BC 1 Call launches campaign urging builders to dig safely
The safe digging group plans to spread its message through TV, radio and digital ads.
Key Takeaways:
- BC 1 Call launched its 2025 Awareness Campaign to remind homeowners, businesses, and contractors to click or call before digging to prevent damaging underground infrastructure and ensure public safety.
- Striking buried utilities can disrupt critical services like power and gas, not just for one home but entire neighborhoods. BC 1 Call’s free service helps identify underground infrastructure before digging begins, making accidents avoidable.
- Safe Digging Month was officially recognized by the B.C. Legislature, with support from multiple stakeholders across construction, energy, and public safety sectors calling for stronger regulations, increased awareness, and broader adoption of safe digging practices.
The Whole Story:
April is ‘Safe Digging Month’ in B.C. and the launch of “digging season” in B.C.
BC 1 Call stated that extensive critical infrastructure exists just beneath the surface and the public is at far greater risk than they may know. BC 1 Call connects the digging community with the owners of underground infrastructure for free—but only if they click or call before they dig.
As a public safety service from April to September, BC 1 Call is conducting its 2025 Awareness Campaign to amplify the importance of clicking or calling before digging, including three different television spots, radio ads and digital.
“Who hasn’t taken safety for granted? We’ve all stood too high on a ladder or neglected to put on safety glasses thinking it’s ok just this once. Unfortunately, when we dig before contacting BC 1 Call, we risk cutting off critical services not just to our own home or business but to all those around us. Do you want to be the one responsible for cutting off power to your neighbourhood during a big game or air conditioning during a heat dome? It happens far more than it should, plus our service is free. There are no good excuses,” BC 1 Call president Donna Grant said.
Provincial Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix announced the start of Safe Digging Month on April 3 in the B.C. Legislature’s first session of its 43rd Parliament. Representatives from BC 1 Call, BC Common Ground Alliance, FortisBC, BC Municipal Safety Association, Public Works Association of BC, WorkSafeBC, BC Construction Association, BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association, and other stakeholders met with MLAs from both parties to emphasize the need for safe digging regulations and legislation along with broader awareness.
Once a homeowner, business or construction project requests a free locate online or by calling 1-800-474-6886, BC 1 Call uses its mapping system to identify the relevant owners of underground infrastructure who are also BC 1 Call members. Each member is notified so they can provide critical information to those about to disturb the ground.
