Upcoming Changes to Utility Locate Validity Rules – Effective November 1st

Ontario is introducing a new regulation under the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act (One Call Act) that will allow, in limited circumstances, the continuation of a locate beyond its normal validity period without submitting a full new locate request.

This change comes into effect on November 1, 2026 and is intended to reduce administrative burden on projects where excavation conditions remain unchanged. To qualify for this exemption, the following conditions have to be met:

· the excavation must be the same as originally located;

· the excavator must retain control of the site;

· no transmission infrastructure can be present; and,

· the excavation must occur at least one metre below the lowest identified utility.

Contractors will be required to submit a written confirmation to Ontario One Call within a 10–15-day window before the locate expires, confirming that no changes to the above items have occurred, in order for this to move forward.

The continuation option is not automatic and comes with specific rules. Excavators must maintain documentation on site, allow infrastructure owners access for inspection if required, and notify Ontario One Call immediately of any changes to the excavation plan. The extended validity cannot exceed 180 days from the date of the last locate, after which a new locate will still be required.

This amendment is aimed primarily at longer-duration projects where conditions remain stable, and should not be viewed as a replacement for standard locate practices.

If you have any questions, please contact Patrick McManus (905-629-7766 or patrick.mcmanus@oswca.org).