Utility Locates

Call before you dig

Building a new deck or fence? Digging a garden? Putting in a new pool? Planting a tree?

Before you dig, call 1-800-400-2255 or visit ontarioonecall.com to request utility locates.

Requesting locates before you start digging not only keeps you safe and helps prevent costly damages, it’s also the law.

Activities that require a locate include, but are not limited to:

  • Building decks and fences
  • Planting trees
  • Installing pools
  • Creating new gardens
  • Paving or laying driveways
  • Installing light standards

Now, throughout Ontario, Ontario One Call handles all required utility locates, including municipal, with one simple service.

Visit ontarioonecall.com or call 1-800-400-2255 for more information or to request a locate today.

The locate request service does not replace the need for building and other permits for the same types of work. 

Permit requests are still administered by Building Services.

Utility Locates Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Utility Locate?
There is buried infrastructure all over Ontario. You must contact Ontario One Call to get buried cables, pipes, and wires located so you can dig safely.
Ontario One Call is the communication link between those wanting to dig and buried infrastructure owners who are required to provide locates.
 
Ontario One Call does not physically mark the lines, pipes, or cables. They relay the dig information to the buried infrastructure owners so they can mark (locate) based on the request you submit.  This is done through a “Locate Request – Ticket”.
 
Regardless of whether you are a homeowner, renter, or tenant, if you are planning to dig you must submit a locate request. Every job, big or small, whether you’re building a fence, putting in a pool, planting a tree or digging a new garden, or any other digging project you need to contact Ontario One Call.
 
Ontario One Call will notify the buried infrastructure owners that you plan to dig. Representatives, known as Damage Prevention Technicians or Locators, from each buried infrastructure owner will come out to mark the location of buried underground lines and cables they own so that you can dig safely.
 How Do I Identify the Locate Markings?
The Town of New Tecumseth will be notified by a Locate Request/Ticket by Ontario One Call if they have any infrastructure in the area. This will enable the Town and all other Utility Owners to identify where their infrastructure is located on your “Property” and “Town Right of Way” to help prevent damage when work begins.
 
The Town of New Tecumseth will be dispatched by Ontario One Call to locate Town – Owned Infrastructure including:
•             Water
•             Sewer
•             Storm
•             Streetlights
•             Traffic Signals
 
All other Utility Owners who were also identified with having infrastructure within the located area will also mark their infrastructure.
Markings are made with paint and/or flags and are colour-coded to identify infrastructure buried in that location.

Locate Colour Chart

ColourLocate
Red Electric
Orange Communication
Yellow Gas, Oil, Steam
Blue Water
Green Sewer
Pink Temporary Survey Markings
White Proposed Excavation
Purple Reclaimed Water, Irrigation and Slurry Lines
Once the locate has been completed by the Town of New Tecumseth the completed locate will be emailed to you outlining a drawing showing our infrastructure in the work area or it will stipulate “ALL CLEAR – Please Contact a Private Locator” if the work is on Private Property.  In most cases The Town of New Tecumseth doesn’t have any infrastructure within the “Private Property”; but will be marked if we do.  In most cases the Town of New Tecumseth only locates to the “Property Line”.  Private Property Locates can be requested through any Private Locator to assist in this regard.
 How Do I Submit a Utility Locate Request?
If you the “Homeowner” is undertaking the excavation around your property, it is your responsibility to submit a locate request.  If you have hired a contractor to complete the excavation for you, they should secure the locate.  Ontario One Call stipulates that whoever is physically completing the work they are responsible for obtaining the locate regardless of who owns the property.  
 Who is Responsible for Requesting a Utility Locate?
If you the “Homeowner” is undertaking the excavation around your property, it is your responsibility to submit a locate request.  If you have hired a contractor to complete the excavation for you, they should secure the locate.  Ontario One Call stipulates that whoever is physically completing the work they are responsible for obtaining the locate regardless of who owns the property.  
 How Much Notice Does Ontario One Call Require? 
A Locate Request must be submitted at least 5 business days before you are planning to dig.  The “Utility Owner” has 5 business days to complete and return your request.  During the busy season you may be asked for a possible extension.
 How Much Does a Utility Locate Cost?
A Locate Request is free – no charge to the Homeowner/Contractor
 How Does Ontario One Call Process Requests?
Ontario One Call can be reached 24/7, 7 Days a Week if you are requesting a locate online at www.on1call.com.  You can also reach out to them at 1-800-400-2255 but during holidays they only process “Emergencies” during this time.
 
Whether processing your request “online or directly over the phone” Ontario One Call will ask you specific questions to assist the “Utility Owners” of the work being done. 
 
All Utility Owners who have infrastructure in the located area will be notified.  You will receive a “Confirmation” outlining your work details.  Ontario One Call asks that you ensure that the information is correct.
 
The “Utility Owners” will complete the Locate Request as discussed above and will be emailed to you.  You may also see paint/flags in the located area to assist with markings and identifying the area of where the work is to be done.
What is the Difference Between a Private and Public Locate?
Does Ontario One Call Handle Both?
All Utility Providers who have infrastructure in the located area where work is to be done are notified through a “Locate Request/Ticket”.  The Town of New Tecumseth in most cases only locates to the “Property Line”.  This can normally be found by the “Curb Stop/Main Shut Off” which is normally located at the property line.  All the locates received by the “Utilities” are “Public Locates”.  If you are doing work on your “Private Property” this would entail a “Private Locate” request.
 When Will I Know it is Safe to Dig on My Property?
All Utility Providers who have infrastructure in the located area where work is to be done are notified through a “Locate Request/Ticket”.  The Town of New Tecumseth in most cases only locates to the “Property Line”.  This can normally be found by the “Curb Stop/Main Shut Off” which is normally located at the property line.  All the locates received by the “Utilities” are “Public Locates”.  If you are doing work on your “Private Property” this would entail a “Private Locate” request.
 
While Ontario One Call operates the notification system for buried infrastructure, it’s the responsibility of homeowners to have the following types of infrastructure marked:
 
•  Gas line that goes from a house to a BBQ or pool heater.
•  Lights or signs on the property.
•  Electrical lines going out to sheds or a detached garage.
•  Sewer and septic tanks, systems, and piping.
•  Telecom or electrical lines feeding security cameras.
 
Homeowners, or Contractors on their behalf, MUST submit a locate request through Ontario One Call whether they are excavating on public OR private property.
When you submit a locate request you will be advised to obtain private locates for any privately owned underground infrastructure such as the ones indicated above but not limited to.

What Do I Do If I Accidentally Strike a Utility Line?
It is safe to begin excavation when all relevant infrastructure owners have responded with a clear or have performed the locates and provided the corresponding paperwork.
 What Do I Need to Know Before Installing an Irrigation System?
If you damage any infrastructure through digging, please contact the infrastructure owner as soon as possible.  Please cease digging until the infrastructure has been inspected by a representative from the Utility Owner of whose infrastructure you have hit.  Even the slightest contact can cause a problem in the future if the infrastructure has been nicked or scratched.
 How Long Are Utility Locates Valid in Ontario?
60 days.
Locates are valid for at least 60 days from the day you receive your locate but could be longer. The infrastructure owner will clearly identify the length and conditions of the validity period for the locate request. Please check the locate sheet sent to you from the infrastructure owner or their LSP.
 Questions You May Be Asked
Listed below are some of the types of questions Ontario One Call will ask when you call. To save yourself time, have the answers ready when you phone:
  • Are you doing the digging yourself or having a contractor do it?
  • How deep will you be digging (in feet)? tree, etc.
  • Who is the work being done for? (homeowner/self)
  • What city or town are you digging in?
  • What County or Region are you digging in?
  • What is the full address where you will be digging?
  • What is the telephone number at the dig site address (not a cell phone number)
  • What is the nearest intersecting road?
  • Did you mark the area where you will be digging (with white paint or stakes)? (Yes? No?)
  • What side of the street is your address? (N, S, E OR W?)
  • Where on the property will you be digging? (Front, rear, or N. S. E. or W. side?)
  • Will you be digging by machine or by hand?
  • Date you plan to start digging. (require a minimum of one week after you call)
After Ontario One Call takes the information, they will tell you the names of the utilities that they will notify. They may also be able to provide "all clears" for some of their members while you are on the line. Be sure to write this information down.
At the end of the call you will be given a request number for future reference should you need to talk to the call centre again or to a utility representative.
 
Call, no matter how small the job!