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Vaughan water shut-off requests and curb-box access
Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
Book non-emergency water shut-off or turn-on service three to five business days ahead. Only the city operates the outdoor curb box.
Key information
Book non-emergency water shut-off or turn-on service three to five business days ahead. Only the city operates the outdoor curb box.
On this page
Find and protect the curb box
The curb box is the city-owned water-service valve at the property line. It is usually a round metal plate about ten centimetres across on the front lawn, driveway or sidewalk. It controls supply from the city main and is separate from the indoor shut-off.
Owners must keep it accessible. Never bury, cover or operate it during driveway or landscaping work. The city does not simply relocate a curb box; a renovation requiring a move needs a new water-service connection application. Request repairs or lowering through the city.
Sources: Water Shut Off and Turn On
Arrange water service and understand the charges
For non-emergency repairs or renovation, request shut-off or turn-on three to five business days ahead online, at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca. Call the same phone number for an emergency leak, burst pipe from the main or leaking curb box needing immediate attention.
The checked page quotes $189 for regular service Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and $280 outside that window, including weekends and holidays. It cites Fees and Charges By-law 251-2024 rather than a fresh 2026 fee schedule, so confirm the amount and whether separate off/on visits are charged before booking.
Sources: Water Shut Off and Turn On
Before major driveway or front-lawn work
Arrange utility locates through Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 before excavation. Separately request a city curb-box inspection at least two weeks before paving, resurfacing, excavating or landscaping. An operator locates curb boxes; a contractor is not authorized to perform the city operation.
The owner is charged if contractor work damages city property. Vaughan handles the public water system from the main to the municipal property line; the private portion beyond that line is the homeowner’s responsibility. Door notices may concern curb-box repair, flushing/swabbing or water shut-off, so read the specific notice before work.
Sources: Water Shut Off and Turn On
How to start
- Step 1
Identify whether the need is an emergency, planned service or pre-construction inspection.
- Step 2
Contact the city with the required notice and confirm fees.
- Step 3
Keep the curb box accessible and complete utility locates before excavation.
Sources: Water Shut Off and Turn On
Plan the correct notice period
| Task | Published timing | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency leak or leaking curb box | Call for immediate attention | 905-832-2281 |
| Planned shut-off/turn-on | Three to five business days | Service portal, phone or email |
| Inspection before major front-lawn/driveway work | At least two weeks | City curb-box request |
| Excavation utility locates | Before excavation | Ontario One Call |
Sources: Water Shut Off and Turn On
Questions and answers
What is a curb box?
The city-owned outdoor water-service valve at the property line, separate from the indoor shut-off.
Source: Water Shut Off and Turn On
Can my contractor operate it?
No. The city’s operator handles the curb-box work.
Source: Water Shut Off and Turn On
How early should I request non-emergency shut-off?
Three to five business days ahead.
Source: Water Shut Off and Turn On
What regular-hours fee does the checked page quote?
$189 for Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; confirm the current fee because the page cites an older schedule.
Source: Water Shut Off and Turn On
What after-hours fee is shown?
$280, including weekends and holidays, subject to current confirmation.
Source: Water Shut Off and Turn On
When should I request an inspection before driveway work?
At least two weeks before the work begins.
Source: Water Shut Off and Turn On
How do I arrange utility locates?
Contact Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 before excavation.
Source: Water Shut Off and Turn On
Who is responsible beyond the municipal property line?
The homeowner is responsible for the private portion.
Source: Water Shut Off and Turn On
Official links
Sources: Water Shut Off and Turn On