Planning a project that involves digging?
Whether you’re building a fence, installing posts, or doing landscaping, there’s an important step you shouldn’t skip. A simple check before you dig can help protect your property, prevent costly damage, and keep everyone safe.
Before starting any excavation, residents and contractors are encouraged to contact Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255. This free service acts as a central notification hub that alerts underground infrastructure owners about planned digging activity.
What Is Ontario One Call?
Ontario One Call is a province-wide communication service that receives dig requests and shares them with the organizations responsible for buried infrastructure, including:
- Natural gas pipelines
- Electrical lines
- Telecommunications cables
- Water mains
- Sewer systems
This process helps identify what may be underground before work begins, reducing the risk of accidental damage, service disruptions, and serious
safety hazards.
How the Notification Process Works
- Submit Your Request:
Contact Ontario One Call by phone or online several business days before digging begins. Be ready to provide details about your project and location. - Utilities Are Notified:
Your request is forwarded to relevant utility companies and infrastructure owners in the area. - Underground Lines Are Marked:
Utility owners may visit the site to mark the approximate locations of underground services using coloured paint or flags. In some cases, written clearance may be provided. - Dig With Confidence:
Once locates are complete, you can proceed knowing what lies below the surface.
A Note for Durham Region Residents
In Durham Region, regional water and sewer infrastructure is maintained by the Regional Municipality of Durham – Works Department. When you
submit a request through Ontario One Call, the Works Department is automatically notified if your project is near regional infrastructure.
For direct inquiries related to regional services, you may also contact:
- Works Department, Regional Municipality of Durham
605 Rossland Road East, Whitby, Ontario L1N 6A3 - Telephone (within regional limits):
311
Stay Informed
When submitting your request, you can choose to receive
email updates
so you’re informed at every stage of the locate process.
Before you dig, make the call.
Ontario One Call:
1-800-400-2255
www.ontarioonecall.ca
This information is provided as a general guide. Specific processes and requirements may vary.