Grading and drainage in Cumberland
Cumberland village is about 11 km and 12 minutes from Rockland along the Ottawa River. Riverside lots, clay soil and private wells and septic systems all change how a yard should be graded, and we plan the job around them.
Field photo · Our operator with the Kubota SSV65
Cumberland at a glance
What shapes drainage in Cumberland
The Ottawa River floodplain. The City’s zoning floodplain overlay and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s 1-in-100-year flood extent both reach into the village. The May 2023 flood warning listed Cumberland among flood-prone areas and named Boisé Village, Morin Road and Leo Lane east of the village. Grading or fill in a regulated area needs an RVCA permit under Ontario Regulation 41/24.Source: Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Section 28 permits · City of Clarence-Rockland, May 1, 2023 flood warning
Clay under the terraces. At the village centre, geology maps show Champlain Sea clay and silt under the river terraces, 15 to 25 m deep. Clay holds water, so a yard has to fall away from the house to stay dry.
A municipal drain through the village. The Minion-Morin Drain, an open municipal drain, crosses the village boundary.
Wells and septic. Cumberland isn’t on the City’s list of public water and wastewater areas, so most lots have a private well and septic system. Machines and fill have to stay off the septic bed, so show us where it is before we start.Source: City of Ottawa, Infrastructure Master Plan, Appendix D
Rules that apply in Cumberland.
- Changing your lot gradeUnder the City’s Site Alteration By-law (2024-448), you can’t change a lot grade, ditch or drain in a way that sends more water onto a neighbouring property. Swales from the original grading plan can’t be filled or piped. You can get the original grading plan through an Access to Building Permit Records request, or by calling 3-1-1.Source: City of Ottawa, Site Alteration By-law 2024-448 · City of Ottawa, lot grading and your property
- A bin on the streetA roll-off bin on the road, boulevard or sidewalk needs a Temporary Construction Encroachment permit: $101 for a simple permit in 2026, plus a daily rental for the space, and at least 10 business days to process. The permit covers City property; ask us about setting the bin on your driveway instead.Source: City of Ottawa, temporary construction encroachments
- DemolitionDemolishing a building or structure needs a City building permit, with utility disconnection clearances. Non-load-bearing interior walls are exempt.Source: City of Ottawa, demolition permits
- Basement flooding rebatesThe City’s Residential Protective Plumbing Program offers rebates on backwater valves and sump pumps with battery backup installed by a licensed plumber, plus the plumbing permit fee. Eligibility rules apply.Source: City of Ottawa, Residential Protective Plumbing Program
- Locates before diggingUtility locates go through Ontario Dig Authority (formerly Ontario One Call) at least 5 business days before digging. Locates are free and required by law.Source: Ontario Dig Authority (formerly Ontario One Call)
What we do in Cumberland.
Questions about work in Cumberland.
My lot backs onto the river. Can you still regrade it?
If the lot is inside the RVCA regulated area, grading or bringing in fill needs an RVCA permit first. The RVCA publishes its regulated-area maps, so start there, or ask us when you call.
Do I need to tell you where the septic system is?
Yes. Most Cumberland lots are on a private well and septic. Machines and fill must stay off the septic bed, and we plan the grade around it.
How far is Cumberland from your yard?
About 11 km, 12 minutes from Rockland. There is no delivery charge for the skid steer, and bins are priced the same as in Rockland.
Does the City’s basement-flooding rebate apply here?
Cumberland is in the City of Ottawa, so the Residential Protective Plumbing Program’s eligibility rules apply to your home. The valves and pumps must be installed by a licensed plumber.
Where these facts come from.
- Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Section 28 permits
- City of Clarence-Rockland, May 1, 2023 flood warning
- City of Ottawa, Infrastructure Master Plan, Appendix D
- City of Ottawa, Site Alteration By-law 2024-448
- City of Ottawa, lot grading and your property
- City of Ottawa, temporary construction encroachments
- City of Ottawa, demolition permits
- City of Ottawa, Residential Protective Plumbing Program
- Ontario Dig Authority (formerly Ontario One Call)
- OpenStreetMap routing (no traffic)
Drive times are from Rockland Town Hall by OpenStreetMap routing, without traffic. Rush hour takes longer.