including home renovation and demolition contractors, and maintains the public Consumer Beware List of non-compliant businesses.
Visit website → Phone: 1-800-889-9768 (toll-free) / 416-326-8800 (Toronto area); TTY 1-877-666-6545 or 416-229-6086 Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, Consumer Services Operations Division, PO Box 450, Toronto, ON M7A 2J6 -
Better Business Bureau serving Ontario
Publishes ratings, accreditation status, and customer reviews for businesses, including demolition contractors working in Ontario, useful for checking a contractor's complaint history before hiring.
Legal help
This is general information, not legal advice. Speak to a qualified professional about your specific situation.
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Pro Bono Ontario – Free Legal Advice Hotline
Runs a free legal advice hotline covering Ontario consumer protection issues, including disputes with contractors over home renovation or demolition work and related construction liens.
Visit website → Phone: 1-855-255-7256, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. -
Small Claims Court of Ontario
Part of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, hearing civil claims for money or property up to $50,000 (effective October 1, 2025). This is the usual venue for pursuing a dispute with a contractor over cost, damage, or non-performance.
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