Are you looking to build a deck or fence, put in a pool, or even do some landscaping? Digging in the wrong spot could damage the underground network of utility lines thereby putting your property, family, and community in danger.
Digging on your property, even with a shovel, can damage underground utility services lines that provide water, cable, hydro and gas. So, to ensure that you do not damage any of the underground utilities that may be on your property, it is essential to contact Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255. The services provided by ON1Call are free and are in place to protect you and your community from the loss of services and costly consequences that may occur.
What is Ontario One Call?
Ontario One Call is a contact centre that receives excavation locate requests to ensure homeowners, excavators and infrastructure owners are safe when digging.
On June 19, 2012, the Province passed the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act 2012 (Bill 8) which required all utility owners to register with ON1Call to ensure that a single phone call from excavators, contractors or the residents could connect them to the service provider that could perform their necessary locates. It is also mandatory under this act for all excavators, including homeowners, to call for a locate before they dig, even on private property.
When requested, Ontario One call is able to notify registered owners of underground facilities within the vicinity of the proposed excavation.
The benefits for owners are clear:
- Improved digging safety with less damage events
- Increased public safety
- Increased worker safety
- Increased awareness of digging activity in your jurisdiction
- Reduction of nonessential locates
What do I need to do?
At least a week before you plan to dig on the property, you must contact Ontario One Call either online or by phone at 1-800-400-2255.
Before you call you will need to know:
- Who is digging
- When and where you are digging
- The type of work being done and the method of digging that will be used whether machine and/or hand
- For more information visit www.on1call.com
ON1Call will notify and request from all Utility companies (Bell, Entegrus, Hydro One, Union Gas, Cogeco etc.) to provide a 'locate' clearance for the requestor within 5 business days. Ontario One call is a one-stop shop for your required locates so there is no need to worry about contacting all your utility providers individually.
It is important to note that the services provided by Ontario One Call do not constitute notification for the purpose of the Utility Notification Shut-Off Form required for a demolition project. For further information about this contact the Building Department at 519-360-1998.
