Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association upcoming events

Ontario Building Code (OBC) – Part 8 On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Prep (April 06, 2026)

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Our On-site Sewage Systems 2024 course is an overview/refresher course for experienced practitioners. This building code course largely deals with the requirements related to the on-site sewage systems regulated under the Ontario Building Code (OBC) (systems with a design capacity of fewer than 10,000 litres per day). The requirements related to these systems are found in Part 8 of the OBC. The curriculum covers permits, responsibilities, site conditions, the five classes of sewage systems, construction, occupational health and safety, evaluation of malfunctioning systems, change-of-use procedures, and more.

Note

This course can help you prepare to write the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) On-site Sewage Systems 2024 exam (not included). The MMAH exam is administered by Humber College. For more information, visit the Ontario Building Code Examinations website.

Prerequisites

You must have a general understanding of the building construction process and basic blueprint reading skills.

Additional Information

Course Essentials:

You must have a copy of the 2024 Building Code Compendium before you begin this course. The compendium is available for purchase through the George Brown College bookstore, at our Building Code and Trade Manuals website, and at the Publications Ontario website.

Hours
35

Fee
$411.96, includes a non-refundable materials fee of $110

Last Day to Register
April 5th, 2026

Register Here

Enviro-STEP Technologies Seminar Registration (April 08, 2026)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Learn how the ELJEN septic system works, and the latest innovations in wastewater treatment.

Training seminars take place from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

On The Agenda:

How the ELJEN system works
New developments and innovations in wastewater treatment

Important:
One registration per person. If you are from the same company, please register individually for each person who wishes to attend.
Places are limited. Once your registration has been confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email with all the practical details (date, location, etc.).

Enviro-STEP Technologies Seminar Registration (April 09, 2026)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Learn how the ELJEN septic system works, and the latest innovations in wastewater treatment.

Training seminars take place from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

On The Agenda:

How the ELJEN system works
New developments and innovations in wastewater treatment

ORWC hosted Guelph - Part 8 OBC On-Site Sewage Systems (April 13, 2026)

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:30:00 GMT

This course is administered by ORWC.

Course Description

A 5 day training course designed primarily for installers and inspectors of on-site sewage systems in Ontario. This course covers Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code and is designed to prepare participants for the On-Site Sewage Systems (Part 8) technical licensing exam administered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing (MMAH). The course covers the entire training manual produced by MMAH. In addition, supplementary material developed by the Ontario Rural Wastewater Centre, including additional material on approved alternative technologies, instructional videos, design problems and case studies is also provided. Finally daily access to hands-on demonstrations in our unique training facility is included. Please note the course does NOT include the licensing exam.

Note:

Ontario Rural Wastewater Centre website

Provincial Licensing Exam Information

8006002 Part 8 OBC On-Site Sewage Systems | School of Continuing Studies

Ontario Building Code (OBC) – Part 8 On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Prep (April 13, 2026)

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Program Overview

This course deals with the 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC) requirements for on-site Sewage Systems with design capacity of up to 10,000 litres per day. The OBC technical requirements for these systems are found primarily in Division B., Part 8 of the Code, but also include and refer to other portions of the OBC, the Building Code Act and Supplementary Standard SB6. This course is an introduction to the principles of on-site sewage systems and includes the following topics:

Requirements under the Building Code Act (BCA) as related to sewage systems
Site evaluations, test pits and percolation times (T-times)
System characteristics and daily design flows
Design and construction of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 sewage systems
Inspection and review of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 sewage systems
Operation and maintenance minimum requirements for existing systems, and
Occupational Health and Safety as related to sewage system inspection or enforcement

This 5-day Exam Prep course is designed to prepare the student for writing the MMAH On-site Sewage Systems qualification exam. It is scheduled for April 13-17, 2026.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, participants will be able to understand:

Understand the legal requirements under the BCA and OBC
Evaluate the site characteristics and determine the options available for the site
Understand the minimum design requirements for the five classes of on-site sewage systems
Understand the construction requirements for the various types of systems
Understand some of the health and safety requirements related to the construction of on-site sewage systems
Understand the basics of evaluating malfunctioning systems, remedial work and change of use for buildings connected to existing systems

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for on-site sewage system inspectors, designers, installers and supervisors of on-site sewage systems wishing to challenge Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) qualification examinations. On-site sewage system inspectors, must have successfully passed the required MMAH examinations and be registered to be employed in the permit approval or inspection of sewage systems. Designers, installers and supervisors must also have successfully passed the Ministry examination and registered be qualified to do design work for permit submissions or be an installer and/or supervisor for the construction of on-site sewage systems.

Please visit http://www.humber.ca/buildingcodeexams/ for more information on the Ministry Building Code exams.

Your Instructor

Jeffrey Chalmers, CET, CBCO

Jeffrey has over 40 years’ experience in building code interpretation and enforcement as a plans examiner, inspector, chief building official, building code consultant and instructor of building code courses. Jeff has extensive knowledge in all areas of the Ontario code and has helped develop new training courses in the Ontario Building Code and also the National Building Code, for training across Canada.

Jeff is a member of OACETT, the OBOA and the OPIA.

Pre-Requisites

None

Duration

5 Days

Venue Location

Kawartha Conservation

277 Kenrei (Park) Road

Lindsay, ON

K9V 4R1

Deadline for Registration

Please note that registration will close on March 27, 2026.

Cancellation Policy

JM Consulting reserves the right to postpone a learning event no later than seven days before the course start date. If the course is cancelled, a full refund will be issued. JM Consulting is not responsible for travel arrangements and accommodation costs that have been incurred without a confirmation that the course is taking place.

Please contact us at john@jmconsulting.agency to confirm that course is confirmed before making travel and accommodation arrangements.

Anyone wishing to withdraw from an event must provide notification in writing to the above-mentioned email address. Refunds will be calculated as follows:

More that 10 business days prior to the course start date: a full refund minus a $50 administration fee
Between 1-9 days prior to the course start date: a 50% refund minus a $50 administration fee
Within 24 hours of the start date of the course: no refund will be provided

“No Shows” are not subject to refunds.

Registration Fees / Cost Breakdown

To register to this Lindsay class, please do not click on the blue button, but instead click on this link to register:

https://events.kawarthaconservation.com/default/Detail/2026-04-13-0900-Ontario-Building-Code-Part-8-On-site-Sewage-System

Enviro-STEP Technologies Seminar Registration (April 13, 2026)

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Learn how the ELJEN septic system works, and the latest innovations in wastewater treatment.

Training seminars take place from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

On The Agenda:

How the ELJEN system works
New developments and innovations in wastewater treatment

Enviro-STEP Technologies Seminar Registration (April 14, 2026)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Learn how the ELJEN septic system works, and the latest innovations in wastewater treatment.

Training seminars take place from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

On The Agenda:

How the ELJEN system works
New developments and innovations in wastewater treatment

Enviro-STEP Technologies Seminar Registration (April 15, 2026)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Learn how the ELJEN septic system works, and the latest innovations in wastewater treatment.

Training seminars take place from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

On The Agenda:

How the ELJEN system works
New developments and innovations in wastewater treatment

Enviro-STEP Technologies Seminar Registration (April 16, 2026)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Learn how the ELJEN septic system works, and the latest innovations in wastewater treatment.

Training seminars take place from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

On The Agenda:

How the ELJEN system works
New developments and innovations in wastewater treatment

Part 8 Permit Application Review Course - Near North & Muskoka (April 29, 2026)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

This course offers a detailed overview of the building permit process and regulatory requirements for onsite sewage systems in Ontario. Participants will learn about permit application and review procedures under the Building Code Act and Ontario Building Code, with emphasis on design criteria, system configuration, and soil analysis—supported by real-world case studies.

The course also covers key elements of Part 10/11 reviews, including performance levels, major occupancy classifications, and occupant load calculations. Installation inspections of tanks, distribution systems, leaching beds, and advanced treatment units are addressed, along with maintenance inspections—both discretionary and mandatory.

Enforcement procedures, including compliance letters, Orders to Comply, and legal actions under Part I and III of the Provincial Offences Act, are explored to ensure a well-rounded understanding of regulatory responsibilities.

Suggested Pre-Requisite: Five-Day Part 8 Licensing Course or equivalent experience

Instructor: Eric Kohlsmith, Part 8 CBO, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

Cancellation Policy:

Refunds, less a $25.00 cancellation fee, will be issued upon written request to op-coordinator@oowa.org if received 24 hours prior to the event. Following that, no refunds will be issued. Ticket transfers will be honored in the following way: members may send alternate members at no additional cost. Members may send alternate non-members for an additional fee in accordance with ticket pricing. Non-members may send alternate members; however, a refund will not be issued for the difference in ticket price.

Ontario Building Code (OBC) – Part 8 On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Prep (May 04, 2026)

Mon, 04 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Note

Prerequisites

You must have a general understanding of the building construction process and basic blueprint reading skills.

Additional Information

Course Essentials:

Hours
35

Fee
$411.96, includes a non-refundable materials fee of $110

Last Day to Register
May 3rd, 2026

Register Here

Ontario Building Code (OBC) – Part 8 On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Prep (June 01, 2026)

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Note

Prerequisites

You must have a general understanding of the building construction process and basic blueprint reading skills.

Additional Information

Course Essentials:

Hours
35

Fee
$411.96, includes a non-refundable materials fee of $110

Last Day to Register
May 31st, 2026

Register Here

Ontario Building Code (OBC) – Part 8 On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Prep (July 06, 2026)

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Note

Prerequisites

You must have a general understanding of the building construction process and basic blueprint reading skills.

Additional Information

Course Essentials:

Hours
35

Fee
$411.96, includes a non-refundable materials fee of $110

Last Day to Register
July 5th, 2026

Register Here

Ontario Building Code (OBC) – Part 8 On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Prep (August 03, 2026)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Note

Prerequisites

You must have a general understanding of the building construction process and basic blueprint reading skills.

Additional Information

Course Essentials:

Hours
35

Fee
$411.96, includes a non-refundable materials fee of $110

Last Day to Register
August 2nd, 2026

Register Here

Ontario Building Code (OBC) – Part 8 On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Prep (November 16, 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Program Overview

Requirements under the Building Code Act (BCA) as related to sewage systems
Site evaluations, test pits and percolation times (T-times)
System characteristics and daily design flows
Design and construction of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 sewage systems
Inspection and review of Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 sewage systems
Operation and maintenance minimum requirements for existing systems, and
Occupational Health and Safety as related to sewage system inspection or enforcement

This 5-day Exam Prep course is designed to prepare the student for writing the MMAH On-site Sewage Systems qualification exam. It is scheduled for November 16-20, 2026.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, participants will be able to understand:

Understand the legal requirements under the BCA and OBC
Evaluate the site characteristics and determine the options available for the site
Understand the minimum design requirements for the five classes of on-site sewage systems
Understand the construction requirements for the various types of systems
Understand some of the health and safety requirements related to the construction of on-site sewage systems
Understand the basics of evaluating malfunctioning systems, remedial work and change of use for buildings connected to existing systems

Who Should Attend?

Please visit http://www.humber.ca/buildingcodeexams/ for more information on the Ministry Building Code exams.

Your Instructor

Jeffrey Chalmers, CET, CBCO

Jeff is a member of OACETT, the OBOA and the OPIA.

Pre-Requisites

None

Duration

5 Days

Venue Location

Best Western Plus Parry Sound

2 Pine Drive

Parry Sound, ON

P2A 2L7

Deadline for Registration

Please note that registration will close on October 30, 2026.

Cancellation Policy

Please contact us at john@jmconsulting.agency to confirm that course is confirmed before making travel and accommodation arrangements.

Anyone wishing to withdraw from an event must provide notification in writing to the above-mentioned email address. Refunds will be calculated as follows:

More that 10 business days prior to the course start date: a full refund minus a $50 administration fee
Between 1-9 days prior to the course start date: a 50% refund minus a $50 administration fee
Within 24 hours of the start date of the course: no refund will be provided

“No Shows” are not subject to refunds.

Registration Fees / Cost Breakdown

Cost of learning event: $995.00

HST: $129.35

Total cost including HST: $1,124.35

(Please contact us if receiving an invoice is the preferred method of payment)

Registration costs include learning materials, exam prep questions and lunch for the week.

WAITLIST ONLY: Soils course (December 31, 2026)

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

THIS EVENT LISTING IS FOR WAITLIST PURPOSES ONLY - REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST AND YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE NEXT OFFERING.

Soils are complex and can be difficult to assess on particular sites. Soils also dictate how large the system will be for a particular lot and how it will perform. Invariably the question that always comes up is “Is the soil on this site suitable for an on-site sewage system and how do I figure that out?” We have developed this course to help provide a starting point for you to learn more about soils, to demonstrate simple field techniques to determine what types of soils you are working with and to gain an appreciation on how to conduct a soil & site evaluation. By combining the expertise of an experienced professional with hands-on field work, we will provide a solid understanding of soils and how they impact the design, construction, and operation of on-site sewage systems.

This course is intended for anyone who is interested in gaining more knowledge of soils and how they relate to on-site system inspection, design, and installation. Evaluating soils is a developed technique and this course will introduce participants to evaluation tools and advanced soil knowledge.

This one-day course will enable you to:

Conduct a soils investigation for the design of on-site systems,
Evaluate a soil in the field based on its colour, texture, and other characteristics,
Properly take soil samples from a test pit or using a soil corer or auger,
Conduct percolation tests using different methods including test holes and permeameters,
Determine the elevation of the seasonally high groundwater table, and
Use field evaluation results to design an appropriate on-site system.

Suggested Pre-Requisite: Five-Day Part 8 Licensing Course or equivalent experience

Cancellation Policy:

Pumps and Controls - Waitlist (December 31, 2026)

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

THIS IS A WAITLIST ONLY - The actual date and location are TBA

This full day course is an introductory level workshop that is intended to help participants develop skills to recognize when a pump is required, what type of information is needed to make an appropriate pump selection, and how to decide what types of controls will be required. This session will focus and Part 8 requirements including basic calculations for sizing the pump, the pump chamber and the float settings, including dosing calculations for demand dosing.

WAITLIST ONLY: Wastewater Basics: Terminology, Process and Sampling Techniques (December 31, 2026)

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

THIS EVENT LISTING IS FOR WAITLIST PURPOSES ONLY - REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST AND YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE NEXT OFFERING.

Wastewater Basics: Terminology, Process and Sampling Techniques

This course will provide practitioners in the onsite wastewater industry with an understanding of the basics of wastewater treatment processes that occur in onsite systems. Topics include explanations of onsite wastewater and soil treatment process theory, terminology, treatment objectives and how different systems can achieve those objectives. The course also includes an overview of sampling techniques, including where, when, and how to sample, types of samples, and interpreting results.

WAITLIST ONLY: Biological Health & Safety Awareness (December 31, 2026)

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

THIS EVENT LISTING IS FOR WAITLIST PURPOSES ONLY - REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST AND YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE NEXT OFFERING.

Biological Health & Safety Awareness

If your work requires you to inspect a septic tank or a leaching bed, pump a septic tank or to sample an advanced treatment system, you need to take this course! There are several activities that onsite wastewater professionals do every day that potentially exposes them to raw sewage or effluent. These exposures can have serious impacts on onsite workers themselves but also to unsuspecting individuals that they come into contact with during the course of their work day. This course will get you thinking very seriously about taking the necessary actions to protect your health, the health of your staff and of the public.

The workshop covers:

the microbiology of wastewater hazards
risk analysis for health & safety of workers
considerations for risk mitigation, planning and personal protection
impacts of pathogen transfer through cross contamination to coworkers, clients and public

The workshop also highlights the importance and value of pathogen removal in onsite wastewater treatment processes, but also the inherent risks working in the industry that must be addressed for occupational health and safety.

WAITLIST ONLY: Part 8 Permit Application Review Course (December 31, 2026)

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

THIS EVENT LISTING IS FOR WAITLIST PURPOSES ONLY - REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST AND YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE NEXT OFFERING.

Suggested Pre-Requisite: Five-Day Part 8 Licensing Course or equivalent experience

WAITLIST ONLY: Introduction to Design of On-site Sewage Treatment Systems (December 31, 2026)

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

THIS EVENT LISTING IS FOR WAITLIST PURPOSES ONLY - REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST AND YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE NEXT OFFERING.

This course will introduce the design requirements for Ontario Building Code and BMEC approved sewage systems, case studies, with a focus on design examples.

WAITLIST ONLY: In-Field Training Workshop (December 31, 2026)

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

A hands‑on training day where participants learn practical onsite wastewater installation techniques in a controlled, instructor‑led environment. Attendees rotate through stations covering system layout, excavation considerations, component placement, materials, and best‑practice installation methods in accordance with Ontario regulations.

Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association upcoming events

Ontario Building Code (OBC) – Part 8 On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Prep (April 06, 2026)

Note

Prerequisites

Additional Information

Course Essentials:

Hours35

Fee$411.96, includes a non-refundable materials fee of $110

Enviro-STEP Technologies Seminar Registration (April 08, 2026)

Enviro-STEP Technologies Seminar Registration (April 09, 2026)

ORWC hosted Guelph - Part 8 OBC On-Site Sewage Systems (April 13, 2026)

Course Description

Note:

Ontario Building Code (OBC) – Part 8 On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Prep (April 13, 2026)

Enviro-STEP Technologies Seminar Registration (April 13, 2026)

Enviro-STEP Technologies Seminar Registration (April 14, 2026)

Enviro-STEP Technologies Seminar Registration (April 15, 2026)

Enviro-STEP Technologies Seminar Registration (April 16, 2026)

Part 8 Permit Application Review Course - Near North & Muskoka (April 29, 2026)

Ontario Building Code (OBC) – Part 8 On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Prep (May 04, 2026)

Note

Prerequisites

Additional Information

Course Essentials:

Hours35

Fee$411.96, includes a non-refundable materials fee of $110

Ontario Building Code (OBC) – Part 8 On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Prep (June 01, 2026)

Note

Prerequisites

Additional Information

Course Essentials:

Hours35

Fee$411.96, includes a non-refundable materials fee of $110

Ontario Building Code (OBC) – Part 8 On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Prep (July 06, 2026)

Note

Prerequisites

Additional Information

Course Essentials:

Hours35

Fee$411.96, includes a non-refundable materials fee of $110

Ontario Building Code (OBC) – Part 8 On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Prep (August 03, 2026)

Note

Prerequisites

Additional Information

Course Essentials:

Hours35

Fee$411.96, includes a non-refundable materials fee of $110

Ontario Building Code (OBC) – Part 8 On-Site Sewage Systems Exam Prep (November 16, 2026)

WAITLIST ONLY: Soils course (December 31, 2026)

Pumps and Controls - Waitlist (December 31, 2026)

WAITLIST ONLY: Wastewater Basics: Terminology, Process and Sampling Techniques (December 31, 2026)

WAITLIST ONLY: Biological Health & Safety Awareness (December 31, 2026)

WAITLIST ONLY: Part 8 Permit Application Review Course (December 31, 2026)

WAITLIST ONLY: Introduction to Design of On-site Sewage Treatment Systems (December 31, 2026)

WAITLIST ONLY: In-Field Training Workshop (December 31, 2026)

Hours
35

Fee
$411.96, includes a non-refundable materials fee of $110

Hours
35

Fee
$411.96, includes a non-refundable materials fee of $110

Hours
35

Fee
$411.96, includes a non-refundable materials fee of $110

Hours
35

Fee
$411.96, includes a non-refundable materials fee of $110

Hours
35

Fee
$411.96, includes a non-refundable materials fee of $110