Request Utility Records & Service Maps - Markham Bylaw

Utilities and Infrastructure Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

Developers working in Markham, Ontario need reliable utility records and service maps before design or excavation. This guide explains how to locate existing mains, laterals, easements and record drawings held by the City and regional utilities, what to submit to Development Engineering, and how to coordinate mandatory locates. Use official city mapping and utility coordination early in project planning to reduce risk, meet permit conditions and avoid delays.

Always check official municipal maps and request locates before starting site work.

What records are available

The City and regional agencies commonly provide:

  • As-built and record drawings for municipal services (water, sewer, storm).
  • Easement descriptions and plan references.
  • Service connection locations and pipe sizes where recorded.
  • Permit history and construction approval conditions affecting utilities.

Start by consulting the City of Markham interactive mapping and records portal for available layers and property-specific notes [1]. For excavation locates coordinate with the provincial locate system before any ground works [2].

How to request utility records

Typical developer workflow:

  • Search the City map and existing file records for the subject property.
  • Prepare a formal request to Development Engineering describing the lands, drawing references, and the record types required.
  • Pay any administrative fee if the City charges for reproduction or research (see Applications & Forms below).
  • Coordinate a site meeting or records review with City staff if needed.

Applications & Forms

The City typically accepts written requests via email or an online request system; specific form numbers or a named "Utility Information Request" form are not specified on the cited pages [1]. If a fee applies the fee schedule or request confirmation from Development Engineering will state the amount.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unauthorized works on municipal infrastructure or failure to obtain required locates and approvals is handled by the City and relevant enforcement groups. Specific fine amounts and schedules are not specified on the cited City pages and must be confirmed from the applicable bylaw or ticket schedule [3].

Working without approved records or locates can lead to stop-work orders and restoration costs.
  • Enforcer: City of Markham Development Engineering and By-law Enforcement, including inspectors and municipal enforcement officers [3].
  • Escalation: typical paths include warning, order to comply, administrative penalties or Provincial Offences Act ticketing; exact escalation steps and amounts are not specified on the cited pages [3].
  • Fines: amounts are not specified on the cited City pages; consult the controlling bylaw or ticket schedule for numeric values [3].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: work stoppage orders, repair/restoration directives, seizure or removal of works, and court action where applicable; details not specified on the cited pages [3].
  • Appeals/review: appeal or review routes and time limits depend on the instrument issuing the order (bylaw order, permit condition or Provincial Offences notice); specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages [3].

Applications & Forms

For enforcement notices and fines consult By-law Enforcement or the specific bylaw/ticket schedule; a dedicated enforcement form number is not specified on the cited pages [3].

How-To

  1. Identify the property and review the City mapping layers for recorded services.
  2. Prepare a written request with plan references and drawings and submit to Development Engineering.
  3. Confirm fees and payment method; provide proof of payment if required.
  4. Coordinate locates through Ontario One Call and schedule any required site inspections.
  5. Receive certified record drawings or confirmation from the City and include them in permit submissions.

FAQ

Who holds municipal utility records for Markham?
The City of Markham Development Engineering holds municipal service record drawings and related permit records; regional utilities may hold regional water or sewer records.
Do I need a locate before digging?
Yes. Developers must arrange locates through the provincial locate system before excavation to avoid damaging buried infrastructure [2].
Is there a fee to obtain copies of records?
Fees may apply for reproduction and research; the City will confirm any fee when the request is submitted. Specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited City pages [1].

Key Takeaways

  • Start utility checks early to avoid redesign and permit delays.
  • Coordinate locates with Ontario One Call before all excavations.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Markham - Interactive Mapping and records portal
  2. [2] Ontario One Call - Locate service
  3. [3] City of Markham - By-law Enforcement

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