We all share a common goal: to protect our loved ones, our communities, and ourselves. To achieve this goal in an evolving world, our processes and practices must adapt and improve as new technologies emerge and methods are optimized. The damage prevention process is no exception. Requesting a locate is a critical step in the damage prevention process and the locate request software must continuously evolve to keep up with today’s technology and practices.

Before You Dig Partners (the BC 1 Call, Utility Safety Partners, Sask 1st Call, Click Before You Dig MB alliance) is excited to announce the next round of locate request software enhancements! The following features are planned to launch in February 2026.

Ground disturbance and overhead work — from excavation and grading to landscaping and civil
construction — rely on more than just equipment and locates. They rely on people
communicating effectively, solving problems together, and respecting each other’s
responsibilities. Whether it’s an operator, a locator, or a representative from ATCO, EPCOR,
APEX Utilities, Fortis Alberta or TransMountain, collaboration between field staff and asset
owners is what keeps everyone safe and projects moving smoothly.

Hey asset-owner members, quick question!  Do you know where your locate request notifications are being sent to? If you can’t answer that question, it may be time for you to review and possibly update your contact information with Utility Safety Partners. 

We have all been in a position where some pertinent information has changed (maybe you moved, updated your phone number, etc.) Remembering the long checklist of places and people that you need to follow up with to update this information can be cumbersome, and without fail something gets forgotten.  

Geospatial data is critical to the operation of Utility Safety Partners and its stakeholders. Current and accurate mapping datasets are required by planners, builders, excavators, locators, municipalities, oil and gas industries and utilities. Access to quality basemaps will allow industry to take advantage of emerging technologies, AI, and data mirroring to develop new ways of delivering accurate map data to the field.

Looking back, I’ve spent the last two Octobers stating that “things are a bit different this year! We’re keeping staff on later because boy howdy the weather sure is warm!” Now, once again, the weather is…strangely warm. Not to get up on a soap box but it does seem a bit crazy that this is a 3 year ongoing trend in Canada of all places. In either case, yes, it’s been “unseasonably” warm once again, and we are seeing all of staff sticking around until Halloween, when it will likely snow(?) 

In early March, alongside a small but mighty group of new hires, I began my first season with Utility Safety Partners. Coming into this role, I was a near-stranger to the actual ins and outs of underground utility safety and damage prevention. I had seen utility markings countless times and knew what they were – I think we’re likely all familiar (especially if you’re reading this newsletter) with the brightly coloured paint or flags placed near excavation and construction work in our communities. But there’s so much going on behind the scenes that makes those markings – and makes digging safely – possible.

I arrived at the Dallas Fort Worth airport early for my direct flight to Calgary. It had been a long but rewarding week at the ACTS Now Global Excavation Safety Conference, and I was anxious to get home. I found it strange that there was a long line-up of people waiting to speak with an American Airlines agent but my flight was still “On Time” and I didn’t think much more of it – at least not until I overheard someone mention flight delays and cancellations. I looked at my e-ticket and my flight was still On Time but the display board announcing all flights was lit up in red with “DELAYED” and “CANCELLED” flights – and it wasn’t just American Airlines, it was all airlines.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned working with USP’s committees, it’s that collaboration is the fuel to the damage prevention engine. Each committee brings its own strengths to the table; Education & Awareness gets the word out, Best Practices sets the bar high, and Training Standards ensure the STANDARDs live and breathe in the real world. But when these groups start talking to each other? That’s where things get even more interesting for me.

What happens when an entire industry decides it’s time to build a new home from the ground up?
 
Mike Sullivan sits down with Bruce Campbell, Mark Frost, and Roger Lipscomb—the visionary team behind the Facility Notification Center Association (FNCA).