Digging and Locates

Contact Ontario Dig Authority at least one week before starting your project to ensure locates are completed on time. This is a FREE service and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Why you should Call or Click before you dig

There are underground networks of gas lines, electricity, telephone, internet and TV cable wires, as well as water and sewer connections that could be damaged if you dig in the wrong spot. Knowing what’s below protects you and your family.

Damaging underground services can have serious consequences such as:

• Personal injury to you and others
• Loss of essential services, creating a safety risk for yourself and others
• Expensive restoration costs and potential legal action against you

For your safety, and the safety of others, you must determine where the underground facilities are located BEFORE starting construction, landscaping or any other project.

Then, when the underground facilities have been marked, you can dig with care.

What you need to know before you Call or Click:

• Who is doing the actual digging (it is recommended that the person doing the digging submits the locate request for liability reasons)
• When and where you are digging (address and description of dig site area)
• The maximum depth of excavation
• The type of work being done (fence, pool, landscaping, etc.) and the method of digging that will be used whether machine and/or hand (shovel, pick, or spade)

Note: Ontario Dig Authority does not locate privately owned underground infrastructure on your property.

Examples of private infrastructure may include:

• Gas lines to BBQs, fire pits or pool heaters
• Electrical lines to sheds, detached garages, lights or signs
• Private water and sewer lines or septic systems
• Wiring for landscape lighting, security cameras or electric gates

If private infrastructure may be present, you are responsible for arranging a separate private locate with a qualified contractor.

Important: A private locate does not replace an Ontario Dig Authority request. Always contact Ontario Dig Authority before digging.