Geotechnical Survey
Learn about geotechnical surveys in Canadian real estate — what they evaluate, why they’re required, and how they reduce construction risks.
July 27, 2025
What is a Geotechnical Survey?
A geotechnical survey is a field investigation and analysis of soil, rock, groundwater, and other subsurface conditions on a site to assess its suitability for construction.
Why Geotechnical Surveys Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate development and construction, geotechnical surveys identify potential risks and inform the design of foundations, retaining walls, and drainage systems.
Key elements:
- Soil bearing capacity and composition
- Groundwater table levels
- Slope stability and erosion risks
- Presence of contaminants or problematic soils
A geotechnical survey is often required before issuing building permits for new construction or significant redevelopments.
Example of a Geotechnical Survey in Action
The developer commissioned a geotechnical survey to ensure the soil could support the planned high-rise building.
Key Takeaways
- Evaluates subsurface conditions before construction
- Informs foundation and drainage design
- Helps identify environmental or soil risks
- Required for many building projects
- Reduces structural and safety issues
Related Terms
- Building Permit
- Drainage System
- Foundation
- Site Plan
- Environmental Site Assessment
An overview of Hedge Road Landing. (Alliance Homes)
6525 Mississauga Road and its surrounding context. (RBC Capital Markets & CBRE)
Property details for 6525 Mississauga Road. (RBC Capital Markets & CBRE)
National average resale-price growth and housing-starts growth, smoothed over three months. The comparison illustrates the cycle; it does not establish how much a price change causes construction to change.
Trailing 12-month starts in centres of 50,000 or more remove the usual monthly seasonality. Ownership combines the homeowner and condominium categories; rental is shown separately.
Six-month averages of provincial starts, expressed at annual rates. The smoothing reduces the influence of individual apartment projects.
The same August benchmark compared with two different starting points. Three-month changes are not annualized.
Average sale prices show the difference in purchase costs across markets. They do not measure affordability relative to local incomes or construction costs.
Newfoundland and Labrador remains above its pre-pandemic sales pattern, but August activity was below last year. Historical lines retain their original release vintages.
Galleria III at Galleria on the Park (Hariri Pontarini Architects) 
Bisha Hotel & Residences (Lifetime Developments)
