Sufficient rodent and pest-proof garbage containers must be provided. Garbage must be collected and removed from the property at least once per week.
Farms and seasonal worker housing
Housing inspection requirements and resources for farm owners and operators who provide accommodations for international agricultural workers.
Request an inspection
Housing for international agricultural workers must be inspected by Niagara Region Public Health before workers arrive. Before requesting an inspection, consult with your city or town, including the municipal building and fire departments, to confirm local requirements are met.
Inspection fees (plus HST)
- Annual approval inspection: $250 per unit
- Non-compliance re-inspection: $125 per unit — applies to any follow-up inspection required to confirm compliance for previous infractions
If you need a refund for a payment, request a refund online.
Housing requirements
It's the owner or operator's responsibility to ensure housing complies with the Ontario Building Code and the Ontario Fire Code, as well as the 2010 Ontario Housing Guidelines (PDF) for seasonal agricultural workers. Public Health inspectors verify the following during each annual inspection.
Adequate food storage must be provided, including sufficient cupboard space and kitchenware. Refrigerator temperature must not exceed 4°C.
The interior and exterior of the accommodations must be in good condition and rodent or pest-proof. Lighting and ventilation must be sufficient, and window screens must be in place from May to November.
Bedrooms must be separated from other living areas. Each worker must have a separate bed with:
- Mattress
- Sheets and blankets
- Pillow and pillowcase
- Adequate shelf space for storage
Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers must be present. The Ontario Fire Code is enforced by the local fire department. Contact them with any fire safety questions.
Sewage must be disposed of in a permitted manner. If on a private system, it must be approved by the city or town, or Niagara Region.
Washroom and laundry facilities
Washrooms must be in good working order and maintained in a sanitary condition. Sufficient toilets, showers, sinks, washers and dryers must be available for the number of workers housed.
Potable hot and cold running water must be provided. If supplied by a private well or cistern, a Public Health inspector will collect a water sample on-site to confirm it's safe for consumption.