Education

Shoring Requirements Overview

Shoring isn’t just a best practice — it is required both by safety standards (e.g., Ontario’s Construction Regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act) and, for deeper excavation work, by the Ontario Building Code.

In deeper or complex excavations, a Professional Engineer’s design is usually required.

When is shoring required?

Ontario Building Code & Safety Law

Even if the City doesn’t spell out “shoring” in a simple by-law, shoring is treated as part of excavation and structural support work . In general (based on provincial practice and standard construction safety rules):

  • Excavations next to property lines, buildings, roadways, utilities or sidewalks that cannot be safely sloped back must be supported (shored) to protect adjacent property and public infrastructure.
  • Shoring is typically required where there isn’t enough room to use a stable slope (for example on tight lots in Toronto).
  • Contractors must furnish and install shoring/sheeting/bracing for excavations to ensure safety of workers and the public and to protect the work and adjacent facilities.

When do you need a permit in Toronto?

There are two different permit tracks that can apply:

1. Building Permit

If your project includes excavation/shoring as part of building construction, underpinning, new foundations, or major structural work, then:

  • You must apply for a building permit before starting excavation/shoring work.
  • The building permit application will include plans and details for the excavation and shoring so the City can review safety, zoning, and code compliance.
  • For larger projects, the City often issues a partial permit for excavation and shoring first, so work can begin once that portion is approved.

This is because excavation and shoring are part of the structural system of the building under the Ontario Building Code and the Building Code Act.

2. Right-of-Way / Public Space Permit

If your excavation or shoring extends into the City’s street, sidewalk, or other public right-of-way (i.e., off your private property footprint), even temporarily:

  • You need a construction/road occupancy permit from the City’s Transportation Services.
  • This permit governs activity in the public right-of-way, including temporary shoring that affects pedestrians, traffic, utilities, etc.

Ontario Construction Regulation – Excavation & Shoring

Minimum safety requirements for excavations, trenches, and shoring under Ontario’s Construction Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91).

Open Resource

City of Toronto – Building Permit Forms & Resources

Official City of Toronto forms, checklists, and supporting documentation for building permit and construction submissions.

Open Resource