Temporary Foreign Worker Housing Inspections

Visit our COVID-19 Update page for the latest information from Durham Region Health Department.

Temporary foreign workers (TFWs) also known as migrant farm workers, are considered essential workers that come to Ontario to work in the seasonal agricultural sector.  Housing accommodations for TFWs must be inspected by Durham Region Health Department prior to worker arrival.

Temporary foreign worker employers

Please contact Durham Region Health Department a minimum of four weeks prior to worker arrival to arrange an inspection of the seasonal housing accommodations.

Please note that all TFW housing accommodations must comply with all local building, fire and zoning requirements. It is strongly recommended that those building new bunkhouses, renovating existing bunkhouses, and/or renovating other buildings (e.g. residential homes) for the purpose of accommodating temporary foreign workers consult with thier local building department and fire department well in advance to ensure permits can be obtained and requirements met before the final inspection for worker approval is conducted.

Employer resources

Facts about... Migrant farm worker operations during COVID-19 

Self-isolation requirements

For temporary foreign workers

Durham Region Migrant Agricultural Worker Network

A group of volunteers, faith leaders, community residents, and service providers with a common interest in being good neighbours to agricultural workers in various agricultural communities in Durham Region. We host welcome events, health fairs, and social activities specifically for agricultural workers from participating Spanish-speaking and Caribbean countries throughout the year.

Visit the Durham Region Migrant Agricultural Worker Network website