A new regulation, effective April 1, gives Ontario One Call regulatory authority to issue administrative penalties for non-compliance with prescribed provisions of the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012, including digging without locates or not delivering locates within specified timelines.
“Ontario One Call will be implementing this new regulation in a very thoughtful way, relying on existing compliance tools to encourage locate performance improvement over time,” said Jim Keech, president and CEO of Ontario One Call. “In so doing, our objective is to usher in a new era of collaboration between industry participants that delivers industry performance improvement and allows projects to be completed on schedule.
“As such, our focus remains on ensuring individuals are aware of their responsibilities under the Act and working with them towards a common goal of compliance with the law.”
One Call will “make every effort” to educate individuals on their responsibilities under the Act, and issue penalties when appropriate in the exercise of independent discretion by Ontario One Call’s assessors appointed under the Act.
“The service we provide is vital and protects people from harm and infrastructure damage. We work closely with excavators and infrastructure owners to encourage locates be delivered on time. We have an important role to play in supporting Ontario’s appetite for growth,” Keech said.
On Feb. 13, Ontario One Call hosted a webinar attended by over 800, to provide details about how the administrative penalty system would be implemented.
“Ontario One Call plays a vital role in the success of the province’s construction activities,” said Kaleed Rasheed, minister of public and business service delivery. “Expanding Ontario One Call’s compliance tools can help support construction in Ontario by getting locates done safely and more quickly, helping the province deliver on the many infrastructure projects that are helping Ontarians and fueling our economic growth.”