Frequently asked questions

If you are digging on private property, you should have a private locate in addition to Ontario One Call. One Call only arranges marks for publicly owned utilities up to the service connection — usually the property line. Anything past that point on your property is private, and One Call will not mark it.

Typical examples: a gas line to a pool heater, power to a garage or shed, private water or sanitary laterals, and underground landscape lighting.

No. A private locate does not replace Ontario One Call. They cover different things.

One Call is still required for public utilities (gas, water, sewer, electric, and telecommunications up to your property line). A private locate covers privately owned lines on your property that One Call does not mark. Before you dig, you typically need both.

Ontario One Call notifies the public utility companies so they can mark their own lines up to the service connection point, usually the property line. That public service is free of charge.

It does not cover privately owned utilities on your property past that connection point.

Arrow Locates marks privately owned underground utilities on your property, including:

• Gas lines
• Electrical lines
• Water lines
• Communication lines
• Sanitary line to the house (requires an accessible clean-out to insert a traceable rod)

See Services for the full list of project types we support.

Book a private locate before any digging, drilling, or excavation on private property — including fences, decks, pools, landscaping, renovations, borehole drilling, hydrovac, and construction. If you are not sure whether a line is public or private, request a private locate and still place a One Call ticket.

The standard rate is a $120 minimum service charge, which includes the first hour. After the first hour, work is billed at $50 in 30-minute increments.

Most straightforward, single-address locates (for example a gas line to a pool heater, decorative lighting, or a single water line) can typically be completed within that minimum. More complex sites may take longer. Requests outside the core service area may include a travel fee of $0.85/km.

View rates

A straightforward locate at a single address is often completed within the first hour. Properties with several services, limited access, or a larger work area can take longer. If you think the job may run long, include that in your request and we can discuss a time estimate.

We provide private locates across Niagara Region, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Haldimand, and surrounding areas. Requests outside the core area may be accommodated depending on location and availability, and may include a travel fee.

See areas we serve

Yes — a sanitary line to the house can be marked when there is an accessible clean-out so a traceable rod can be inserted. If there is no accessible clean-out, we may not be able to complete that portion of the locate.

Use the request form with your address, project details, and preferred time of day, or call (289) 455-9201. We typically reply within 24 hours. If you do not hear back, please call to make sure the request was received.