Utilities Kingston is marking Dig Safe Month by reminding members of the community who may be planning to dig on their property that it’s the law that they must contact Ontario One Call at least a week beforehand.
Ontario One Call is a free service – open 24 hours a day, seven days a week – that shows you where municipal gas lines, water and sewer mains, and electrical or fibre-optic lines are located on your property. Call 1-800-400-2255 or visit ontarioonecall.ca to make your locate request.
Ontario One Call will need to know the address where the digging will take place (including the nearest intersection), a description of the work being done, and your phone number and email address.
Karen Santucci, Utilities Kingston’s manager of services and gas operations, cautioned that some pipes and lines are just below the surface and the community needs to put safety first.
“People staying home due to COVID-19 are pursuing more outdoor improvement projects, and this comes with increased risk. It’s as important as ever for people to remain vigilant and exercise caution when digging or excavating,” Santucci said.
Severed underground lines could cause explosions, electrocution, flooding and/or a loss of essential services and you could be liable for restoration costs and possible legal action.
The Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) in conjunction with the Canadian Common Ground Alliance (CCGA) have designated April as Dig Safe Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness of safe digging practices across Canada to improve safety and reduce damages to underground infrastructure.
