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Dedicated Locator

Take control of your project and reduce downtime.

A dedicated locator enhances the efficiency of the locates process by having a single locate service resource (Dedicated Locate Service Provider – DLSP) contracted by the Project Owner to locate all underground infrastructure on a project.  It is paving way for large and long-term scale projects to have continual delivery of locates when and where they are needed.

Dedicated locator is a new legal concept that was introduced through a law amendment in April 2022.

 

What is a Dedicated Locator?

A Dedicated Locator is a single resource used to mark all underground infrastructure within a project area.

Benefits of a Dedicated Locator:

  • Improves productivity
  • Reduces downtime as the locates are completed under the direction of the Project Owner
  • Promotes damage prevention and safer excavation practices
  • More control – get locates when, where, and as often as your project requires
  • Provides flexibility when delays or conflicts require changes to project timelines or scope”
  • It frees up the regular pool of public locate service providers to complete standard locate requests for homeowners and less complex requests
  • Mediation – provides a platform to solve issues that arise within a project or region
  • Insights – gives all participants additional data from which to make current and future decisions

CONTACT US

Please contact DL@OntarioOneCall.ca or join our mailing list to receive Dedicated Locator email updates.

Information and Resources

PROJECT OWNER

The owner of the Dedicated Locator project.  Responsible for selecting the DLSP and submitting the DL Project Request or DL Regional Project Request Notice to Ontario One Call.

UNDERGROUND INFRASTRUCTURE OWNER (MEMBER)

Any affected utilities within the project scope

EXCAVATOR

The proponent working for the project owner to perform the excavation. Useful resources for excavators can be found here

DEDICATED LOCATE SERVICE PROVIDER

The Dedicated Locate Service Provider that has been chosen by the Project Owner as the Dedicated Locate Service Provider (DLSP) for the project.

Project Owners

  • Submit the DL Project Request Notice to Ontario One Call
  • Contract an approved Dedicated Locator Service Provider
  • Notify Ontario One Call when project is complete

Members

  • Comply with the OUINS Act, agree upon the selected DLSP, and provide Infrastructure records/mapping within 10 business days
  • Ensure mapping is up to date

Ontario One Call

  • Identify Members in the vicinity of the work described
  • Notify affected Members of proposed DL project
  • Liaison to project owner, Members, and DLSP

Dedicated Locator Service Providers (DLSP)

  • Reach out to Members identified within project limits to obtain mapping
  • Complete locate within 10 business days or as per instructed timeframe set by Project Owner/Proponent

The Dedicated Locator Request Policy details requirements for using the Dedicated Locator Request Process
through Ontario One Call for any party or parties that will use this service.

In-depth Session for Infrastructure Owners Interested in Dedicated Locator – May 2023

In-depth Session for Municipalities Interested in Dedicated Locator – May 2023

 

Introductory Session for Infrastructure Owners Interested in Dedicated Locator – April 2023

Introductory Session for Municipalities Interested in Dedicated Locator – April 2023

  • A Dedicated Locator must be approved through each Utility and/or Municipality with infrastructure in your project area. Depending on the region, there might already be a certified pool of dedicated locators ready to be hired.
  • Project Owner / Proponent to provide Ontario One Call with the DL Project Request and Billing Forms
  • If you are a Project Owner and are looking for more on how to setup a Dedicated Locator model for your project click here.

The Project Owner is responsible to pay the Dedicated Locate Service Provider directly.

    • This Best Practices Document from the ORCGA provides best practice guidelines for planning and design, notifications, locating and marking, excavation, mapping, compliance, public education, and reporting.
    • Information found in this best practices document may be relevant to a project owner, member, excavator, or DLSP.