Rock Blasting & Drilling · Licensed · Ontario-Wide

Safe.
Dependable.
Rock Blasting.

Frank's Drilling and Blasting specializes in providing safe and dependable rock blasting services for various applications. Whether it's quarries, road construction, infrastructure improvements, subdivisions, residential properties (basements, ponds), commercial developments, or specialty projects — FDB ensures the successful completion of even the most demanding tasks.

Blasting Services
Blasting Services

What We Blast

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QuarryProductionDevelopment

Quarry
Blasting

Production and development blasting for aggregate quarries across Ontario. Maximize fragmentation, maximize yield.

We understand what quarry operators need: consistent blasting that keeps the crusher fed without delays or re-blasting. Pattern design, burden optimization, timing sequences, and post-blast fragmentation assessment — ongoing contracts and call-out services available.

Production and development blasting
Drill-and-blast package contracts
Pattern design and optimization
Seismograph monitoring on every blast
Flyrock and vibration management
Ongoing contracts welcome
Quarry Blasting — At a Glance
Project Types: Aggregate, limestone, granite, mixed geology
Hole Sizes: 2.5" to 6" diameter
Explosives: ANFO, emulsion, bulk loading
Initiation: Electronic delay systems
Monitoring: Seismograph on every shot
Contracts: One-time, seasonal, or annual
Service Area: Eastern & Central Ontario
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MunicipalHighwayCivilInfrastructure

Road &
Infrastructure

Precision rock removal for highway construction, municipal road projects, bridge abutments, culverts, and large-scale infrastructure improvements across Ontario.

Tight timelines, active traffic, utility conflicts, and strict vibration limits — FDB has worked on everything from county road improvements to provincial highway corridors. We fit into your schedule and deliver without surprises.

Highway and provincial road projects
Municipal and county road improvements
Bridge abutment and culvert excavation
Rock removal in active traffic zones
Pre-blast surveys for adjacent structures
Vibration and airblast compliance reporting
Direct coordination with prime contractors
Infrastructure Projects — What We've Done
Highway widening and shoulder blasting
County and municipal road rock cuts
Rock removal for drainage improvements
Bridge approach and abutment excavation
Culvert and utility installation blasting
Industrial access road construction
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SubdivisionMulti-LotDevelopmentSite Prep

Subdivision
Blasting

Full-scope rock removal for subdivision development — from initial lot clearing and road cuts to underground servicing trenches, stormwater management, and multi-phase build-outs.

Eastern Ontario's Canadian Shield geology means most subdivisions hit rock. FDB works directly with developers, civil engineers, and general contractors to blast entire subdivisions from raw land to build-ready lots. We handle phased blasting programs that keep pace with your construction schedule — no delays waiting for the blasting crew.

Multi-lot development blasting programs
Internal road and cul-de-sac rock cuts
Underground servicing trenches (water, sewer, hydro, gas)
Stormwater management pond excavation
Foundation and basement preparation per lot
Phased blasting coordinated with build schedule
Bulk rock removal and grade-to-plan
Pre-blast surveys for existing adjacent homes
Vibration monitoring at property boundaries
Subdivision Blasting — Scope
Lot Sizes: Single rural lots to 100+ lot developments
Phases: Single blast or multi-phase programs (months/years)
Services: Trenching, road cuts, foundations, grading
Coordination: Direct with developer, GC, or civil engineer
Monitoring: Seismograph at all adjacent property lines
Bundling: Well drilling available for rural subdivisions
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BasementFoundationResidentialNew Build

Basement
Blasting

Precision rock removal for new basement excavations, foundation footings, walkouts, and crawl space deepening — in new builds and existing homes alike.

When your excavator hits rock at 3 feet, the project doesn't stop — it's time to call FDB. We blast basements to the exact depth and footprint your builder needs, whether it's a full 8-foot basement, a walkout on a slope, or lowering an existing crawl space to gain livable square footage. Every residential basement blast includes pre-blast surveys of neighbouring structures, seismograph monitoring, and a post-blast report. We coordinate directly with your builder to minimize schedule disruption — most basements are drilled and shot in 1–2 days.

Full basement excavation to grade (new construction)
Walkout basement rock removal on slopes
Crawl space deepening (existing homes)
Foundation footing trenches in bedrock
Garage pad and addition footings
Septic system and leaching bed rock removal
Pre-blast survey of all adjacent structures
Post-blast report with seismograph data
Direct coordination with your builder / GC
Bundling Tip

Building a new home? Bundle your basement blasting with a new dug well and save on mobilization. FDB is already on site with heavy equipment — getting both done at once saves you money and time.

Timeline: 1–2 days for most residential basements
Depth: Custom to your plan — 4' to 10'+
Rock Types: Limestone, granite, mixed shield geology
Includes: Pre-blast survey, seismograph, post-blast report
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Right of WayPipelineUtilityCorridor

Right of Way
Blasting

Linear rock removal along pipeline corridors, utility right of ways, hydro transmission lines, road allowances, and access easements across Ontario.

Right of way projects are some of the most demanding blasting work — long linear runs through variable geology, tight corridor widths, environmental constraints, and coordination with multiple stakeholders. FDB has decades of experience blasting for pipeline contractors, utility companies, municipalities, and land developers. We mobilize our equipment along the corridor and blast in planned sequences that keep your pipe or cable crew moving forward without bottlenecks.

Pipeline trench blasting (natural gas, water, sewer)
Hydro transmission corridor rock removal
Municipal road allowance and shoulder widening
Fibre optic and telecom conduit trenching
Rural access road and laneway rock cuts
Environmental compliance (setbacks, watercourse buffers)
Linear drill-and-blast programs (km-scale)
Coordination with pipeline / utility prime contractors
Vibration monitoring at all crossings and structures
Right of Way Projects — What We've Done
Natural gas pipeline trenching through bedrock
Municipal watermain and sewer line rock removal
Hydro corridor access road construction
Fibre optic conduit blasting — rural Ontario
Road allowance widening for county and township roads
Private laneway and driveway rock removal
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PondFarmFire SuppressionResidential

Pond
Blasting

Rock excavation for farm ponds, fire suppression ponds, decorative water features, swimming ponds, livestock watering, and pond deepening — anywhere bedrock prevents conventional digging.

When your excavator hits solid rock at pond depth, blasting is the only practical solution. FDB blasts ponds of all sizes — from small backyard water features to multi-acre farm irrigation and fire suppression reservoirs. We work with the natural geology to maximize water retention, shape the pond bottom for your intended use, and create a finished excavation your operator can clean out in a day. If you're deepening an existing pond that's silted in or hit a rock shelf, we handle that too — including dewatering coordination.

Farm irrigation and livestock watering ponds
Fire suppression and emergency water supply ponds
Decorative and swimming pond excavation
Pond deepening and shelf removal (existing ponds)
Stormwater management pond blasting
Aquaculture and fish pond preparation
Pool excavation in bedrock
Controlled blasting to shape pond bottom contours
Environmental setback and watercourse compliance
Pond Blasting — At a Glance
Pond Sizes: Backyard features to multi-acre reservoirs
Depth: Custom to your needs — 4' to 15'+
Rock Types: Limestone, granite, sandstone, mixed geology
Applications: Farm, fire, swimming, decorative, stormwater
Existing Ponds: Deepening and rock shelf removal available
Bundling: Pair with well drilling for new rural properties

Insurance requirement? Many rural properties need a fire suppression pond for building permits or insurance compliance. FDB can blast to your municipality's spec and provide documentation for your insurer.

Rock Drilling Services

Precision
Rock Drilling

Frank's Drilling and Blasting offers reliable rock drilling services for a wide range of needs. From fencing and guardrails to line drilling, quarries, solar farms, and rock anchors, FDB's expertise guarantees precision and safety in every project.

Not every job requires blasting — sometimes you just need precise holes in solid rock. FDB's track-mounted rigs and experienced operators deliver the accuracy your project needs, backed by the same licensing, insurance, and professionalism as our full blast contracts. No corners cut.

Inquire About Drilling →
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Fencing & Guardrails
Post-hole drilling through solid rock for fencing, guardrails, signage, and barrier systems. Where a standard post driver won't work, we do. Fast, clean, and exact.
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Line Drilling
Precision drilling along property lines and excavation limits to create clean, controlled rock faces. Eliminates overbreak and protects adjacent structures. Essential on tight civil projects.
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Rock Anchors
Ground support and retention systems for rock faces, retaining walls, and slope stabilization. Grouted anchors, rock bolts, and tieback systems for civil, structural, and mining applications.
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Solar Farm Drilling
Rock drilling for solar panel foundation anchors where bedrock is at or near surface. We work with solar developers and EPC contractors to drill anchor holes on schedule and on spec.
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Quarry Drilling
Large-diameter production drilling for aggregate and mining operations. Pattern drilling, burden and spacing optimization, and drill-and-blast package contracts for quarry clients.
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Specialty & Custom
If you need holes drilled in rock and nothing else fits, call us. We've drilled for everything from utility installations to art installations. If it's in rock, we can drill it.
Safety & Compliance

Safety on
Every Shot

Every blasting operation FDB carries out is backed by rigorous safety planning, licensed personnel, and real-time monitoring. No exceptions.

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Seismograph Monitoring
Every blast is monitored with calibrated seismograph equipment. Ground vibration and airblast data is logged and available for every project.
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Trained & Certified
FDB maintains required worker training, competency verification, and compliance documentation for all blasting operations. No unlicensed personnel handle explosives — ever.
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Pre-Blast Surveys
Pre-blast structural surveys of adjacent properties available on request. We document existing conditions before work begins to protect everyone.
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Explosives Compliance
All required explosives licences, permits, and transportation compliance managed in accordance with applicable federal and provincial regulations — every project.
Blasting Information

Download Our Blasting Info Sheet

Wondering what to expect when blasting happens near your home or business? Our information sheet covers safety protocols, vibration limits, what you'll hear and feel, and how to reach us with concerns. Ideal for municipalities, developers, and homeowners.

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Coming soon
Call for a Copy
Common Questions

Blasting FAQs

Is blasting safe near my home or building?
Yes — when done by licensed, experienced professionals. Controlled blasting uses precisely calculated charge weights and delay patterns to keep vibration and airblast within safe limits. FDB deploys seismograph monitoring on every blast, and pre-blast structural surveys are available for sensitive sites. We've been doing residential blasting in Eastern Ontario for over 40 years without incident.
What are the vibration limits for blasting near homes?
Ontario follows the Office of the Explosive Regulations (OER) guidelines, which set Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) limits based on distance and frequency. For residential structures, limits typically range from 12.5 mm/s to 50 mm/s PPV depending on frequency. FDB designs every blast to stay well within these limits and confirms compliance with on-site seismograph monitoring. If a blast exceeds limits, we stop and redesign.
How long does a blasting project take?
It depends on the scope. A residential basement or single rock cut can be drilled and blasted in 1–2 days. A quarry production blast is typically a few hours of drilling followed by a single blast. Road construction blasting is usually done in phases over weeks or months depending on the project schedule. We'll give you a realistic timeline during the quoting process.
Do I need a permit for blasting on my property?
The blasting contractor (FDB) holds all required licences and explosives permits from the Ontario Ministry of Labour and Transport Canada. As the property owner, you typically don't need a separate permit. However, some municipalities have notification requirements or local bylaws — we'll let you know if there's anything required from your side before work begins.
Will blasting damage my neighbours' houses?
Not when done properly. We design every blast to keep vibration well below thresholds that could cause structural damage. Pre-blast surveys document the condition of nearby structures before work begins. Our seismograph data confirms compliance after every shot. In 40+ years of residential blasting across Eastern Ontario, FDB has maintained an excellent safety record.
Can you blast a basement for my new home?
Absolutely — basement blasting is one of our most common residential services. When your excavator hits rock, we come in, drill and shoot the rock to your exact plan depth and footprint, and you're ready to pour within days. We coordinate directly with your builder and handle all pre-blast surveys and seismograph monitoring. Most basement blasts take 1–2 days.
Can you blast a pond on my property?
Yes. Whether it's a farm irrigation pond, fire suppression reservoir, decorative water feature, or swimming pond — if bedrock is preventing you from digging, we blast it. We can also deepen existing ponds that have hit a rock shelf. Pond sizes range from small backyard features to multi-acre reservoirs. We shape the bottom contours to suit your intended use and work within environmental setback requirements.
Do you do right of way and pipeline blasting?
Yes — FDB has extensive experience with linear blasting projects including pipeline trenches, utility corridors (water, sewer, hydro, fibre optic), road allowance widening, and private access roads. We mobilize along the corridor and blast in sequences that keep your pipe or cable crew moving without delays. Environmental compliance and vibration monitoring at all crossings come standard.
We're developing a subdivision and hitting rock everywhere. Can you handle the whole project?
That's exactly what we do. FDB handles full subdivision blasting programs — road cuts, underground servicing trenches (water, sewer, hydro, gas), individual lot foundations, stormwater ponds, and grading. We work directly with developers and civil engineers on phased programs that keep pace with your construction schedule. We've done everything from 5-lot rural infills to 100+ lot developments across Eastern Ontario.
Can you blast in winter?
Yes. Blasting in frozen ground is actually common and generally produces good results — frozen rock fractures well. The main challenges are equipment access and working conditions. We operate year-round and will assess site conditions before scheduling winter work. Call us to discuss your project timing.
What areas do you serve?
FDB serves the greater part of Ontario, with a base in Newburgh, Eastern Ontario. We regularly work throughout Eastern Ontario, the Greater Kingston area, Hastings, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, Prince Edward County, and beyond. For large infrastructure or quarry contracts, we mobilize province-wide. Call us about your location and project scope.
How do I get a quote?
Use the contact form below, call us at 613-378-2178, or email info@fdbltd.com. We'll respond within one business day. For most projects, we'll schedule a site visit to assess conditions before providing a written quote. There's no charge for the site visit or the quote.
Get In Touch

Ready to Move Rock?

Tell us about your project and we'll respond within one business day. On-site quotes at no charge.

Based in  Newburgh, ON
Serving  Ontario-Wide
Response within  1 business day