Dedicated Locator Resources & Frequently Asked Questions
Learning Centre
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- Groundwork
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Best Practice Guides
Project Owners, Excavators, DLSPs
- Dedicated Locator Request Policy
- Dedicated Locator Submission Process Flow Chart (PDF): This flow chart outlines the order of events taken during a typical 90 day notice project submission. This flowchart identifies who is responsible for taking particular actions (Project Owner, DLSP, or Ontario Dig Authority) through the process
- Project Owner Dedicated Locator Best Practice (PDF)
- Best Practice – DL Web portal Submission (PDF)
- Excavator DL Best Practice (PDF)
- Excavator How to Submit a Locate Request Under DL Project (PDF)
Infrastructure Owners
- Underground Infrastructure Owner Dedicated Locator Best Practices (PDF)
- Notice to Use Standard Locate Process for Designated Broadband Projects (PDF)
- How to Respond to a DL Notice (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Dedicated Locator?
A: A Dedicated Locator is a locate service provider used to mark underground infrastructure within an approved project area. The model is intended for large-scale, long-term, or complex projects with ongoing locate needs.
Q: Who is eligible to use Dedicated Locator?
A: Dedicated Locator may be used for designated broadband projects, prescribed dig projects, or projects where the Project Owner chooses to use the Dedicated Locator model.
Q: What is a Project Owner?
A: The Project Owner is the party responsible for the excavation or dig project and for initiating the Dedicated Locator process.
Q: When should a Dedicated Locator Project Notice be submitted?
A: A Dedicated Locator Project Notice should be submitted to Ontario Dig Authority 90 days before the project start date, where applicable.
Q: Who is responsible for Dedicated Locator fees?
A: The Project Owner is responsible for DL fees. Please refer to our policy here.
Q: What must UIOs do after receiving a Dedicated Locator notice?
A: Affected Underground Infrastructure Owners must respond within the required timeframe, enter into the required agreement where applicable, and provide mapping, records, and standards needed to complete valid locates.
Q: What is a designated broadband project?
A: A designated broadband project is a broadband project that receives funding, in full or in part, through the Ministry of Infrastructure for deploying broadband or high-speed internet infrastructure in Ontario.
Q: What if I am unsure whether Dedicated Locator applies to my project?
A: Contact the Dedicated Locator team at DL@OntarioDigAuthority.ca for guidance.
Q: Can a project use the standard locate process instead of Dedicated Locator?
A: In some circumstances, including certain designated broadband projects that meet regulatory criteria, the Project Owner may be able to use the standard locate process. Ontario Dig Authority’s Dedicated Locator team can help confirm whether this applies.
Q: How can I withdraw a project from Dedicated Locator?
A: Project Owners should review the applicable Dedicated Locator resources and contact the Dedicated Locator team for guidance on the required notice and process at DL@OntarioDigAuthority.ca.