Thunder Bay Launches Utility Locating Service

September 23, 2010 – Out of site, out of mind? Don’t make the mistake of starting the excavation for your project without first locating all underground utilities. Whether your project is large or small you must always ‘Call Before You Dig’ (CBYD) to check for hydro, telephone, natural gas, sewer, water or cable lines that may be buried on your property. The process of requesting locates for all services is now just a simple, toll-free, phone call away. 

The City of Thunder Bay and the Construction Association of Thunder Bay joined today with DigNORTH to launch a new program for contractors and homeowners to have a single point of contact when requesting locates by calling DigNORTH at 1-888- ONT-CBYD (1-888-668-2293). Call centre staff will record the project details and take on the task of notifying each separate utility of the project and dig location. CBYD will advise the caller which utilities will receive a locate request. Homeowners and contractors will then receive confirmation from each utility that it is safe to dig at that location. Making this call not only protects underground infrastructure, it also protects those who dig from injury, expense, service outages and penalties. There is no cost to the homeowner for the call and users are urged to call ahead as some locates may take up to five days to complete.

The Dryden, Ontario based company, DigNORTH, launched its service this spring. “Education, public safety and awareness is what it’s all about,” said Keith White of DigNORTH. “We want to make the process easier for contractors and residents, protect the buried lines and make sure everyone gets home safely.”

Whether your project is in your yard or at a construction site, plan ahead and avoid preventable accidents. Whatever the project – building a fence, adding a deck, or excavating for a new garage – take advantage of DigNORTH’s quick, efficient service to arrange locating of any underground lines and services. 

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Contact:   Darrell Matson, General Manager – Transportation & Works, 625-3077