Ontario One Call is now operating as Ontario Dig Authority.
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About Ontario Dig Authority

Ontario One Call, now operating as Ontario Dig Authority, was established in 1996 and is a public safety administrative authority that serves as the communication link between buried infrastructure owners and anyone planning to dig in Ontario. Its role is to help protect people, property, and essential underground infrastructure across the province.

What We Do

Ontario Dig Authority promotes dig safe and click before you dig messaging, provides a locate request system that connects those planning to dig with buried infrastructure owners, and regulates Ontario’s locate notification system.

In 2012, the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act was passed, which stipulates that by law, anyone in the province of Ontario must contact Ontario Dig Authority before they dig.

Though Ontario Dig Authority does not physically mark the lines, pipes, or cables, we relay all dig information to the buried infrastructure owners so they can mark (locate) based on the request you submit. Buried infrastructure owners will then deliver locates. Locates minimize the risk of infrastructure damage, loss of service, and injury.

Why requesting a locate and digging safely is important

Our Mission

We regulate an efficient locate system, foster industry wide collaboration, and promote safe, timely excavation across Ontario.

Our efforts will result in a locate process that is not only safe, but efficient and timely. We will work directly with stakeholders to preemptively resolve issues and hope that they will turn to us for the necessary advice and expertise. Our proactive efforts will ensure Ontarians are well aware of the importance of safe excavation and the resources we provide to enable this.

Our Core Values

Caring. Acting with Integrity. Collaborative. Inclusive. Innovative.

Caring

We invest in the success and safety of our team, communities and the environment.

We are dedicated, honourable and honest.

We foster partnerships and work together to build a safer Ontario.

We are a leader in inclusivity and cultivate a foundation of respect and support within our industry.

We strive for excellence with a willingness to learn, adapt and innovate.

Ontario Dig Authority Safe Excavation Starts With Us

From a shared safety vision in 1996 to the Ontario Dig Authority in 2026, this journey reflects three decades of collaboration, innovation and an unwavering commitment to protecting people, communities and critical underground infrastructure. As Ontario grows, that commitment continues, helping build a safer future for everyone who lives, works and digs in our province.

  1. A Safety Vision Takes Root.

    Founded by industry partners including Union Gas, Enbridge and Bell Canada, Ontario One Call begins with a shared vision: helping excavators and infrastructure owners connect before digging begins and laying the foundation for safer communities across Ontario.

  2. A Defining Reminder for Damage Prevention.

    A gas line strike during excavation on Bloor Street West in Toronto led to a devastating explosion that killed seven people and injured four. The tragedy reinforced the critical importance of accurate locates, proper verification, clear communication and safe excavation practices. It remains a powerful reminder of why damage prevention matters.

  3. Establishing a Stronger Future.

    Ontario One Call becomes a not for profit corporation and begins a major transformation as Ontario moves toward a mandatory One Call system, setting the stage for a stronger role in public safety and damage prevention.

  4. Advancing a Safer Ontario.

    Ontario passes the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012, establishing Ontario One Call’s statutory role in supporting safe excavation and creating a stronger framework for damage prevention across the province. Ontario becomes the first and remains the only province in Canada to require anyone breaking ground to request a location before digging.

  5. Uniting Ontario Through One System.

    Mandatory membership registration begins across the province. Municipalities, utilities and underground infrastructure owners join a single notification system, making it easier to protect people, infrastructure and communities.

  6. Expanding Capacity. Enhancing Service.

    Ontario One Call grows its operations, brings its Contact Centre in house, advances digital services and continues building a stronger experience for infrastructure owners, contractors and the public.

  7. Adapting to Meet the Moment.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario One Call successfully transitions to remote operations while maintaining uninterrupted service. The organization continues to invest in training, reporting and modernization to meet the evolving needs of Ontario.

  8. Building Greater Accountability.

    Legislative reforms expand Ontario One Call’s role, introducing new responsibilities to support locate system performance and greater accountability, including dedicated locators, locate sharing and new compliance tools.

  9. A Public Safety Administrative Authority.

    Ontario One Call advances its transformation into a public safety administrative authority, strengthening governance, compliance, digital capacity, stakeholder engagement and its ability to support safe and timely excavation across the province.

  10. A Modern Regulator. A New Era for Damage Prevention.

    Ontario One Call becomes the Ontario Dig Authority, marking the next chapter in its evolution. Built on 30 years of partnership, innovation and public safety leadership, the organization is positioned to lead the future of damage prevention and safe excavation across Ontario.