Grading and drainage in Orléans
Orléans is about 21 km and 21 minutes from Rockland on Highway 174. We regrade yards so water runs away from the house, waterproof foundations, repair concrete and handle demolition, with our own skid steer and bins.
Field photo · Our hook-lift truck and roll-off bin
Orléans at a glance
What shapes drainage in Orléans
Two conservation authorities. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority covers northern Orléans, including the area around Place d’Orléans, Convent Glen and St. Joseph Boulevard; South Nation Conservation covers the south, around Avalon and Notre-Dame-des-Champs. Grading or moving fill in a regulated area, such as a floodplain or near a watercourse or wetland, needs a permit from the right one under Ontario Regulation 41/24.Source: Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Section 28 permits · South Nation Conservation, regulations and permits
The Ottawa River floodplain. The City’s zoning floodplain overlay runs along the river in Wards 1 and 2, and the Orleans Drain is one of the municipal drains in the area.
Ground that changes from street to street. City-published geology maps show bedrock close to the surface near Place d’Orléans, and marine silt and clay elsewhere in the region. Clay holds water, so the slope away from the house matters most there.
Rules that apply in Orléans.
- 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 Orléans.
Questions about work in Orléans.
Is there a delivery charge to Orléans?
No. Orléans is well inside 50 km of our Rockland yard, so the skid steer comes with no delivery charge. Bins are priced the same as in Rockland: $249 to $399 for 3 days, plus disposal.
Do I need a permit to regrade my yard in Orléans?
The City has no separate grading permit for an existing home, but the Site Alteration By-law applies: the new grade can’t push more water onto a neighbour, and swales from the original grading plan stay open. If the lot is in a conservation authority regulated area, that authority’s permit applies instead.
Which conservation authority covers my street?
North Orléans is mostly Rideau Valley; south Orléans is mostly South Nation. Both publish maps of their regulated areas, so you can look up your address, or ask us when you call.
Can the bin go on the street?
Only with a City encroachment permit: $101 for a simple permit in 2026, plus daily rental, and 10 business days to process. The permit covers City property: the road, boulevard and sidewalk.
Where these facts come from.
- Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Section 28 permits
- South Nation Conservation, regulations and permits
- 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
- City of Ottawa, Infrastructure Master Plan, Appendix D
- 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.