April is ‘Safe Digging Month’ in B.C. and with spring upon us and temperatures on the rise, many British Columbians are looking to start new home projects as well as large-scale builds.
What they may not know is that under our yards, roads, and work sites is a network of critical infrastructure. Disturbing the ground without contacting BC 1 Call risks service disruption to entire communities, expensive repairs, and serious personal injury.
“Without contacting BC 1 Call, there is no safe way to dig. You may believe you’re being careful enough or that you’re not digging deep enough to hit anything. The fact is, critical infrastructure vital to the services in your neighbourhood and community may be just inches beneath the surface,” warns Donna Grant, President, BC 1 Call.
For the first time, FortisBC cited landscaping as exceeding construction as the top cause of damage to their lines in 2024 —and the ripple of disruption can affect us all. Damage to underground infrastructure may shut down services to hospitals and schools, businesses, airports, transit, and important roadways. Skipping BC 1 Call may leave you responsible for safety risks, inconvenience and possible costs.
BC 1 Call is a free, year-round service. Anyone can request a locate ticket online 24/7 at BC1C.ca, or by phone during regular business hours at 1-800-474-6886.
For more information, be sure to keep checking out the many resources, information, and important safety tips online at BC1C.ca throughout April!