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Events
2025 LOCATE RODEO & EXCAVATOR CHALLENGE August 21 & 22, 2025 REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED!
We are excited to welcome a full roster for this year’s Locate Rodeo Competition! Thank you to all who registered!
THANK YOU TO THIS YEAR’S RODEO SPONSORS
EXCAVATOR CHALLENGE SPONSORS
This event could not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE NEXT WEEK!
NEW! Let's Talk About It! NEW to 2025 Fall Dig Safe Breakfasts: Join us for an open discussion on current local excavation, development, rehabilitation projects, or initiatives working towards safer excavation. Audience participation is encouraged. Come prepared with any progress updates or questions for the group. 
Education
The DPT 1000 is a four-week comprehensive classroom/in-field practical training required for locators if locating large and established utilities, including dedicated locators (DL) Two weeks - In Class Two weeks - In-Field Practical Training Dates: TBD To register and for additional information, contact: Kimberly Sheppard 905.532.9836
DPT 100 and 200 - Damage Prevention Technician Training (DPT100 and DPT200) provides instruction on the fundamentals of locating. The DPT training is focused on a combination of in-class instruction (in-depth review of techniques used to locate all utility types, safety, locate requests and industry practices), field awareness review, and an on-the-job competency assessment.
The Safe Excavation Training (SET) course sets the standard on damage prevention and safe excavation practices around underground infrastructure. It is the knowledge requirement for excavators in Ontario. Excavators who successfully complete the training will be awarded the Safe Excavation Certificate, demonstrating they know best practices and proper procedures to minimize damage, ensure worker and public safety, and keep projects on time and on budget. They enhance their own and their company's reputation as professionals dedicated to the health of the industry and the public.
DIRT Reporting
Industry News
Source: Link2Build
Four Northern Ontario municipalities are receiving a total of $3.4 million through the province’s Building Faster Fund for beating their 2024 housing-construction targets. The province made the announcements last week.
The City of Greater Sudbury will receive the largest share of the funding at $1.52 million. The city broke ground on 840 new homes in 2024, which works out to 265 percent of its 2024 housing target.
“We are grateful to the Ontario government for recognizing our progress and supporting our efforts to build more housing in Greater Sudbury through the Building Faster Fund,” said Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “By nearly tripling our 2024 housing target, we’ve demonstrated the impact of strong partnerships and a shared commitment to getting more homes built. This funding will allow City Council to further invest in strategic projects that accelerate housing growth and help build a stronger, more livable Greater Sudbury for everyone.”
Source: Link2Build
The Ontario government has announced it will invest more than $82 million over four years to modernize beaches and campgrounds along the St. Lawrence River corridor.
The funding will go to support the St. Lawrence Parks Commission’s (SLPC) multi-year revitalization project, which includes the construction of upgraded, environmentally friendly facilities at Mille Roches Beach and Campground.
"Every summer, Ontario’s lakes, rivers, beaches, and parkland attract millions of domestic and international tourists," said Tourism Minister Stan Cho. "Our investment will help ensure the St. Lawrence Parks Commission has the modern infrastructure it needs to improve its visitor experience and continue welcoming locals and guests from near and far for generations to come."
Source: Link2Build
The Ontario government has committed more than $4 million through its Skills Development Fund (SDF) to help nearly 500 people in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas find good-paying jobs in the construction, industrial, mining and transportation sectors.
Premier Doug Ford made the announcement in Thunder Bay on July 31 alongside members of IBEW Local 402. The union will receive more than $805,000 to train aspiring electricians through in-class and on-the-job training, with a focus on the industrial and mining sectors in Northwestern Ontario. Participants will be offered apprenticeships upon successful completion of the program.
Source: Link2Build
The Ontario government has announced plans to replace two bridges over Highway 401 near Port Hope. The project to replace the Choate Road Overpass and Ganaraska River Bridge is part of the province’s work to accommodate the future widening of the highway.
“As Ontario continues to grow, our government is investing historic amounts to protect Ontario by building the new roads, highways, and bridges we need to keep drivers moving and our economy growing,” said Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria. “Replacing these bridges near Port Hope is vital for eastern Ontario, as it paves the way for widening Highway 401 and will save time for the over 50,000 drivers who rely on this stretch every day.”
Source: On-Site
Provinces sign agreements supporting new infrastructure to get Ontario’s critical minerals and Western Canada’s oil and gas to new markets.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have signed a pair of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to support the construction of new pipelines, rail lines, and other energy and trade infrastructure aimed at diversifying Canada’s trading partners, unlocking new markets for Ontario’s critical minerals and Western Canada’s oil and gas.
Ear to the Ground
Member News
Within the Enbridge Damage Prevention department, the team is always trying to come up with creative solutions to reduce gas line damages. One consistent trend we observe is a higher rate of damage from Sewer and Water work. Jason Syragakis came up with a creative challenge for a Toronto-based sewer and water contractor, CG Construction Services Ltd, to complete one full year of ground disturbance with no gas line damages. This was a lofty target given the volume and scope of the projects CG Construction Services was undertaking in 2024.
Do you have concerns about your employee benefits program getting hit by large cost prescription drugs? Have you experienced increasing healthcare premiums with no end in site? Looking for a solution that works and gives tremendous financial relief without decreasing benefits for your team members? Contact an expert who can help.
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