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Line Locates

If you are planning to dig or disturb the ground in any way, it is important to find out what is buried below ground. You must submit a locate request. It is the law to protect your safety and the safety of others.

For your convenience, all city utilities including gas, electric, water and sewer are located with just one call to 1-800-242-3447.

  • You must submit your request at least three full working days before you intend to dig.
  • Locate markings like paint, flags, etc. are valid for a maximum of 30 calendar days unless otherwise stated by owner/operator. If flags and markings are no longer visible, a new locate is required before the work can take place.


When to call

Some examples of ground disturbances include but are not limited to:

  • removal of soil
  • pounding or drilling fence posts
  • trenching
  • tree planting
  • digging out an area for a garden
  • blasting
  • auguring
  • tunnelling
  • levelling

Consequences can include potential injury and harm to yourself and others, environmental harm, costly damages to home, property, equipment and enforcement penalties.

Telecommunications locates

Medicine Hat is served largely by two different telecommunications providers: Telus and Shaw. To request line locates for telecoms, please call:

  • Telus (through Utility Safety Partners): 1-800-242-3447
  • Shaw: 1-866-344-7429 or digshaw.ca

Irrigation locates

Contractors conducting work on public property like boulevards or parks are required to have city-owned sprinklers and sprinkler lines located. Call 403-529-8333 to arrange for Parks and Recreation staff to attend.

What do the coloured markings mean?

White proposed excavation

Pink temporary survey marks

Red electrical

Yellow gas, oil, steam

Orange telecommunications

Blue potable water

Green sanitary and storm sewer

Purple reclaimed water, irrigation

Contact Us

Line Locates

Alberta One-Call
1-800-242-3447

City Gas & Electric locate staff
403-529-8257

City Water & Sewer locate staff
403-529-8176

City Irrigation locates
403-529-8333

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