What trades need to be licensed in Ontario?

In Ontario, several construction trades require specific licensing or certification, with different authorities overseeing different types of work.

Electrical Work - ESA Licensing Required

All electrical work in Ontario must be performed by Licensed Electrical Contractors (LEC) or under their supervision. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) oversees this licensing. You can verify any electrical contractor's license at esasafe.com/contractor-locator. Even simple electrical work like adding outlets or switches requires an ESA permit, which only licensed contractors can obtain. Homeowners can do their own electrical work but must still get ESA inspections.

Gas and HVAC Work - TSSA Certification Required

Any work involving natural gas, propane, or certain HVAC systems requires certification from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). Gas technicians need G1 or G2 certification depending on the complexity of work. This includes furnace installation, gas line work, and gas appliance connections. You can verify TSSA certification at tssa.org. In Ottawa, many HVAC installations also require City building permits in addition to TSSA certification.

Plumbing - Municipal Licensing in Ottawa

The City of Ottawa requires plumbing contractors to be licensed through their licensing department. This covers major plumbing work, though minor repairs typically don't require permits. For significant plumbing work like bathroom renovations or new installations, you'll need both a licensed plumber and a City of Ottawa building permit. Contact Ottawa Building Code Services at 613-580-2424 to confirm permit requirements.

What About Other Trades?

Most other construction trades in Ontario don't require specific provincial licensing, but this doesn't mean anyone can do the work legally. General contractors, carpenters, roofers, and other trades must still:

• Carry WSIB coverage (verify at wsib.ca/clearances)
• Have proper liability insurance
• Obtain building permits for their work through the City of Ottawa
• Follow Ontario Building Code requirements
• Be registered for HST if earning over $30,000 annually

Red Flags to Watch For

Be extremely cautious of contractors who can't provide proper licensing for electrical, gas, or plumbing work. In Ottawa, unlicensed electrical or gas work can result in insurance claims being denied and serious safety hazards. Always verify credentials through the official websites (ESA, TSSA, City of Ottawa) rather than trusting certificates the contractor shows you.

Getting Permits in Ottawa

Even with properly licensed trades, most construction work requires building permits from the City of Ottawa. Visit ottawa.ca/building or call 613-580-2424 to determine what permits your project needs. Licensed contractors should handle permit applications, but as the homeowner, you're ultimately responsible for ensuring permits are obtained.

The key is understanding that licensing protects you - it ensures the person doing specialized work has proper training and insurance to do it safely and legally in Ottawa.