Work Camps in Unorganized Territory

A camp in unorganized territory is an area in which buildings are used to accommodate five or more employees who are employed in mining work, lumbering work, or any other labour work in a territory without municipal organization. It is the responsibility of the operator to comply with all requirements of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, 1990 and R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 502, Camps in Unorganized Territory. Refer to the Act and Regulations for exact wording.

Notice of Camp Opening

At least fourteen (14) days prior to opening a camp, anyone planning to open a camp must complete the Intent to Operate a Camp in Unorganized Territories form and submit it to the Porcupine Health Unit.

Where any changes are made, the Porcupine Health Unit must be notified, including any relocation or closure of camp sites.

Water Supply

All water must be potable (safe to drink). Water must be obtained from a source approved by the Porcupine Health Unit prior to camp opening. A constant supply of hot and cold potable water for the food premises, shower facilities, and laundry facilities is required.

Sanitary Facilities

Sanitary facilities in the camp must be maintained in accordance with the design, construction, and installation requirements of the Ontario Building Code. At all times, sanitary facilities must be kept sanitary, properly equipped, and in good repair. Laundry operations must not be carried out in creeks, rivers or lakes, or other natural bodies of water in or near the camp.

Sewage and Waste Water Disposal

No work shall commence on a sewage system until a Sewage System Permit has been issued. The appropriate fee must accompany the application.

Privies

If used, privies must be well ventilated and equipped with self-closing, tight fitting doors and screened windows. Privies must be kept in a sanitary condition and equipped with toilet paper and single-use moist hand towelettes.

Note: Pit privies should be located at least 50 feet from creeks, rivers or lakes and 100 feet or more from source of drinking water.

Garbage Removal

Garbage must be stored in leak proof containers with lids and stored in a sanitary manner until final disposal at an authorized dumpsite.

Food Preparation and Storage

If food is offered at a camp, the requirements of the Food Premises Regulation will apply. A continuous supply of power must be delivered to all refrigeration and freezer units at all times.

Communicable Disease

Notify the Porcupine Health Unit immediately when there is a suspected outbreak of a communicable disease in the camp. An outbreak consists of two or more people demonstrating similar symptoms.

Ensure that no animal that is susceptible to rabies is brought into the camp unless the animal has a rabies immunization certificate and that the animal’s last rabies immunization was administered at least 30 days before it was brought into the camp. A copy of rabies immunization for all animals brought into camp must be available upon request by the public health inspector.

Buildings

All buildings are to be well ventilated, maintained in a sanitary condition, and screened to prevent the entry of insects and vermin. Sleeping accommodations must be provided in accordance with the Ontario Building Code and maintained in a manner which prevents any potential health hazards.

For More Information

If you would like to speak to a public health inspector, please contact the Duty Inspector at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818.