Excess Soil

Excess soil is soil that is dug up during construction or excavation then moved off-site because it can’t or won’t be reused at the original site. Proper management of excess soil helps to protect the environment, reduce illegal dumping and increase local reuse.

The Town’s Excess Soil Study will update and complete previous work in alignment with current provincial regulations, policies and guidance. By early 2026, the study will:

• recommend an official plan amendment to update the Town's policies on excess soil in alignment with the proposed new Site Alteration By-law and
• establish terms of reference for how excess soil should be managed, including excess soil from aggregate operations

For project updates, please visit Have Your Say Caledon.

Background

A previous study on excess soil management was initiated in 2017 then paused in 2019 when the province updated its excess soil regulations. As part of that study, the Canadian Urban Institute prepared a report that assessed issues related to commercial fill operations and made policy recommendations for their management. Since the report predates current regulations, it is provided for information only.

• 2018 Report: Commercial Fill Operations – Options for Policy and Regulation[LG1] 

Provincial Policy and Regulatory Framework

The province considers excess soil to be a resource. It has released the following policy documents and regulatory frameworks to assist municipalities to manage excess soil:

• Handling Excess Soil | ontario.ca
• The Management of Excess Soil – A Guide for Best Management Practices | ontario.ca
• Ontario Regulation 406/19 On-site and Excess Soil Management| ontario.ca