Exciting News from the SCGA

Saskatchewan continues to set new standards with the amount of annual construction activity.

As we get busier, we are working together with industry to make sensible changes to make sure all construction remains responsible and safe, while expediting projects.

Research with best practices in other jurisdictions showed that properly maintained locate markings can safely be used for longer periods, without triggering the need to slow down projects by requesting re-locates.

Accordingly, the Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance (SCGA) along with Sask 1st Call and industry, will update the standard locate expiry timeframe changes, beginning January 1, 2023. The locate time period will extend from 10 business days to 30 calendar days.

The locate requester will need to preserve markings and have facilities re-located if marks are not clearly visible. Some companies will need to make changes to accommodate the longer time period, which may take time to implement. Accordingly, to prepare for a successful transition, the effective start date will be January 1, 2023.

We thank the excavation community who brought forward the idea for improvement. If you would like to have input into the locating process or other industry practices, please consider becoming an active member of the SCGA.

If you have any questions regarding this topic, please reach out to executivedirector@scga.ca or beforeyoudig@sask1stcall.com.