AntoineAsphalt.ca
Done before September
Major work is planned for July and August.
What this site needs
Safe on an occupied site
Separate work zones and coordinate through the school.
Accessible and built to board standards
Follow board drawings and accessible-route details.
What we build here
Accessible walkways and entrancesPlay-area surrounds, paver The hidden border that stops pavers from spreading apart. and site prep (cast-in-place curbs and equipment by others)Outdoor classrooms and seating wallsFencing and gates for perimeter and childcare yardsDrainage fixes for ponding yardsShade-tree and native plantingRemoval of old asphalt, curbs and features
Planning around the school year
School-year planner
For boards, facilities teams and GCs. Pick a month to see what work fits. Takes 30 seconds.
Jul / Main construction window
July–August: major work planned while schools are empty.
How we calculated this
July and August are the main planned window. Other months depend on the board’s approval and site access.
Next: confirm the schedule with the board.
Shade planning, overhead view
Place wide-canopy deciduous trees south and southwest of play areas for summer shade. Toronto Cancer Prevention Coalition Shade Guidelines ↗
Standards that shape the work
Police record checks
School boards must collect police record checks from service providers who work at schools (O. Reg. 521/01, as amended by O. Reg. 298/25). In the years between checks, providers sign an offence declaration. Halton DSB, for example, applied the updated rules from April 1, 2026.
Accessibility
New or redeveloped outdoor paths for covered owners need set widths, slopes, surfaces, gaps and headroom.
Show the full rule
These rules cover new or redeveloped outdoor paths. They apply to public-sector organizations, and to businesses and non-profits with 50 or more employees. Covered paths need at least 1,500 mm of clear width (1,200 mm at a curb-ramp turning space).
- A running slope (along the path) no steeper than 1:20, or it must be designed as a ramp.
- A cross slope (side to side) no more than 1:20 on asphalt and concrete (we treat concrete pavers and slabs the same way) — 1:10 on other surfaces such as compacted aggregate.
- A firm, stable, slip-resistant surface.
- Openings no larger than 20 mm.
- At least 2,100 mm of headroom.
Play areas / CSA Z614
Children’s playground equipment and surfacing are covered by Canadian Standards Association: a group that publishes standards. Z614 and provided by the play supplier.
Shade
Wide-canopy deciduous trees south and southwest of play areas can provide summer shade.
Short summaries for planning. Check them against the current rules, your municipality’s conditions and your design professional.
How we work on your site
- Fence and separate work zones
- Schedule equipment moves outside arrival and dismissal
- Coordinate with principal and facilities team
- Clean up before school opens
- Complete board-required crew police checks and attestations before mobilization
How to hire us
At HWDSB, schools can’t hire contractors directly — work goes through Facilities Management. Other boards run their own procurement. General contractors on capital projects can send the landscape package.
How we work with you
- 1
Send drawings
- 2
Site walk
- 3
Priced scope with exclusions
- 4
Schedule and mobilize
- 5
Walkthrough and close-out
Common questions
When do you do school landscape work?
Mostly in July and August, when boards schedule major renewal work. Smaller or zoned work may happen during the school year when the board allows it.
Do your crews have police record checks?
We complete the board’s police record check and attestation requirements for service providers before working on a school site.
Can a school hire you directly?
School projects normally go through the board’s facilities department and procurement process. Send us the opportunity or invite us to quote, or have the general contractor send us the landscape package.
Do you install playground equipment?
No. We build site work around play areas. Equipment and protective surfacing are by the play supplier, governed by CSA Z614.
Request a bid
Send drawings, site details and a tender reference if you have one.