Call Before You Dig

Underground Utility Locates

Before you dig, you must request an underground utility locate. Many utility lines, pipes, and cables are buried just below the ground surface, and striking one can be dangerous, costly, and may interrupt essential services.

Request a Locate

Ontario law requires anyone planning to excavate to contact Ontario One Call before digging. Locate requests can be submitted by:

• Calling 1-800-400-2255
• Visiting www.on1call.com

The City of St. Thomas cannot accept locate requests directly from residents or contractors. Under Ontario law, all requests must be made through Ontario One Call.

How the Process Works

Once you submit your request, Ontario One Call notifies the appropriate utility owners, including the City of St. Thomas, to identify and mark the location of underground infrastructure.

City staff mark:

• Water services and watermains with blue paint or flags.
• Sanitary and storm sewers with green paint or flags.

What to Expect

The City completes approximately 3,000 utility locates each year in support of planned excavation projects. Most locate requests are for routine work performed by utility companies, contractors, or property owners, such as installing or repairing utility services.

If your property is affected by a major City infrastructure or road reconstruction project, you will receive advance notification with information about the work and any expected impacts.

The following chart identifies the color a utility will use to locate it's infrastructure: