Spring digging ahead? Click before you dig!
With spring project season approaching, many homeowners and contractors are getting ready to dig into outdoor projects. Whether you’re planting shrubs, digging a garden, installing a fence, or building a deck, if your project involves any digging whatsoever, there’s an important first step: requesting a public utility locate.
Contact Ontario One Call before breaking ground. By “clicking before you dig,” you’re helping protect yourself, your property, your neighbours, and your essential services. It’s free and required by law.
Why does this matter?
Buried below the surface are gas lines, electrical cables, water pipes, and other safety hazards. Striking underground infrastructure can lead to costly repairs, service disruptions, or even serious injuries. Some lines may be located just below the surface, making locates especially important for even small projects.
A quick locate can save you big time
A recent awareness study from Ontario One Call revealed some eye-opening trends:
- 57% of homeowners did not request a utility locate before their most recent digging project, despite it being legally required.
- 80% either don’t realize or mistakenly believe that small projects, like planting shrubs, don’t require a locate.
- 66% of homeowners are planning to dig this year, making the risk of damage to underground infrastructure significantly higher.
Choosing the right request type
When requesting locates through Ontario One Call, there are two request types. Choosing the correct one can help avoid delays or suspended tickets.
- Single-address request – for projects at a single civic address. Utility owners are required to complete locates within five business days.
- Advanced request – for projects involving two or more properties, or sites where at least one area does not have a municipal address (such as road work). Utility owners are required to complete locates within 10 business days.
Not sure which request type applies to your project? Watch this helpful video to learn how to choose the right locate request and help prevent delays.
Here’s what to do:
Visit OntarioOneCall.ca and request a free locate before you plan to start digging. Make sure to allow enough time based on your project type: at least five business days for a single address request or 10 business days for an advanced request.
Ontario One Call will notify the utility companies, and locators will mark buried lines, so you know where it’s safe to work.
Click before you dig. It’s free, and it’s the law.
Want to know more about locates? Visit Utilitieskingston.com/MultiUtility/Locates.