Canadian Sanitation: From Startup to Septic Business of the Year

Canadian Sanitation

We’re thrilled to share that Canadian Sanitation has been featured in Onsite Installer, a leading industry magazine, and named Septic Business of the Year by the Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA). It’s a huge honour for us, and we couldn’t have achieved this without the hard work and dedication of our entire team.

Read the full article in the Onsite Installer online magazine here.

Onsite Installer promotes wastewater treatment quality and professional excellence. 

What This Recognition Means to Us

When Canadian Sanitation was named the Septic Business of the Year, our partners were genuinely surprised at receiving such prestigious recognition after just one year in business, and it’s been truly transformative for us and validating that we’re doing the right thing in our business. Our team takes tremendous pride in working for an award-winning company.

The recognition has provided tangible business benefits. In the months following the award announcement, Canadian Sanitation saw a 35% increase in customer inquiries and a significant uptick in commercial project opportunities.

Beyond new business, the award has opened doors to industry connections and partnerships. Equipment suppliers now approach them with the latest technology, and we’ve established relationships with complementary service providers for referrals.

Perhaps most importantly, the OOWA recognition has reinforced the partners’ business strategy of laser-focusing on septic services rather than diversifying, providing the best solutions for our clients. 

How We Got Started

When we (Brock Peel and Brad Corey) first teamed up, we saw a major gap in our community. While septic systems were being installed and pumped, no company in the area was focused exclusively on septic services. Other businesses handled septic as a side project, but we knew the industry needed a specialized approach.

Brock brought his experience in residential construction and excavation to the table. After becoming a licensed septic system installer, he decided to dedicate his work to septic services. Brad had already started his own pumping service, Corey’s Pumping Service, and quickly realized there was a need for a full-service septic company.

In early 2023, we joined forces and founded Canadian Sanitation with a clear mission: to offer expert septic services with a focus on professionalism, reliability, and top-quality care.

Why We Stand Out

Since day one, we’ve worked hard to stand out from the competition. Here’s how we’ve earned the trust of our customers:

  • 24/7 Emergency Service: Unlike many of our competitors, we answer the phone around the clock and provide emergency septic pumping services — no matter the time of day or night.

  • Specialized Expertise: We don’t juggle multiple services. We focus solely on septic systems, meaning we’re specialists in the field, not generalists.

  • Top-of-the-Line Equipment: We’ve invested in quality equipment, including a 2004 Freightliner pump truck and modern excavation machinery, so we can take on even the most challenging projects.

This dedication to excellence has helped us build a solid reputation and grow quickly.

The Challenges We’ve Faced

Running a new business is no easy task, and we’ve encountered some challenges along the way. But we’ve always found a way to keep pushing forward.

  • Navigating Regulations: Septic system regulations can be complicated, especially when it comes to waterfront properties and different municipal codes. Our in-depth knowledge of these regulations has been crucial to ensuring every project is up to standard.

  • Disposal Costs: Rising disposal costs for septic waste have been a challenge, especially since the local treatment facility stopped accepting waste. We’ve had to adapt by driving over an hour to dispose of waste, but we’re committed to providing the best service no matter the cost.

Despite these obstacles, we’ve kept our focus on providing excellent customer care and reliable service.

Our Niche Expertise in Advanced Treatment Units (ATUs)

One of the ways we’ve differentiated ourselves is by specializing in Waterloo Biofilter advanced treatment units (ATUs). These systems are perfect for high-density properties where traditional septic systems don’t fit. We’ve found a growing demand for these units, especially as more people move to cottage country and add extra bathrooms.

  • Perfect for Smaller Lots: ATUs take up less space, making them ideal for properties with limited room for traditional septic beds.

  • Increased Demand: With more people turning their cottages into full-time homes, the need for these advanced systems has increased. We’ve become experts in installing these systems and have built a strong client base.

Our niche focus has allowed us to build a solid reputation for providing the best solutions for complex septic needs.

Looking Ahead

After just one year, we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished. Being recognized as Septic Business of the Year was a big milestone for us, but we’re not stopping there. We’ve got big plans for the future:

  • Expanding into Commercial Systems: We’re looking to take on larger commercial septic projects and even create a separate division for these bigger installations.

  • Growing Our Team: As our business grows, we’re focused on building a team that shares our values of professionalism and top-quality service.

We’re excited to continue growing, learning, and providing the best septic services in Ontario.

We’re proud of what we’ve built, and we look forward to the future with excitement and determination. Thank you to all our customers for your trust and support. We couldn’t have done it without you.