Start Your Ottawa Plumbing, Heating, and AC Contracting Business

Detailed Requirements

Here are the specific requirements for starting a plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors in Ottawa:

• Zoning Compliance Required
  Businesses must ensure their location and activities comply with Ottawa zoning bylaws. Zoning determines what types of businesses can operate in specific areas and may affect parking, signage, and hours of operation. Check zoning online via Ottawa's Zoning By-law map (geoottawa.ca) or request a Zoning Designation Letter. For compliance verification, request a Report on Compliance through My ServiceOttawa portal. Fee: varies by report type. Contact Building Code Services: 613-580-2424 ext. 25852 or buildingpermits@ottawa.ca.
• Business Number (BN) Registration Required
  A 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
• Ontario Skilled Trades Certificate of Qualification Required
  Ontario regulates skilled trades through Skilled Trades Ontario (formerly Ontario College of Trades). Certain trades are classified as compulsory, meaning individuals must be certified apprentices or journeypersons to work in those trades. Compulsory trades include electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, automotive service technicians, and others (22 compulsory trades total). Employers hiring workers in compulsory trades must ensure workers hold valid Certificates of Qualification or are registered apprentices. Voluntary (non-compulsory) trades can be practiced without certification, but certification provides recognized credentials. The Red Seal program allows interprovincial mobility for certified tradespersons. Non-compliance can result in fines up to $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations. To obtain a Certificate of Qualification in Ontario: 1. Complete approved apprenticeship program OR qualify via Trade Equivalency Assessment 2. For TEA route: pay $60 + HST assessment fee 3. Register through Skilled Trades Ontario Portal 4. Pass certification examination (free for apprenticeship graduates) 5. Receive Certificate of Qualification 6. Renew annually for compulsory trades
• Compulsory Trade Certification Required
  Ontario requires certification for compulsory trades including electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, and others. Individuals must complete apprenticeship training and pass certification exams through Skilled Trades Ontario. Apply through Skilled Trades Ontario Portal. For apprentices: complete apprenticeship program, then take certification exam (first attempt FREE for apprentices completing Jan 1, 2025+). For experienced workers: Trade Equivalency Assessment ($235+HST) first. Exam fee: $150+HST per attempt. 23 compulsory trades require certification. Contact: 1-855-299-0028.
• TSSA Contractor License (Fuel, HVAC, Elevators) Required
  Contractors working with fuels, boilers, pressure vessels, elevating devices, or amusement devices must be licensed by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). Register with TSSA via Client Portal. Separate registration required for each technical field (heating fuel, petroleum, natural gas, propane, motor fuel, hydrogen). Flat fees since May 2021; 3.8% increase effective May 1, 2025. Need: company info, proof of insurance, certified personnel. Processing: varies by complexity. Contact: 1-877-682-8772.
• Construction Project Health and Safety Requirements Required
  Construction projects must comply with Ontario Regulation 213/91 covering fall protection, excavation, scaffolding, powered equipment, confined spaces, and other construction-specific hazards. Comply with OHSA and O. Reg. 213/91 (Construction Projects). Jan 2024-2025: crane safety updates. July 2025: washroom maintenance records required. Jan 2026: O. Reg. 480/24 servicing records. 20+ workers: JHSC required. Menstrual products required (20+ workers, 3+ months). Oct 2024: electronic posting allowed. Working at heights training mandatory. Contact MOL: 1-877-202-0008.
• Constructor Duties and Responsibilities Required
  General contractors and constructors have specific duties under the OH&S Act including appointing supervisors, ensuring compliance with regulations, providing equipment and training, and implementing safety programs. OHSA s.1 definition: person undertaking project for owner. Overall responsibility for project compliance. Bill 190 (Oct 2024): washroom maintenance records July 2025, detailed records Jan 2026 (O. Reg. 480/24). Form 1000 collection. Weekly inspections (O. Reg. 213/91 s.14(4)), daily recommended. May have dual duties as employer/owner. Single contractor = general contractor = constructor. Contact MLTSD: 1-877-202-0008.
• Ontario One Call - Utility Locates Required
  Before excavation, contractors must request utility locates through Ontario One Call to identify underground infrastructure (gas, electric, telecom, water, sewer). Mandatory for all excavation work. Required by law before any ground disturbance. Submit locate request 5 business days ahead (single property) or 10 days (multiple). Valid 60 days minimum. Administrative penalties since May 1, 2024. FREE service. O. Reg. 213/91 s.228 for contractors. Private infrastructure (BBQ gas lines) are owner's responsibility. 24/7 service. Contact: 1-800-400-2255 or ontarioonecall.ca.
• City of Ottawa Business License Required
  All businesses operating within the City of Ottawa require a business license. License requirements vary by business type. Personal service establishments must comply with health and zoning requirements. License must be renewed annually. Apply IN PERSON at a Client Service Centre (110 Laurier Ave W, 101 Centrepointe Dr, or 255 Centrum Blvd) or Business Licensing Centre (735 Industrial Ave). Fees vary by business type: Food premises ~$255-286/year, Tow truck operator $1,300+$550-607/vehicle, Limousine $1,110+$667/vehicle. Processing typically 6 weeks, some same-day. Annual renewal. Contact: 613-580-2424 ext. 12735 or businesslicensing@ottawa.ca.
• Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) Required
  Businesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
• Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance Required
  All Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
• Building Permit Conditional
  Required for construction or renovation work. Most construction, renovation, and demolition work in Ottawa requires a building permit. Work must comply with Ontario Building Code. Permits required for structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other regulated work. Apply online through My ServiceOttawa portal or at Building Code Client Service Centre. Minimum fee $110; calculated based on project size/value (1.1% of construction value + $1.06/sq ft for renovations). Processing: 5 days for small projects, 10+ days for houses. 2024 Building Code effective Jan 1, 2025. Contact: 613-580-2424 ext. 25852 or buildingpermits@ottawa.ca.
• Employment Standards Compliance Conditional
  Applies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
• GST/HST Registration Conditional
  Required if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
• Payroll Deductions Registration Conditional
  Required if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
• Designated Substance Survey (Renovation/Demolition) Conditional
  Required before demolition/renovation of buildings. Before renovation or demolition of buildings constructed before 1990, a designated substance survey must identify asbestos and other hazardous materials. Workers must be trained and protected. Required under s.30 OHSA before renovation/demolition. Identifies 11 designated substances: asbestos, lead, mercury, silica, arsenic, benzene, etc. Also covers PCB, mould, urea formaldehyde. Non-compliance = work stoppages, liability. Hire qualified DSS consultant. O. Reg. 278/05 for asbestos. April 2025-March 2026: MLTSD enforcement focus. Contact qualified environmental consultant.
• WSIB Registration and Coverage Conditional
  Required within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
• Commercial General Liability Insurance (Construction) Recommended
  Construction contractors should maintain commercial general liability (CGL) insurance covering bodily injury, property damage, and completed operations. Often required by clients and for municipal permits. CGL required by contracts, not statute. Typical minimums: $2M-5M for larger projects. Covers third-party bodily injury, property damage. Additional insureds often required. Wrap-up insurance for large projects. Contractor-controlled or owner-controlled (OCIP/CCIP). Professional liability separate. WSIB separate requirement. Contact RIBO broker.
• General Contractor License (if required)
  While Ontario does not require general contractor licensing at the provincial level, some municipalities may require business licenses for contractors. Federal or provincial incorporation recommended. Ontario has NO general contractor license. HCRA license only for new home construction/renovation. Compulsory trades require STO certification. Builder/vendor must register with Tarion. Municipal business licenses may apply. WSIB and insurance required. Constructor duties under OHSA. Check HCRA for residential work. Contact HCRA: 416-487-4272.

Funding & Grants

Available funding programs that may apply to your plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors:

• The ATTC provides qualifying Ontario employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses) incurred during the first 36 months of a qualifying apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $5,000 per qualifying apprentice per year. The credit applies only to apprenticeship programs that …
• The Labour Mobility Deduction (LMD), enacted via Bill C-241, provides tradespeople and indentured apprentices in construction with a personal income tax deduction of up to $4,000 per year for eligible temporary relocation expenses. The worker must temporarily relocate more than 150 km from their ordinary residence within Canada for at …
• $50M two-year initiative (2024–2026) delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. Provides repayable contributions to businesses and non-repayable to non-profits and governments, covering up to 50% of eligible costs. Projects from $200K to $5M. Applicants must have been in business at least 2 years.
• A $595 million program (Budget 2021) plus $90 million additional (Budget 2024, for housing trades). Since its launch in 2022, the program has funded 11,459 employers to create 17,208 apprenticeship placements. Provides $5,000 per first-year apprentice hired in one of 39 eligible Red Seal designated trades. An additional $5,000 is …

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