Why you need a utility locate before you dig
Planning to build a deck, install a fence, or plant a tree? Before you break ground on your property, you must find out where the underground utility lines are. Some lines are buried just a few centimetres below the surface. Hitting a buried line can shut off essential services to you or your neighbours, cause expensive repairs, and lead to serious injury or death.
How to request a utility locate
The City of Wrenford responds to requests from Ontario One Call to identify and mark underground City-owned water, wastewater, and storm utilities. To get your lines marked, follow these steps:
- Submit your request early. Contact Ontario One Call online or by phone at least three business days before you plan to start digging. This gives our Facility Locate Technicians enough time to visit your property and mark the lines.
- Wait for the markings. Each utility owner will mark their lines on your property with paint or flags. They will also send you a locate slip explaining the markings. If pets are loose or your project area is behind a locked gate, the technician may contact you to arrange a time to visit.
- Check for private lines. Ontario One Call marks public utilities. They do not know the location of private lines, such as your own water service, sanitary or storm sewer connections, sprinkler systems, or private electrical lines. If you have private lines in your dig zone, hire a private locator to find them.
- Dig carefully. The markings show the horizontal position of the lines, not the depth. If you need to dig within one metre of a marking, use hand tools to carefully expose the line and find its exact depth. Do not pull out flags or wash away the paint. If you have questions about digging near a marked line, call the number on your locate slip.
Utility locate colour codes
Locate technicians use standard colour codes to tell you what is buried underground. Here is what each colour means:
- Red: Electric power lines, cables, and lighting
- Yellow: Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or gaseous materials
- Orange: Communication lines, cable TV, alarm, or signal lines
- Blue: Potable (drinking) water lines
- Green: Sanitary and storm drain sewer lines
- Purple: Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines
- Pink: Temporary survey markings. The City uses pink paint to mark the edges of our water and wastewater excavation areas, which sit just outside the actual dig zone.
- White: Proposed excavation area
City construction notices
If you receive a notice that the City will be doing work in your area, please read the information carefully. The notice will tell you what work is happening and how it affects your property. For more details on our construction and surface repair process, visit our Roads & Winter Maintenance page. If you have questions, call the Civic Operations Centre at 519-555-0112 or email [email protected].
Questions about locates?
If you are a contractor and have issues with a locate, contact the number on your locate slip or email [email protected]. You can also call the Roads & Winter Maintenance team at the Civic Operations Centre.