Hello:
My son is building a brand new house in Toronto. After demolition and prior to building new footings, water began to seep up from below and flood the floor area. He is pumping it out but this problem will most likely continue.
How should he proceed?
The footings are scheduled to be done tomorrow (Monday Feb 6). The proposed height of the basement is presently 9'
Should he sacrifice one foot of the basement height, add one foot of gravel and build up slightly or just go ahead?

Help!

Sounds like your at ground water level which means the sump pump may run constantly! (not good!) Maybe do a quick study of seasonal water table levels of the area. Maybe a 'French Drain' system if there's somewhere to divert the water to. Or, maybe you'll have to sacrifice. There are alternatives. Maybe do some fast research in the morning. Concrete contractors are usually in a hurry to get work done in this weather! I know; I work for one! Best of luck!

Thank you for taking the time to write. We very much appreciate it.
We've decided to halt everything in order to do some research, in line with your thinking. There's no point in rushing the job and risking serious liability in future. As well, every problem becomes a learning experience.
We have contacted the architect who will consult an engineer. In addition, the city inspector will be coming by tomorrow. What we hope to learn from all this is specifically what to do.
Fingers crossed!
Thanks again.

Have you considered installing a french drain? This would drain the water off to an dry well or lower ground?