Call before you dig: utility locate rules
Contact Ontario One Call before you dig or do any work that breaks ground. Call 1-800-400-2255 or visit ontarioonecall.ca.
Underground utilities may be buried just below the surface. You’re responsible for any damage.
On this page:
- Call before work starts
- Follow utility locate rules
- Find your water shut off valve
- Check if you need a permit
Call before work starts
Contact Ontario One Call at least 5 business days before your project starts.
You must request a locate any time you plan to dig or disturb the ground.
Request a locate if your project involves:
- digging for a fence, deck, pool or addition
- replacing or paving a driveway
- installing or repairing drainage or irrigation systems
- landscaping, planting trees or removing stumps
- clearing a blocked sewer
- hiring a contractor to dig or drill on your property
Follow utility locate rules
Follow these rules for all locates in Waterloo:
- keep underground infrastructure supported at all times
- request a new locate if your project is delayed more than two weeks
- never dig, grade or excavate with mechanical equipment until you confirm all utility locations
- stay within the area marked by your locate
- hand-dig within 1 metre of a marked utility
- tell the city if you expose underground infrastructure for more than 1.25 metres
Locates are valid for 60 days — then you must reapply.
Find your water shut-off valve
If you’re paving or landscaping near your driveway, find your water shut-off valve before starting work.
This helps prevent damage.
Check if you need a building permit
Before you start, visit the building permit page to find out if your project needs a permit.