Access and equipment
Gate width, overhead clearance, slopes, soft ground and material-staging space determine the practical equipment and production approach.
Excavating, site preparation & underground utilities
Excavating, site preparation, grading and underground utility work, including trenching, drainage, backfill and site restoration.

The scope
RiverCity provides excavation and utility work for residential, commercial and civil projects. We prepare sites, excavate utility trenches, coordinate underground work and complete backfill, compaction and surface restoration. Drainage, irrigation, access and finished grades are planned together so the work below ground supports the finished property.
Planning the work
Excavation and utility work are planned around the material being removed, trench routes, service depths, existing utilities, site access, disposal and the surface restoration required afterward.
Gate width, overhead clearance, slopes, soft ground and material-staging space determine the practical equipment and production approach.
Soil, organics, rock, existing hardscape and contaminated or unsuitable material have different handling, hauling and disposal requirements.
Utility information, irrigation, drainage and private services are reviewed before digging, with required locating and safe-work steps included in planning.
Excavation depth is tied to drainage, aggregate, soil, wall footings and the finished surface so the next construction phase starts at the correct grade.

The RiverCity difference
Because the same team can complete the excavation and the finished landscape, grades, drainage, aggregate depths and underground routes are prepared around the actual construction that will be installed above them.
Our process
We review access, material removal, grades, drainage, buried-service information and the finished construction scope.
The required areas are cleared, excavated or trenched and shaped to the planned elevations.
Subgrades, drainage, aggregate or growing soil are placed as required so construction can continue on a stable foundation.
Preparing an accurate quote
Good early information reduces assumptions and helps identify the right site visit, measurements and construction approach for your excavation & utilities project.
Start your project requestCommon questions
We provide site preparation, excavating, grading, utility trenching, drainage excavation, backfill and restoration, as well as excavation for landscaping, retaining walls, pavers and driveways.
Yes. We take on suitable utility excavation and trenching projects, coordinate access and connections with the relevant utility or trade, and complete agreed backfill and restoration. Send the plans, service details and property location so we can confirm the scope.
Yes. Removal and disposal can be included when rebuilding a yard or preparing an area for a new landscape or hardscape.
Yes. Rough grading, drainage work, aggregate placement, growing soil and finish grading can be coordinated as part of the complete scope.
Vancouver Island service areas
Start a project
Tell us the property location, what you want to build and what the site needs. We’ll review the details and recommend the right next step.