Call Before You Dig – Locates
Everyone is required to have underground utilities located and marked before doing any kind of digging.
Anyone needing to request locates for underground infrastructure contact Ontario One Call.
It is important to find out what is underground before starting a project because damaging buried utilities is dangerous. If a utility is damaged, it could be harmful to the person digging and essential services such as electricity, telephone or water could be interrupted.
When to Request Locates
A locate must be requested at most 30 calendar days prior to the expected excavation time. It may take up to five business days to complete a locate request and mark York Region utilities.
Homeowners
Homeowners require a locate before digging for any reason. For example:
- Putting in a new pool
- Installing a sprinkler system
- Digging holes for a deck or fence
- Planting a tree or creating a new garden
- Landscaping projects
Contractors
Contractors require a locate for all of the activities above and before starting projects such as:
- Road repairs
- Utility repairs and installations
- Putting in or widening a driveway
How to Request Locates
York Region Owned Utilities
York Region is now a member of Ontario One Call and all requests to find and mark York Region-owned utilities are processed through them.
Contact Ontario One Call to request a locate by visiting their website, or by phone at: 1-800-400-2255.
Other Utilities and Municipalities
Not all service providers are members of Ontario One Call. It is your responsibility to contact your local municipality and other service providers if they are not yet members of Ontario One Call.
Emergencies
Ontario One Call is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A locate is always required before digging, even in an emergency.
An emergency is when an essential service has been interrupted and it is necessary to repair the utility and restore service to prevent or limit a public health or safety hazard.
Emergency locates can only be requested by phone at: 1-800-400-2255
It's the Law
Both businesses and private residents are required by law to have all underground utilities located and marked before they “disturb the ground”. Visit Ontario One Call’s Overview of Legislation for more information.
Contractors are required to have all underground utilities located and marked by Section 228 of Ontario Regulation 213/91 – Construction Projects.
