Mill and pave Ottawa driveway $?

Mill and pave (also called "remove and replace") for an average Ottawa driveway typically costs $5,000 to $12,000, depending on size, base condition, and access. This involves grinding off the existing asphalt surface, evaluating and potentially rebuilding the base, then paving with fresh hot-mix asphalt.

Why Mill and Pave Costs More Than Simple Resurfacing

Mill and pave is more expensive than a simple overlay because it involves complete removal of the existing asphalt surface using a milling machine or excavator. The contractor must haul away the old asphalt (which has recycling value but still costs to transport), assess the underlying base condition, and often add or rebuild granular base layers. In Ottawa's freeze-thaw climate, many driveways need significant base work after 15 to 20 years, especially if the original base was minimal or the driveway has experienced settling or heaving.

The process typically includes milling the existing asphalt to a depth of 50 to 100mm, evaluating the Granular A base layer, adding and compacting new base material as needed, then placing fresh hot-mix asphalt in proper lifts. For larger driveways or those requiring structural improvements, contractors may install a 50mm binder course followed by a 50mm surface course. Smaller residential driveways often receive a single 75mm lift of surface course mix.

Ottawa-Specific Considerations

Ottawa's extreme freeze-thaw cycles and deep frost penetration (1.2 to 1.5 metres) mean that mill and pave projects often reveal base problems that weren't visible from the surface. Clay soils prevalent in Barrhaven, Orleans, and Gloucester can cause base contamination where clay has migrated up into the granular layers. When this happens, the contaminated base must be removed and replaced with clean Granular A, adding $2 to $4 per square foot to the project cost.

Cost Breakdown for Average Ottawa Driveway (50 square metres)

• Milling and disposal: $1,500 to $2,500


• Base evaluation and repair: $500 to $2,000 (highly variable)


• New asphalt placement: $2,000 to $4,000


• Site preparation and cleanup: $300 to $800


• Total: $4,300 to $9,300 for a typical project

Choose mill and pave over simple resurfacing when your existing asphalt has extensive cracking (more than 25% of the surface), multiple potholes, significant rutting, or drainage problems. It's also the right choice if previous overlays have built up the driveway height too much relative to garage floors or sidewalks. Mill and pave gives you a fresh start with proper thickness and grading, extending driveway life to 20 to 25 years with regular sealcoating every 2 to 3 years.

Timing and Seasonal Pricing

Book mill and pave work for late May through September when hot-mix asphalt can be properly placed and compacted. Many Ottawa contractors offer better pricing in July and August when demand dips slightly from the peak spring rush.

Need help finding a driveway contractor? Ottawa Driveways can match you with local paving professionals for free estimates on your mill and pave project.