Notice of Project

Notice of Project

Fast-Fact Summary

• Governing agency: Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
• Form, bylaw, or regulation: O. Reg. 213/91, s. 6 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
• Effective/current anchor: 2026 Operational Framework
• Direct portal or source: https://www.ontario.ca/page/file-work-notice

Mandatory Scope

A Notice of Project must be filed with the Ministry before construction begins on any project meeting the regulatory triggers defined under section 6 of O. Reg. 213/91. This requirement applies to:

• Projects where the expected cost of labour and materials exceeds $50,000.
• Projects confined to automobile manufacturing or assembly factories where the expected cost of labour and materials exceeds $250,000.

Deadlines & Administrative Windows

• Filing Timeline: The completed Notice of Project must be submitted to the Ministry before any construction work commences on-site.
• Project Administration and Payment Timelines: Under the Ontario Construction Act amendments in force January 1, 2026 through Bill 216 and Bill 60, projects must adhere to strict payment and dispute timelines:
• 7-Day Invoicing Rule: Invoices are legally deemed proper unless the owner gives a formal written notice of deficiency within 7 days after receiving the invoice. Missing the 7-day notice window forfeits the right to dispute invoice form or structure and starts the 28-day prompt-payment timeline.
• Mandatory Annual Holdback: For contracts extending beyond one year, owners must publish a Notice of Annual Release of Holdback (Form 6) on an electronic construction trade news website within 14 days after each contract anniversary. Payment of the accrued basic holdback must occur no earlier than day 60 and no later than day 74 after publication, provided no liens are preserved.
• Repeal of Section 27.1: The former section 27.1 notice-of-non-payment mechanism for refusing holdback distribution due to deficient or incomplete work is repealed. Holdback use is restricted to formal contract abandonment or termination scenarios and preserved lien risk.
• Adjudication Extension: Parties have a strict 90-day window after contract completion, abandonment, or termination to initiate interim binding adjudication through ODACC or a qualified private adjudicator.

Financial & Legal Liability

• Non-Compliance Penalty: Failure to file the required Notice of Project can lead to Ministry orders and OHSA prosecution exposure.
• Verified Penalty Amount: There is no verified dollar amount specified in the source data for this penalty (marked as null/not applicable in the source data).
• Average WSIB Premium Rate: $1.23 per $100 of insurable payroll, down from $1.25 per $100 of insurable payroll.
• G6 Non-Residential Construction Rate: $1.61 per $100 of insurable payroll.
• 2026 Maximum Insurable Earnings Ceiling: $121,700.

Step-by-Step Filing Instructions

• Step 1: Access the official filing portal hosted by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development at https://www.ontario.ca/page/file-work-notice.
• Step 2: Complete the digital Notice of Project form, ensuring all fields regarding project location, sector, and estimated cost of labour and materials are filled out.
• Step 3: Submit the completed form online prior to the start of any physical construction activities.
• Step 4: Print the generated Notice of Project document immediately upon successful submission.
• Step 5: Post the printed Notice of Project in a conspicuous place at the project workplace where it is clearly visible to workers, subcontractors, and visiting inspectors.

2026 Inspection Notes

For 2026 construction compliance context, pay close attention to working-at-heights training records, trenching and excavation controls, and training/competency documentation. Do not call this a named official blitz unless the supplied record or source says so.

Official Sources

• https://www.ontario.ca/page/file-work-notice
• https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/910213