Do contractors in Ottawa need to be licensed?

In Ottawa, there's no general contractor license required by the city, but specific trades DO need provincial licensing, and all contractors must meet certain regulatory requirements.

Unlike some provinces, Ontario doesn't have a mandatory general contractor licensing system. However, this doesn't mean contractors can work without any oversight or credentials in Ottawa.

Provincial Trade Licensing Requirements

Electrical contractors must be Licensed Electrical Contractors (LEC) through the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). You can verify any electrical contractor's license at esasafe.com/contractor-locator. Only LECs can pull electrical permits in Ottawa, and all electrical work requires ESA inspection.

Gas technicians need TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) certification - either G1 or G2 licenses depending on the work scope. Check their credentials at tssa.org before hiring anyone for gas line work, furnace installation, or gas appliance connections.

Plumbers working on new installations or major renovations should have Ontario College of Trades certification, though enforcement varies by municipality.

What All Ottawa Contractors Must Have

Even without general licensing, legitimate contractors in Ottawa must carry:

• WSIB coverage (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) - get a clearance certificate at wsib.ca/clearances
• Liability insurance of at least $2 million
• Business registration with the province
• City of Ottawa business license if operating a business location in the city

Building Permits and Compliance

For any work requiring permits through the City of Ottawa (613-580-2424), contractors must:

• Pull proper permits through ottawa.ca/building portal


• Follow Ontario Building Code requirements


• Pass mandatory inspections


• Understand local zoning bylaws

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of contractors who:

• Can't provide WSIB clearance or insurance proof


• Refuse to pull required permits


• Demand full payment upfront


• Don't have proper trade licensing for electrical/gas work


• Can't provide local references from recent Ottawa projects

Protecting Yourself

Since general contractor licensing isn't required, extra due diligence is crucial. Always verify trade-specific licenses, check references in Ottawa neighborhoods like Kanata, Orleans, or Barrhaven, and ensure they understand City of Ottawa permit processes and timelines.

The lack of general licensing makes it even more important to work with established contractors who voluntarily maintain professional standards and proper insurance coverage.