In Q4, 2025, USP launched a search for an Executive Director to initiate and navigate USP’s Damage Prevention Certification program. Utility Safety Partners (USP) and the Training Standards Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Coral Lukaniuk as Executive Director, Damage Prevention Certification (DPC). This new role reflects USP’s continued commitment to strengthening competency, accountability, and professionalism across the damage prevention landscape.

On February 4, 2026, Before You Dig Partners (the BC 1 Call, Utility Safety Partners, Sask 1st Call, Click Before You Dig MB alliance) launch the next phase of improvements to the locate request software in Western Canada. This update implements tools and software features that will facilitate the locate request process and assist stakeholders in organizing and tracking locate request tickets.

You know a recent conversation on a pipeline failure that would never have been found by traditional pipeline integrity methods caused me to reflect on what it means to be an integrity specialist.  Unfortunately the failure could have easily been prevented by either the designer knowing the impact of their specification and/or the construction field inspector noticing a potential problem. 

Across Alberta, damage prevention is evolving as development expands, equipment grows heavier, and underground networks become more complex. Whether you’re a landowner, contractor, or industry professional, understanding what constitutes a ground disturbance, and what permissions are required before work begins, is essential to keeping people, property, and the environment safe.

We are currently updating all our asset-owner members’ contact information. For asset-owner members, it is important to keep your company’s contact information up to date, as this information is used to communicate with your organization, including communication about ticket notifications. 

New year, new U…SP! The holidays are done and gone, and we’re all back to the grind. What a grind it is this season! We’re full-bore on a long-awaited ticket taking software update this winter, with the modern iteration of the Pelican software being deployed very soon...
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Each year, USP hosts free breakfast events around the province, where Albertans can enjoy a hot meal while they learn about working safely around underground and overhead facilities. At each breakfast, local facility owners and safety representatives share important information and updates with community members living or working in the region. Everyone is welcome to attend, learn, ask questions, and connect with others. We hope you can join us at a breakfast near you!

In recent years, the ground disturbance and utility locating sector has continued to evolve in response to regulatory changes, technological advancements, and an increased emphasis on safety and risk mitigation. As construction activity remains robust across urban and suburban environments, stakeholders from contractors to utility owners are adopting practices to address ongoing challenges, particularly in the accuracy of locates and coordination of pipeline crossings.

There was a time when the idea of requesting a utility locate online felt almost reckless. I recall showing my fresh new and rebranded Alberta One-Call Corporation business card to an industry colleague and when he saw the ClickBeforeYouDig brand on the back of the card, he went up one side of me and down the other! Oh, how times have changed.

In 2025, USP unveiled a new scholarship program to support the next generation of safety professionals. We are excited to share that the 2026 application period is now open! We encourage students pursuing studies in fields related to utility safety – such as engineering, environmental science, occupational health and safety, and other relevant disciplines – to apply.