Ontario Septic Watch is independent, builder-led help for homeowners navigating septic replacement — whether you’re hiring a contractor or building your own. No sales pitch, no licence to protect, just straight answers from someone who has watched dozens of these systems go in the ground.
Who’s Behind Ontario Septic Watch
The site is run by Harvey Juric, an Ontario home builder with over two decades of ground-up construction experience and hundreds of projects across Simcoe County and the Georgian Bay area. Over those years he has overseen dozens of septic installations as part of custom home builds — which means he knows exactly how these systems work, what inspectors look for, and where both contractors and DIYers cut corners. He also builds energy-efficient ICF homes at icfhome.ca.
Why We Exist
Most homeowners only deal with a septic system once, under pressure, after a failure or before a sale — and the information out there is either confusing legalese or a sales funnel. Ontario Septic Watch exists to translate Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code into plain English, show real 2026 numbers instead of vague ranges, and cover both paths honestly: hiring a vetted installer, or going owner-built where it makes sense.
What We Do — and What We Don’t
We’re transparent about our role, because trust is the whole point:
Independent Consulting
Plain-English guidance on costs, permits, system classes, and site conditions — so you can make an informed decision before you spend a dollar on contractors.
Vetted Installer Referrals
We match homeowners with independently licensed and insured Ontario installers who hold valid MOE credentials. No upfront cost to you.
Owner-Builder Support
Ontario law lets you install your own system on your own property. We help owner-builders navigate the permit process correctly and legally.
What We’re Not
We are not a licensed septic installation contractor. All physical installations referred through our network are performed by independently licensed and insured professionals.
How We Make Money
We believe you should know exactly how a business is paid before you trust its advice. Ontario Septic Watch earns referral fees from contractors in our network when a project is completed, and charges flat fees for in-depth consulting on complex lots. We don’t take money to recommend one product over another, and our guidance covers the owner-built path even though it earns us nothing — because it’s often the right answer.
Independent by Design
Because we don’t hold a septic installer’s licence, we have no system to sell you and no incentive to talk you into a bigger job than your lot needs. That independence is exactly what lets us tell you when a contractor’s quote is fair — and when it isn’t.
Where We Work
We’re based in Simcoe County and work throughout the Georgian Bay area — Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, the Blue Mountains, Stayner, Barrie, Springwater, Oro-Medonte, Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny, Tay, and nearby communities — with written guidance and our online tools available to homeowners province-wide.
Have a Septic Question?
Whether you’re replacing a failed system, buying a rural property, or considering an owner-built install, we’ll give you a straight answer about what your situation really requires.