Construction liens are a powerful legal tool used in Ontario to make sure contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers get paid for the work or materials they have provided. However, these claims can be contentious for property owners, contractors and others involved in a construction project, especially when the lien is disputed, inaccurate, or unfairly filed. Knowing how to resolve or challenge a construction lien can help protect both your property and your financial interests.

In the construction industry, deadlines are everything and construction delay disputes are common. Whether you are building a commercial plaza, a multi-unit development, or a large-scale industrial project, finishing on time is critical to keeping costs under control and clients satisfied. When delays happen, they cause disputes that can lead to serious financial consequences.

In Ontario construction contracts, payment timelines have always been a contentious issue, especially when general contractors insert pay-when-paid clauses into agreements with subcontractors. These clauses typically state that the contractor will not pay the subcontractor until the contractor themself has been paid by the project owner. While that may seem like a fair approach to protect against cash flow crunches, it often leaves subcontractors stuck waiting for payment—sometimes indefinitely—even after they have completed their work.

Limitation periods related to construction contracts are essential to understand, whether it is a contract between a construction company and a contractor, municipality or business. In Ontario, these legal deadlines set the window for taking action and missing them can result in losing the right to pursue a claim altogether. Ensuring your contract reflects these timelines and protects your business if a dispute arises is a key reason to work with a construction lawyer. These are the basics of Ontario construction law limitation periods to consider.