Komoka and Kilworth Landscaping and Excavation: A Local Guide
Landscaping and excavation in Komoka and Kilworth fall under the Municipality of Middlesex Centre, not the City of London. Ordinary landscaping and gardening on a residential lot is exempt from the municipality's site alteration permit, but bringing in or removing fill, changing grades, building a deck more than 0.6 m above grade or installing a pool needs a permit. Land near the Thames River and its creeks may also need a permit from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA).
SPM Landscape & Excavation has worked across London and Middlesex County since 2006. This guide pulls together what Komoka and Kilworth homeowners, builders and property managers should check before the first load of soil moves.
Why Komoka and Kilworth Are Different From London
Komoka and Kilworth sit just west of London along the Thames River. Even though many residents work and shop in the city, the rules that apply to your yard come from Middlesex Centre's by-laws and building department.
A few local features shape almost every outdoor project here:
The Thames valley. Komoka Provincial Park protects about 324 hectares of the Thames valley between the Komoka and Kilworth bridges. Its steep, wooded valley walls and raised beaches were left behind by former glacial lakes. The Thames itself was designated a Canadian Heritage River in 2000.
Sandy ground. UTRCA's 2022 report card for the Komoka Creek subwatershed describes the area as 89% sand plain, with loamy fine sand making up about 63% of the soils.
Mixed servicing. Komoka and Kilworth draw water from the Lake Huron Primary Water Supply System (Komoka switched from municipal wells in 2010), but the subwatershed still has roughly 400 private wells on record.
Growth. Middlesex Centre is expanding the Komoka Wastewater Treatment Facility to support growth in Komoka and Kilworth, with a Class EA Notice of Study Completion posted in January 2026. New homes mean a steady stream of lot grading, topsoil and sod work.
Permits You May Need in Middlesex Centre
Building permits
According to Middlesex Centre's building permit guidance:
A deck needs a building permit if it is more than 0.6 m (2 ft) above finished grade.
A shed or detached garage needs a permit if it is over 15 m² (161 ft²) or has plumbing.
Fences do not need a building permit, but they must follow the Fence By-law (2016-078).
Swimming pools need a special building permit and must meet pool enclosure rules.
The Site Alteration By-law (2016-087)
This is the rule most homeowners have never heard of. Middlesex Centre's Site Alteration By-law requires a permit to place or dump fill, remove topsoil or alter the grade of land. "Dumping" includes moving fill from one property to another.
There are exemptions. Normal landscaping and gardening on residentially zoned land is exempt, and so is work done under a building permit. The by-law does not set a minimum volume, so if you plan to bring in truckloads of fill to raise a low area or build up a building pad, call the municipality before you order anything.
Pool fences
Under the Fence By-law, a pool enclosure must be at least 1.22 m (48 in) high, with gates that are self-closing and self-latching from the pool side. The by-law also requires the pool to be fenced within 7 days of being filled. For regular fences, the maximum height is 1.22 m in front and exterior side yards and 2.13 m (84 in) in rear and interior side yards.
If you are going the other way and getting rid of an old inground pool, see our pool removal service for how we handle demolition, fill and compaction.
Conservation Authority Rules Near the Thames
Middlesex Centre is a member municipality of the UTRCA, and the site alteration by-law itself notes that five conservation authorities may have jurisdiction somewhere in the municipality. Under Ontario Regulation 41/24, in force since April 1, 2024, a UTRCA permit is needed for development in regulated areas. That includes building structures, site grading, placing or removing fill, and altering a watercourse or wetland. Regulated areas include land within 30 m of a wetland, plus river valleys and flood-prone land.
In Komoka and Kilworth, that matters for lots backing onto the Thames valley, Komoka Creek and other watercourses. You can check whether your property is regulated on UTRCA's online mapping, linked from its Section 28 regulation page, or call UTRCA at 519-451-2800. For a deeper look at how these permits work, read our guide to conservation authority permits in Ontario.
Working With Komoka's Sandy Soils
Sandy ground behaves very differently from the heavy clay many London homeowners deal with. Here is what that means in practice:
Drainage is usually easier. Water soaks in quickly, so surface ponding is less common than on clay. Grading still matters, because water must move away from the foundation.
Lawns dry out faster. New sod on sand needs closer attention to watering in its first weeks, and a decent depth of quality topsoil under it holds moisture and nutrients much better than bare sand.
Excavation walls can slough. Loose sand does not stand up on its own the way clay can. Deeper digs need proper sloping or shoring and experienced operators.
Compaction is critical under hardscapes. Patios, walkways and driveways need a well-compacted granular base so they do not settle.
Soils vary across the municipality. UTRCA's report card for the Oxbow Creek subwatershed, which lies mostly in Middlesex Centre around Ilderton, describes mainly silty loam soils with about 58% of the land tile-drained. A lot in Kilworth can behave very differently from a farm lot north of Ilderton.
Common Projects We See in Komoka and Kilworth
New-build grading and topsoil. Final grading, screened topsoil and sod for new homes and additions.
Pool removal. Older inground pools removed and backfilled so the yard can be used again.
Drainage fixes. Swales, regrading and downspout routing to move water away from houses.
Bulk materials. Topsoil delivery, mulch and gravel dropped where you need it.
Sod installation. Fresh sod laid on properly prepared soil.
Komoka and Kilworth Project Checklist
Confirm the rules. Your property is in Middlesex Centre, so use its building department and by-laws, not London's.
Check the UTRCA map. If any part of the lot is regulated, talk to UTRCA before you grade, fill or build.
Ask about site alteration. If you are importing or removing fill beyond normal landscaping, ask the municipality whether you need a permit.
Book locates. Ontario One Call now operates as Ontario Dig Authority. Locates are free and required by law, and you should request them at least 5 business days before digging.
Mark private services. If you have a private well or septic system, mark it and keep heavy equipment well clear.
Plan for material and waste. Decide where bulk deliveries will be dropped and how yard waste and debris will leave the site.
Yard Waste in Middlesex Centre
There is no curbside yard waste pickup in Middlesex Centre, and there is no depot in Komoka itself. Residents can drop off yard waste for free at the EnviroDepots at 23053 Denfield Road and 10191 Longwoods Road. In 2026 they are open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., from April 11 to November 21, and you need proof of residency. Brush must be under 1 m long and under 10 cm in diameter, and plastic bags are not accepted. With the fall season closing on November 21, now is the time to finish your leaf and brush cleanup.
Why Hire a Local Contractor
SPM Landscape & Excavation is based at 791 Manchester Road in London and has served the area since 2006. We are WSIB covered and carry $1 million in liability insurance. We know the difference between a London job and a Middlesex Centre job, and we will tell you up front when a project needs a permit. You can browse past work in our photo gallery.
FAQ
Do I need a permit to bring fill into my Komoka yard?
Possibly. Middlesex Centre's Site Alteration By-law requires a permit to place or dump fill or alter grades, with exemptions for normal landscaping and gardening on residential land and for work under a building permit. There is no minimum volume, so call the municipality before ordering large amounts of fill.
Do I need a UTRCA permit in Komoka or Kilworth?
You do if the work is development in a UTRCA-regulated area, such as near the Thames valley, a creek or within 30 m of a wetland. Check UTRCA's online maps or call 519-451-2800 before you grade, fill or build.
Does a deck in Kilworth need a building permit?
In Middlesex Centre, a deck needs a building permit if it is more than 0.6 m (2 ft) above finished grade. Confirm with the building department before you start.
What are the pool fence rules in Middlesex Centre?
The Fence By-law requires a pool enclosure at least 1.22 m high with self-closing, self-latching gates, and the pool must be fenced within 7 days of being filled.
Where can I take yard waste from Komoka?
Use the free EnviroDepots at 23053 Denfield Road or 10191 Longwoods Road. In 2026 they are open Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. until November 21, with proof of residency.
Get a Free Quote in Komoka or Kilworth
Whether it is grading, pool removal, sod or a load of topsoil, we can help. Call (519) 474-0008 or email spmlandscape@gmail.com for a free quote.
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