Doing outdoor renovations on your property

Mind your curb box!

Every property in Vaughan has a curb box. But do you know what a curb box is and whether it impacts your planned landscaping or outdoor renovations? The City of Vaughan is providing everything you need to know about curb boxes before you begin any outdoor projects this season:

What is a curb box

A curb box is a round metal plate, approximately 10 centimetres in diameter, and is located on your front lawn, driveway or sidewalk. It's owned and operated by the City and controls the water running to a home or building from the City's watermain - in addition to the water shut-off valve, which is resident-owned and typically located in the basement.

Get a free curb box inspection before you dig

The curb box on or adjacent to your property must be accessible at all times. If you are paving, resurfacing, excavating or landscaping your driveway or front lawn, never tamper with or cover a curb box.

Before starting any work, arrange for a free curb box inspection with the City at least two weeks in advance. Having an inspection helps ensure the curb box remains operational and undamaged, potentially avoiding additional costs associated with repairs. Submit a request online through Service Vaughanor contact the City at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca.

Need to request a water shut-off?

You can request to temporarily turn your water supply on or off to complete repairs or renovate your home or building. Submit a non-emergency requestonline four to six weeks before the water shut-off or turn-on is required.

Repairs to curb boxes

If a curb box on your property requires repair, please submit a request online through Service Vaughan. There is no cost to you for the repair work.

Keep in mind that private contractors are prohibited from operating curb boxes under the Water By-law 024-2024(PDF). If a curb box is damaged due to outside contractors, the City will repair it and back-charge the property owner.

The City does not relocate curb boxes. If a curb box must be moved due to a renovation or rebuild, a new water service connection is needed. An application can be made online for a residential service connection request.

To learn more about curb boxes, watch this videoor visit the City's water shut-off and turn-on webpage. For more information on the City's water services, visit vaughan.ca/water.

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