The Ontario Building Code | Excavation Construction
4.2.5.2. Excavation Construction
(1) Every excavation shall be undertaken in such a manner as to prevent movement that would cause damage to adjacent buildings at all phases of construction.
(2) Material shall not be placed nor shall equipment be operated or placed in or adjacent to an excavation in a manner that may endanger the integrity of the excavation or its supports.
In Plain Language
Every excavation must be carried out in a manner that prevents movement that would damage adjacent buildings, at every phase of construction, not just once the excavation is finished.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.