Ontario's Digging Crisis: New Data Reveals Widespread Safety Neglect
GUELPH, Ontario – Ontario continues to face a significant and preventable public safety threat as new research exposes alarming rates of unsafe digging practices across the province. Despite clear legal mandates, critical safety steps are being routinely ignored, leading to damage of underground infrastructure that puts workers, homeowners, and entire communities at risk.
Striking Statistics Highlight a Growing Problem
According to recent findings from Ontario One Call, the situation is more severe than previously understood. The data reveals that nearly half of professionals who dig as part of their livelihood reported striking underground infrastructure in 2025, with 15 percent experiencing multiple strikes within the same year. This persistent negligence threatens essential services that Ontarians rely on daily, from electricity and water to telecommunications.
Perhaps even more concerning is the widespread disregard for safety protocols among both industry experts and residents. The research indicates that 28 percent of professionals and a staggering 57 percent of homeowners admitted they did not request utility locates before their most recent digging project. These figures underscore a dangerous trend where simple, free, and legally required precautions are being overlooked.
The Legal and Safety Imperative of Click Before You Dig
Mitch Panciuk, President and CEO of Ontario One Call, emphasized the preventable nature of these incidents. “Hitting underground infrastructure is avoidable. Reduce the risk and Click Before You Dig. Every excavation must begin with a locate request. There are no exceptions,” he stated firmly. Under the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012, it is mandatory for anyone planning to dig in the province to contact Ontario One Call for locates before starting work.
The process is designed to be straightforward and cost-free. Homeowners and contractors are required to submit locate requests at least five business days in advance for single-property projects and ten business days for projects involving multiple properties or areas without a civic address. Once submitted, infrastructure owners dispatch representatives to mark the precise locations of buried utilities, thereby minimizing the risk of accidental strikes.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Digging without a valid locate is not only illegal but also poses severe dangers to lives, property, and critical infrastructure. Each skipped step increases the likelihood of disrupting essential services, causing costly repairs, and endangering public safety. Ontario One Call serves as a vital public safety administrative authority, acting as the communication link between underground infrastructure owners and those planning excavation activities.
As the data makes clear, unsafe digging remains far too common despite the availability of these protective measures. The organization urges all individuals and professionals to adhere to the law and prioritize safety by visiting OntarioOneCall.ca before any digging begins. The message is simple yet urgent: Click before you dig. It’s the law.
