Skip to main content

Primary Drainage Course

Registration Opens November 1, 2026

Primary Drainage Course

Overview

The Primary Drainage Course is one of the requirements for upgrading from a Class "a" to a Class “B” Machine Operator licence.

This course provides participants with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required for agricultural tile drainage design and installation. It includes instruction and hands-on practice in surveying and introduces the principles that apply to the installation of drainage works under the Agricultural Tile Drainage Installation Act (ADTIA).

The Primary Drainage Course is a blended learning program that includes online learning, classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and a final exam. The Primary Drainage course includes:

  • a 2-hour Introduction to Primary Drainage eLearning course
  • 4 days of in-class training and hands-on learning
  • a final exam written on the last day of the course

What You Will Learn

Participants will receive instruction and practical training in the following areas:

  • Subsurface agricultural drainage
  • Operator Roles and Responsibilities
  • Surveying and mapping skills
  • Drainage design process and criteria
  • Installation principles and practices

      Who Should Enroll

      • Contractors who install agricultural drainage works in Ontario
      • Drainage machine operators who want to upgrade from a Class C Machine Operator Licence to a Class B Machine Operator licence under the ADTIA

      Priority is given to individuals who require this training for Licencing purposes under the ADTIA. Out-of-province participants, or individuals who do not require an operator licence, will be placed on a waiting list and contacted when space becomes available.

                Certificate of Completion

                A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to participants that:

                • Complete the eLearning course
                • Attend the classroom training and complete all required assignments
                • Achieve a total score of 75% or higher for all assignments, quizzes and exams

                Offerings

                Offering 1: Tuesday, February 2 - Friday, February 5, 2027
                Offering 2: Tuesday, February 23 - Friday, February 26, 2027

                Location
                Marden Community Centre
                7368 Wellington Rd. 30
                Guelph, ON N1H 6J2

                Registration Requirements

                Policies

                • Late registrations cannot be accepted after the registration deadline
                • Course fees are transferable
                • If the course is cancelled by the organizer a full refund will be provided

                  Requirements

                  To participate in the course you will need: 

                  • Suitable clothing for outdoor fieldwork in cold winter temperatures or snow
                  • Optional - Tripods, levels, rods, and laser surveying equipment

                   

                  Fee: To be announced

                  Lunch and a light breakfast is included each day. 

                  Register Online

                   

                    POP UP WINDOWS must be enabled for your internet browser to complete payment. Need help?  Click on your internet browser below for instructions.
                    Chrome
                    Microsoft Edge
                    Safari

                     

                    Reviewed 09/29/2026