What is a Dedicated Locator (DL)?
A single locate resource used to mark all underground infrastructure within project area. It is a good solution for large-scale and long-term projects that have complicated requirements.
Who is eligible to use DL?
Designated Broadband projects, a dig project that satisfies such criteria as may be prescribed by the Minister, a dig project for which the Project Owner chooses to use a dedicated locator.
What is a Project Owner?
The party who intends to carry out the excavation or dig project.
When do you submit your DL Project Request Notice to Ontario One Call?
90 Days prior to project start date
What does a member need to do within the initial 10 business days of receiving a DL 90 day notice?
Must agree in writing with Project Owner on a preferred DLSP.
Can Members view DL Requests in the web portal if a suppression has been applied?
Yes
Is there a standard template for the DL agreement between PO and DLSP?
We have a base framework; you can add anything else you’d like to include to the agreement. Contact us and we can share the base framework.
Who is responsible for the fees associated with DL?
The Project Owner is responsible for DL fees. Please refer to our policy here
What is a “designated broadband project”?
Under provincial law, broadband projects where funding (in full or in part) has been provided through the Ministry of Infrastructure for the purposes of deploying broadband and high-speed internet infrastructure in Ontario is considered a designated broadband project.
When did DL requirements for designated broadband projects come into effect?
Statutory changes to the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act mandating the use of the dedicated locator model came into force on April 14th, 2022.
What broadband projects must follow DL requirements?
All designated broadband projects that commence on or after April 14th, 2022 must use the DL model.
Can other broadband projects use the DL model?
Yes. Project owners of non-designated broadband projects, and broadband projects that commenced before April 14th, 2022, may elect to use – or transition to – the DL model.
How should we provide access to DLSPs for mapping and other information/records they may require without breaching security? What format should mapping be provided in?
You can provide them with a log into your system. This can be temporary access, or access to only what they need to see. This can be discussed in the DL agreement between the PO, Member and DLSP, depending on the project scale.
Ideally the best mapping you can provide, such as GIS format, PDF, or anything where the locator can clearly see where they should be locating within your project scope.
What happens if a Project Owner sends the MA with the chosen DLSP and we do not agree/want to use them?
There are legal requirements under the OUINS Act to comply with this part of the new DL model. If you do not accept the suggested DLSP, you need to raise your concerns to the Project Owner and Ontario One Call immediately, as that is what the 10-day window is for.
You cannot self-locate, and all the locating needs to be done by 1 DLSP, hence the requirement to agree upon one.
To learn more about DL click here.
