Registration Opens November 1, 2026
Primary Drainage Course
Overview
The Primary Drainage Course provides participants with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required for agricultural tile drainage design and installation. The course 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).
Participants will learn common surveying terminology, how to establish drainage slopes, and how to identify grade changes and depths. The course also build an understanding of drainage installation requirements in Ontario.
Key Topics
The course provides instruction and practical training on the following topics:
- Subsurface agricultural drainage
- Operator Roles and Responsibilities
- Surveying and mapping skills
- Drainage design process and criteria
- Installation principles and practices
Course Details
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
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
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
Registration
Fee
To be announced
Priority registration 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.
Dates
- 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
Requirements
- 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
What to Bring
- Suitable clothing for outdoor fieldwork in cold winter temperatures or snow
- Tripods, levels, rods, and laser surveying equipment, if available
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Reviewed 09/08/2026