Construction Lien Deadlines in Ontario
Under the Construction Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.30
A construction lien secures payment for work or materials against the improved land in Ontario, but only if it is preserved within 60 days (Ont. Construction Act s. 31). Miss that window and the right to lien is lost, no matter how strong the underlying claim.
Ontario's lien window is one of the deadlines Tiercord derives for every contract and surfaces alongside the prompt-payment clocks.
Ontario construction liens deadlines
The statutory clocks for this topic in Ontario, with section citations.
| Clock | Value | Statute |
|---|---|---|
Lien filing window Days to preserve or register a construction lien before the right expires. Ont. Construction Act Section 31 | 60 days | Ont. Construction Act Section 31 |
What a lien secures
A construction lien attaches to the owner's interest in the land that was improved. If the claim is not paid, it can ultimately be enforced through sale of that interest, and the 10% statutory holdback fund is the first source the law looks to in order to satisfy it.
The Ontario filing deadline is strict
A construction lien must be preserved or registered within 60 days (Ont. Construction Act s. 31), measured from a triggering event such as substantial performance, completion, or the last day work or materials were supplied. Ontario courts apply the window strictly.
Liens and prompt payment work together
Prompt payment governs when money must move in Ontario; the construction lien and holdback secure the money if it does not. A complete compliance posture tracks all three at once.
Construction liens in Ontario: FAQ
How long do I have to file a construction lien in Ontario?
60 days (Ont. Construction Act s. 31) from the triggering event.
What triggers the lien deadline in Ontario?
Usually substantial performance or completion of the contract, or the last day on which the claimant supplied work or materials, depending on the role of the claimant.
See the full Ontario guide
Every deadline, notice and adjudication rule in one place.