Does the City of Ottawa require a sealed sump lid?

The cover rule comes from Ontario's Building Code rather than a separate City rule: a sump pit must have a cover that resists removal by children and is airtight (9.14.5.2). The City of Ottawa enforces the Code through its building permits, and it says a permit is required to install a sump pit and pump.

The same clause sets the pit's minimum size: at least 750 mm deep and at least 0.25 m² in area. Where gravity drainage is not practical, an automatic sump pump is required. A storm sump discharge gets a union and a check valve, in that order in the direction of flow, and is pumped to above grade level (7.4.6.3). The City advises connecting the pump to the storm sewer or discharging to the ground at least 1.2 metres from the foundation.

If the pit is new, the permit application includes floor plans showing the device's location, type, make and model. Once the work is complete, the City's steps for its protective plumbing rebate include the building permit inspection, and the inspection report is one of the documents the rebate application asks for.

When you get a quote, ask for the cover's make and model in writing and whether it is airtight and child-resistant as the Code requires, who pulls the building permit, and who arranges the City inspection. Ask whether a licensed plumber does or signs off the plumbing part of the installation.

Before you agree to anything, ask the contractor to confirm in writing that the pit, the cover and the discharge will be built to those Code minimums.