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Trenching & Excavation Services in Canada

Dependable Open-Cut Solutions for Electrical, Water, Sewer & More.
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Need a trenching and excavation contractor you can count on? Start your project with AVERTEX by filling out the form below.

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    Why Choose AVERTEX for Trenching & Excavation?

    At AVERTEX, we take pride in delivering safe, efficient, and cost-effective trenching and excavation services across Canada . Whether it’s urban or rural, watermain or ductbank , shallow or deep, our experienced crews show up with the right machines, sharp skills, and a commitment to getting the job done right.
    We’re not just about moving dirt. We’re about moving your project forward, with less disruption, better outcomes, and a partner you can trust.

    When Trenching Makes Sense

    While trenchless technology has its place, traditional trenching can be the smarter choice when:

    • Soils are rocky, filled with boulders, or unstable for drilling
    • The utility corridor is congested with existing services
    • You have clear areas (rural, rail ROWs, greenfield developments)

    Our crews are trained to spot the right method and act fast, saving you time, risk, and cost.

    Find out how we can support your next project.

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    Our Capabilities

    Equipment Fleet & Methods

    We use a wide range of excavation equipment to match your project’s ground conditions and layout:

    • Backhoes: Case 580
    • Excavators: Case CX17 to CX350 (various sizes for all job scales)
    • Trenchers: Vermeer T855 Rock Wheel, T855 & T1055 Chain Trenchers (earth & rock)
    From narrow utility digs to deep shored trenches, we’ve got the right tools for the job.

    Depths & Safety Standards

    We can excavate trenches up to 12m (40 ft) deep, fully compliant with provincial trench safety regulations. Our crews use:

    • Trench boxes (steel or aluminum)
    • Slide-rail shoring systems for deep/difficult soils
    • Hydraulic speed shoring for shallower trenches

    Soil Removal & Restoration

    We handle everything from soil disposal to final grading:

    • Remove spoil and deliver backfill
    • Compaction, tamping, and material layering as per specifications
    • Restoration includes topsoil/seeding, sod, hydroseed or asphalt paving, depending on the job
    No shortcuts, just solid work built to last.

    Groundwater Management

    Standard sump and trash pump dewatering is handled in-house. For complex groundwater control (wellpoints, grout injection), we bring in trusted sub-contractors. .

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    Across Industries: Trenching & Excavation by Sector

    Still the most common method in this sector, especially for new subdivision servicing and tight urban blocks.

    Common Use Cases:

    • Watermains and sewer mains
    • Sanitary and storm drains
    • Service laterals and crossings
    • Hydrants
    • Chambers or Manholes

    We follow all municipal specs for compaction and testing.

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    We excavate everything from streetlight cables to full duct banks and bases for above ground infrastructure.

    Common Use Cases:

    • Underground conduit & duct banks for power distribution
    • Urban and rural overhead to underground conversions
    • Transformers placements
    • Manholes

    Machine Type: Excavators, Chain trenchers, Wheel Trenchers

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    Sometimes, trenching is the ideal option instead of plowing or drilling, especially in busy corridors.

    Common Use Cases:

    • Conduit installs in dense downtowns
    • Service Connections
    • Conduit tie-ins
    • Vault placement

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    Rail right-of-ways often require traditional trenching due to limited utility congestion and long linear paths.

    Common Use Cases:

    • Conduit banks for signals
    • Utility Relocations
    • Infrastructure Placement
    • Drainage or culvert replacement

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    From solar farms to wind installations, trenching supports major renewable projects.

    Common Use Cases:

    • Trenching for collector systems
    • Grounding grid installations
    • Padmount Transformers and switchgearsStation civil works

    Learn More

    AVERTEX in Action

    Featured Project

    690 Broadway Development

    AVERTEX successfully completed the site servicing and earthworks for the 690 Broadway townhouse development in Orangeville, ON. The scope of work included site grading, and the installation of hundreds of meters of storm, sanitary, and water main, along with several manholes and all the residential service connections for the subdivision.
    Scope: Site Servicing
    Location: Orangeville, Ontario

    Our Commitment to Safety & the Environment

    At AVERTEX, we don’t cut corners, especially when it comes to protecting workers and respecting the environment and communities we work in.

    ​Safety is built into everything we do.

    See How We Do It

    We work to limit surface disruption and protect the environment

    Our Environmental Approach

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What types of trenching equipment does AVERTEX use?

    We use a full fleet of trenching equipment to match different soil types and job scales. That includes:

    • Backhoes (Case 580 & 590) for general-purpose earth excavation
    • Excavators ranging from compact (CX17) to large (CX350)
    • Vermeer trenchers (T855 Rock Wheel, Chain Trenchers, T1055) for cutting through both earth and rock

    We match the right machine to the right soil so the job gets completed safely and efficiently.

    2. How deep can you dig while staying compliant with Ontario’s trench safety rules?

    We can excavate up to 12 meters (40 feet) deep, depending on soil conditions, site access, and scope; all within provincial safety regulations.

    3. How do you keep workers and utilities safe during deep trenching?

    We use a variety of shoring systems, depending on the job:

    • Trench boxes (steel or aluminum)
    • Slide-rail systems for deep, unstable soil
    • Hydraulic speed shoring for shallow digs

    If we’re exposing active utilities, we install structural support across the excavation when required so lines can remain suspended and undamaged during construction.

    4. Do you manage dewatering if groundwater is present?

    Yes. We handle standard dewatering in-house using sump pits and trash pumps. For more complex situations (like high groundwater tables), we coordinate with specialists for wellpoint systems or grout injection methods.

    5. Who handles soil removal and surface restoration?

    We do. AVERTEX owns its own dump trucks and trailers to haul away spoil and bring in backfill. Restoration depends on the project and municipal specs. It can range from basic topsoil and seed to multi-layered granular materials, compaction testing, and full surface reinstatement.

    6. When is traditional trenching better than trenchless methods like directional drilling?

    Trenching makes more sense when:

    • Ground conditions (like cobble or large boulders) aren’t ideal for drilling
    • There’s a congested utility corridor, and open-cut allows better visibility
    • The project involves long, straight runs with minimal existing infrastructure, like in rural areas or along rail lines

    7. Does AVERTEX offer complete excavation services?

    Yes. We handle everything from the dig itself to installation, backfilling, compaction, and even paving when scoped. You won’t need multiple contractors, just our experienced team.

    8. How do you manage traffic flow and pedestrian safety on busy streets?

    We plan traffic control weeks in advance, working with the local authority to get approvals. This can involve standard Book 7 traffic plans or full Construction & Traffic Management Plans. Our crews keep disruption to the smallest possible section at a time, keeping vehicles moving and people safe.

    9. What types of clients or sectors commonly hire you for trenching?

    We do a lot of trench work for the water, sewer, telecom, and electrical sectors, including site servicing work for developers but typically serving municipalities and utility owners across the country. Some of our repeat clients include Borea, Burlington Hydro, and numerous local municipalities.

    Ready to Break Ground?

    Get in touch for an estimate or consultation today. We’ll help you figure out the best method, the right equipment, and the fastest way to get your project moving.
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