Category: News

Kwantlen Polytechnic University will be offering the 3 day BCCGA Utility Locator Specialist course this November 15,16 & 17 at KPU Tech 5500 – 180th Street, Surrey, BC. Course details can be found on the EOCP web link at: http://www.trainingregistry.eocp.ca/get/showCourseDetails.php?CourseNum=8240  If you are interested please register at the…

The 11th Annual Bridging the Gap Conference & Trade Show targeted at Construction Safety will be held on October 27th and 28th at the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver. Register Now!

The Canadian Common Ground Alliance harmonized Best Practices version 2.0 was launched at the CCGA Damage Prevention Symposium on October 19th. We will be getting a limited number of printed copies, but if you are interested in an electronic version, click here!

2015 Gas Code Training is available through BC Safety Authority (BCSA) this Fall. There are 3 options to choose from:  1.    Online videos Cost: Free Available through BCSA’s Online Learning Centre (learn.safetyauthority.ca) end of September Video Features: Choose which modules to watch, or watch them…

Please click THIS LINK to read Senator Mitchell’s speech delivered this past Tuesday in the Senate. BCCGA will be hosting a forum with Senator Mitchell and Mike Sullivan from the Canadian CGA onOctober 12th in Vancouver at the Morris J. Wosk Centre of Dialogue, Room 420 at 580 W Hastings…

Congratulations to the Integrated Water Services division at the Capital Regional District for winning the City of Excellence Gold Standard award for the second year in a row.  This group of workers has ensured worker and public safety through excellent ground disturbance practices in and…

Following several months of review with stakeholders, including a transparent comment period in early 2016, the Underground Infrastructure Safety Enhancement Act was tabled by Senator Grant Mitchell in the Senate on September 29, 2016. BCCGA will be hosting a forum with Senator Mitchell and Mike Sullivan…

Please be advised that our next Member and Board Meetings will be held on October 12, 2016 from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm in the Morris J. Wosk Centre of Dialogue, Room 420 at 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6.   The agenda for the day is attached. From…

The Western Canada 2015 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report provides detailed analyses and recommendations pertaining to the submitted buried asset damage event reports in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. DIRT is the result of the efforts of the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) to gather…

The CCGA Damage Prevention Symposium is less than 2 months away….Register Now! The Fourth Annual Canadian Common Ground Alliance Damage Prevention Symposium will return to beautiful Banff, Alberta, October 18-20, 2016, including a keynote address by Rex Murphy! This event will focus on critical issues…

Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of BC and Kwantlen Polytechnic University are hosting the next Utility Locator Specialist Course. The first responsibility of anyone involved in ground disturbance projects is to locate and mark the location of buried pipes, cables, etc. BC’s extensive underground utility…

Your Opinion Matters! The National Energy Board has brought new Damage Prevention Regulations into law and are asking Canadians for input into the engagement strategies that would be the best ways to reach relevant parties about these new Regulations. As part of these efforts, the…

Racing for Safety Social Event – August 26th, Hastings Raceway, Vancouver – rsvp to cheryl@commongroundbc.ca Fourth Annual Canadian Common Ground Alliance Damage Prevention Symposium – October 18-20, Banff, Alberta 11th Annual Bridging the Gap Conference & Trade Show — October 27th and 28th, Italian Cultural Centre,…

Don your finest suits, dresses and head toppers (or just wear shorts!) and join us on Friday, August 26th at the Hastings Race Course for our first ever Racing for Safety Social Event… …which will, undoubtedly, include Beer (for Safety). Friday Nights at Hastings includes Live…

CSA Group will be developing a standard on Land Use Planning for Pipelines starting this fall and is outreaching to all stakeholders to gauge interest in participating on a new CSA Committee. A CSA workshop was held on May 26, 2016, to discuss this topic…

The summer 2016 edition of the Damage Prevention Professional (DPP), with a bunch of Canadian content, is now available.   The following Canadian articles appear in the DPP: Federal One Call Legislation – a Step towards New Provincial Legislation (BC focused article) A half-page advertisement for…

Please note for your calendars –> we have invited Senator Mitchell to our October meeting and he is not available on October 5th so we have moved the meeting to October 12th.  Location will be determined.

Event Start: October 18, 2016 Event End:   October 20, 2016 Location:     Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta This event will focus on critical issues specific to Canadian stakeholders. This is an excellent opportunity to network with your peers from across Canada and share…

The Government of Canada has set up a Ministerial Panel to hear from Canadians on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. As part of these engagement efforts, the Government of Canada has launched an online questionnaire for Canadians to submit their feedback on the project. The…

BC One Call Limited is a not-for-profit corporation established for the purposes of increasing public and worker safety, and reducing damage to underground infrastructure within the province of British Columbia. BC One Call is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to obtain a contact centre operator that will be…

As of 19 June 2016 the National Energy Board Pipeline Crossing Regulations, Parts I & II are repealed and are replaced  by the National Energy Board Regulations for Pipeline Damage Prevention which come into force on 19 June 2016. Please find attached the following documents:…

Please be advised that our next Member and Board Meetings will be held on June 22, 2016 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm in the BC Hydro offices at 333 Dunsmuir Street in Vancouver.  The agenda for the day is attached. We have two special presentations ~ Bryce…

BC Safety Authority’s 2015 Annual Report has been published, and we invite you to have a read. This report provides an overview of BCSA’s operational and financial performance in relation to targets set in the organization’s 2016-2018 Business Plan  and in alignment with BCSA’s 10-Year…

The BCCGA Utility Locator Specialist course will be running on June 8, 9 & 10th in Kamloops at Thompson Rivers University (TRU).  Kwantlen Polytechnic University, with permission from BCCGA, is running the 3 day ULS course and there are a few spots left. For more information or…

The BCCGA Utility Locator Specialist course will be running on June 8, 9 & 10th in Kamloops (Location TBA). Kwantlen Polytechnic University, with permission from BCCGA, is running the ULS course and there are 7 spots left. For more information or if you know someone who would like…

Data informs nearly every aspect of BCCGA’s operations and industry recommendations. From the formation and publication of our Best Practices manual to public awareness efforts, BCCGA’s Data Reporting & Evaluation program touches every aspect of damage prevention. The program collects critical information, allows us to…

We are pleased to share with you the BC Safety Authority’s 2015 State of Safety Report, a comprehensive overview of BCSA’s activities and information analysis, including data on installation and operating assessments, incident investigations, as well as research and enforcement activities.  The report is designed to…

Registration Now Open! Dates: October 18-20, 2016 Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta Registration is LIMITED The fourth annual Canadian Common Ground Alliance Damage Prevention Symposium is returning to beautiful Banff, Alberta. Meet with fellow industry stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting Canada’s buried infrastructure. This…

BC Safety Authority is hosting its 2nd Electrical Conference in Langley June 8th Protective Equipment – How Codes & Regulations are Keeping Us Safe. A variety of guest speakers are joining us, including: Jeff Bosch (Littelfuse) Bill Simpson (on behalf of CSA) Sunny Ghataurah (AES…

April 27, 2016 – BCCGA Executive Director Dave Baspaly & M.J. Whitemarsh, Senior Consultant, were acknowledged in the BC Legislature’s Gallery today as the Members were told that  April is Dig Safe Month across Canada and here in BC – a campaign reminding us to ‘CLICK…

On behalf of Public Works and Government Services Canada: Are you interested in supplying or subcontracting with the federal government? Have you had issues obtaining an appropriate security clearance? You’re invited to attend a free Security Clearance information session hosted by The Office of Small and…

The BCCGA Utility Locator Specialist course will be running on April 26, 27 & 28th at the CLAC Training Centre in Langley. Kwantlen Polytechnic University, with permission from BCCGA, is running the first ULS course and there are 6 spots left. For more information or if you know…

Abbotsford on April 19th —  Register online here!  Deadline is April 17th. Naniamo on April 22nd — Register online here!  Deadline is April 20th. Steve Howe will be speaking about his experience at both events. EECOL Electric & Radiodetection Underground Utilities Locate Systems will be conducting “The Fundamentals of Underground Utilities, Cable…

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on April 20, 2016  from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm at: BC Hydro – Presentation Centre 333 Dunsmuir Street Vancouver, BC The Agenda and Minutes from last year are available for your reference.  The agenda includes a list of Stakeholder Seats that…

On April 28, 2016, WorkSafeBC, the BC Federation of Labour, and the Business Council of British Columbia will co-host an annual Day of Mourning ceremony in downtown Vancouver at Jack Poole Plaza. Day of Mourning ceremonies have been held across the country ever since the…

April 2016 is once again be National DigSafe Month, the time of year when all Common Ground Alliance stakeholders come together to communicate how important it is that professionals and homeowners call before they dig and follow the safe digging process to help prevent injuries, property damage and…

Please share this message with all of your members, customers and contacts… REGISTER NOW! We want to buy you breakfast! Anyone planning to dig, anywhere in the province—excavating contractors, road crews, landscapers, fence installers, sign companies, farmers and homeowners—should know how to dig safely and…

Registration is now LIVE for the BC Construction Safety Alliance May 3, 2016 Vancouver Regional Event.  Date: Tuesday May 3, 2016 Time: 7:30am – 9:00am (registration opens at 6:30am with hot buffet breakfast being served at 7:00am) Location: Trev Deeley Motorcycles – 1875 Boundary Road, Vancouver…

The Pipeline Safety Act (Bill C-46) received royal assent on18 June 2015, and makes amendments to the National Energy Board Act (NEB Act) that will be in force within one year. Due to the Pipeline Safety Act amendments to the NEB Act (sections 2 and…

I am pleased to inform you that the second draft of the Underground Infrastructure Safety Enhancement Act (previously Bill S-233) has been released for comment. The comment period is 25 calendar days; closingUnderground Infrastructure Safety Enhancement Act (previously Bill S-233) Click HERE for the CCGA…

Thanks to Steve Howe for speaking to our members and guests at our annual Contractors Breakfasts in Vancouver and Kamloops.  Steve’s story and his message about workplace safety was incredibly compelling.  Thank you to attendees for coming! Steve was interviewed by the Journal of Commerce…

April 4, 2016:  Supervisory Level Ground Disturbance Training Sheraton Hotel, Red Deer – ONLY 60 SEATS AVAILABLE April 5, 2016: Dig Safe Conference Theme: Speak up, we’re listening Keynote Speaker: Sheldon Kennedy Sheraton Hotel, Red Deer ABCGA Dig Safe Events Invite Register Now!

Please share this message with all of your members, customers and contacts… REGISTER NOW! We want to buy you breakfast! High voltage lines, oil and gas pipelines, water, sewer and fiber optics lines lie in vast networks underground. The consequences of damage to buried infrastructure…

Enform is seeking industry feedback on its draft publication, Ground Disturbance and Damage Prevention: A Program Development Guide. This document replaces the Drilling and Completions Committee (DACC) Sanctioned Ground Disturbance and Damage Prevention IRP Volume 17 (2009). The guideline provides a minimum standard for conducting…

The “Comment and Feedback” matrix for Bill S-233 that has been under development since November 2015 was completed earlier today and posted to the CCGA website. You can view the News Bulletin and link to the matrix HERE.   Please share it with your respective…

Please be advised that our next Member and Board Meetings will be held on January 27, 2016 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm in the BC Hydro offices at 333 Dunsmuir Street in Vancouver.  The agenda for the day is attached. We have one special presentation ~…

We are pleased to present this year’s ‘BCCGA Report to our Members and Partners’ on behalf of our Board of Directors. This report provides a summary of the main successes that have taken place throughout the 2015 calendar year in relation to our strategic priorities. From our perspective, 2015 has been…

After several weeks of conference calls with Parliamentary Counsel and Kyle Johnston, Senator Mitchell’s Legislative Assistant on Bill S-233, which died on paper this year when the federal government called for the elections, we are very close to releasing responses to comments and feedback received…

For your calendars, we have scheduled our 2016 BCCGA Member / Board meetings as follows: January 27 April 20 (Annual General Meeting and Board Seat elections) June 22 and  October 5th Raj Sharma of BC Hydro has graciously offered a meeting space at the BC…

Are you a new Immigrant looking to improve your job prospects in the Construction Sector? MOSAIC Language Centre is offering a FREE program that will provide workers with English for Construction. REGISTER TODAY because seats are limited. When: November 9, 2015 to March 17, 2016 (with…

As stakeholders and members of the BC Common Ground Alliance you have an unique understanding of what frustrates your businesses when interacting with government. This is your opportunity to engage with your network and help government in its quest to cut red tape and make it…

The BCCGA Social Committee invites you to join us for our Christmas Social Event – Beer for Safety on December 10th. A new twist for the holiday season, we will meet at the Christmas Market at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza (650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver) at…

FRIDAY, NOV 13, 2015 ~ The Bakersfield Californian One person died and three others were sent to the hospital with second- and third-degree burns Friday afternoon after a natural gas line explosion sent flames hundreds of feet into the air near Houghton and Wible roads…

NEW WESTMINSTER, BC (October 23, 2015) – Seven recipients from multiple technology sectors have been selected to receive BC’s highest safety honour at BC Safety Authority’s 9th annual Lieutenant Governor Safety Awards. The awards, which will be presented by BC Safety Authority on November 23,…

COMMENT PERIOD closing 13 November 2015 The National Energy Board (Board or NEB) has released an information paper for public comment during the period of 20 October to 13 November 2015. The purpose of the information paper is to communicate the impacts of the Pipeline…

The ClickBeforeYouDig.com portal is now functional for Canada and the United States. When you get to the ClickBeforeYouDig.com website, scroll down and click on the yellow DigSafe icon – because there’s more to damage prevention than initiating a locate request.

WorkSafeBC and associations would like to invite you to this year’s construction safety conference Bridging the Gap. The audience for this Conference is  anyone interested in safety, construction, managers, supervisors, safety consultants and students.  The website for details and to register is www.bridgingthegapsafely.com The speakers are…

Please be advised that our next Member and Board Meetings will be held on October 1, 2015 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm in the Yaletown Roundhouse at 181 Roundhouse Mews in Vancouver.  The agenda for the day is attached. We have two special presentations ~ Darlene…

The Western Canada 2014 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report provides detailed analyses and recommendations pertaining to the submitted buried asset damage event reports in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. DIRT is the result of the efforts of the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) to gather…

WorkSafeBC, in partnership with the BC Construction Safety Alliance, the BC Association of Restoration Contractors, the British Columbia Common Ground Alliance, the BC Association for Crane Safety, and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering are proud to host the 10th annual Bridging the Gap, Construction Safety Conference. This…

The BCCGA Social Committee invites you to join us for our Social Event – Beer for Safety – to be held at Mahony & Sons Stamps Landing at 601 Stamps Landing (False Creek) , Vancouver, BC on September 2nd at 5 pm. We will pick up a few appies for…

In July, we shared with you the first edition of the Western Canada Damage Prevention Professional Magazine.   You can read the digital version of the magazine HERE.  The magazine will be published quarterly. There are advertising opportunities for your organization or company in each edition that will…

The CGA released the 2014 DIRT Report earlier today. Follow THIS LINK to download the PDF (give it time – it’s a big document). Although the report focuses on root cause of damages to underground infrastructure in the United States, data from Québec, Ontario, Saskatchewan,…

This email is being sent to you on behalf of Senator Mitchell’s office with  the request to please circulate among the members of your respective associations, partners, underground infrastructure contacts and Boards. Please direct any inquiries to his office as noted below. _______________________________________________________ Dear Underground Infrastructure Safety…

We are quickly approaching the early registration deadline (July 31) for this year’s event.   The 2015 CCGA Damage Prevention Symposium is being held on October 6-8, 2015 at the beautiful LeCentre Sheraton in Montreal, Quebec. There is an excellent program planned this year.  Along with…

2015 Western Canada Summer Edition Issue Spotlight: GPS, GIS & Utility Mapping/Telecommunications & Broadband View Digital Issue HERE

Canadian Energy Pipeline Association Blog ~ July 8, 2015 If you ever watched Fraggle Rock, the idea of a world literally underground is nothing new. Although Fraggles and Doozers are yet to be discovered in Canada, there is a vast world just below our feet.…

Dates: October 6-8, 2015 Location: Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel – Montreal, Quebec Registration is LIMITED — REGISTER NOW Please help us get more stakeholders involved in damage prevention by passing this email on to 10 people you feel can make a difference. This event…

The BCCGA Social Committee invites you to join us for our Annual Social Event – Beer for Safety – to be held at CRAFT Beer Market at 85 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver, BC on June 25th at 6 pm. We will pick up a few appies for…

Ottawa, June 17, 2015 – Today Senator Grant Mitchell tabled legislation that will create a federal underground infrastructure notification system which is consistent with most other provincial jurisdictions across Canada.  See Bill S-233 in full. The legislation will require owners and operators of federally regulated…

To All Industry Stakeholders:  CAPULC is pleased to announce the release of the remaining industry specific competencies; Water, Sanitary Sewer, Storm Water and Privately Owned that now completes the first edition of the draft Underground Facility Locator (UFL) Competency Profile (click on each file below).  CAPULC is requesting reviews and comments…

Bill 9 received Royal Assent on May 14 and contains a number of changes to Part 3 of the Workers Compensation Act (the Act). The goal of the changes is to improve workplace health and safety and strengthen the tools that WorkSafeBC uses to enforce…

Please be advised that our next Member and Board Meetings will be held on June 4, 2015 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm in the Boardroom at Spectra Energy at 1100 – 1055 West Georgia Street in Vancouver.  The agenda for the day is attached. We have…

To All Industry Stakeholders:  CAPULC is pleased to announce the completion of the first edition of the Underground Facility Locator (UFL) Competency Profile (see below). The remaining industry specific competencies (Water, Sanitary Sewer, Storm Water and Privately Owned) will be sent out for public review next week.…

Issue Spotlight:  View Digital Issue HERE Utility Locating & Marking/ Electric & Private Facilities Privately-Owned Facilities are Everyone’s Responsibility Private facilities are lines that are not owned or maintained by local utilities. This can be water, gas, electric, sewer, phone, cable TV, etc. These facilities generally…

April 10, 2015 – National Post How many times have you picked up a shovel and started digging because you were either landscaping, installing a deck or a fence, adding a garden or planting a tree? Did you know you could be breaking the law?…

April is Safe Digging Month…. Victoria on April 22nd — Register online here!  Deadline is April 19th. Castlegar on April 30th — Register online here!  Deadline is April 28th. ** Note that you must register separately for the Contractor Breakfast and the Locating Workshop. **…

April is Safe Digging Month…. Our next Contractor Breakfast will be held in Kelowna on April 8th — Register online here!  Deadline is April 7th. Steve Howe will be speaking about his experience.  See Steve Howe’s story on uTube.   ** Note that you must…

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on April 15, 2015  from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm at Morris J Wosk Boardroom Library Square 350 West Georgia Street Vancouver, BC. The Agenda and Minutes from last year are available for your reference.  The agenda includes a list of Stakeholder…

Ground disturbers, such as excavating contractors, road crews, landscapers, fence installers, sign companies, farmers, and homeowners, keep yourselves and our communities safe and connected by following proper ground disturbance procedures. Your safety is our top priority. BC Common Ground Alliance invites you to the April is…

April is Safe Digging Month…. Burnaby on March 31st —  Register online here!  Deadline is March 27th.  Steve Howe will be speaking about his experience. Kelowna on April 8th — Register online here! Deadline is March 31st. Victoria on April 22nd — Register online here!  Deadline is April…

We are reaching out to excavators and ground disturbers in hopes that you will take 3-5 minutes for a short survey regarding BC One Call. We are interested in hearing your feedback regarding the current service, as well as suggestions for improvement and development. Note…

April 2015 will once again be National Safe Digging Month, the time of year when all Common Ground Alliance stakeholders come together to communicate how important it is that professionals and homeowners call before they dig and follow the safe digging process to help prevent injuries, property…

Join the Alberta Common Ground Alliance in Calgary as they share ideas, opportunities and best practices for damage prevention and safety. For more details, CLICK HERE.  

Please be advised that our next Member and Board Meetings will be held on February 5, 2015 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm in the Trophy Room at the Vancouver Rowing Club at 450 Stanley Park Drive in Vancouver.  The agenda for the day is attached.…

The face to face Member / Board meeting dates for 2015 is as follows: Thursday, February 5, 2015 Wednesday, April 15, 2015 Thursday, June 4, 2015 Thursday, October 1, 2015 The Board Operations Conference Call updates will be held on: Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Wednesday, May…

2014 is coming to a close and we would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.   The meeting schedule for 2015 is as follows: Thursday, February 5, 2015 Wednesday, April 15, 2015 Thursday, June 4, 2015 Thursday, October 1, 2015 Remember…

OTTAWA (December 3, 2014) Overview Every year, thousands of buried facilities such as cables, wires, pipelines, water mains and sewer lines are accidently damaged by excavators. Services are interrupted in nearly every case and sometimes incidents lead to injury, death and/or significant environmental contamination. In…

The City of Excellence Award was created in 2010 to recognize local governments for activities that improve ground disturbance, safe excavation techniques and best practices at or around underground infrastructure, in the year previous to the award.  Any BC local government – including City, Village,…

Please join us for a pint of Christmas cheer…. Date:  Monday, December 8th, 2014 at 5:30 PM Reservation: Under BC Common Ground Alliance Location:  CRAFT Beer Market, 85 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver, BC      –> www.craftbeermarket.ca Please RSVP to cheryl@commongroundbc.ca so we know how many to expect.

Prince George – December 9, 2014 –> Register Now! For excavators and companies who disturb the ground in any way, our DigSafe BC! workshop is important. There are critical infrastructures underground that are vital to healthy communities and business continuity, but can be dangerous to public…

The 9th annual Bridging the Gap conference is a two-day conference on safety in the construction industry.  The all plenary sessions will include on site safety responsibilities and supervision, occupational disease prevention (asbestos and silica), alternatives to ladders, MSI prevention and return to work, traffic…

The CCGA Best Practices, Volume 1.0, is now available in PDF from the CCGA website under the “News” tab – or click HERE to go directly to the page. The cost of the BPs is $10.00/manual; including shipping and handling. Once again, a sincere ‘thank-you’…

Victoria – November 13, 2014, University of Victoria – Register Now! For excavators and companies who disturb the ground in any way, our DigSafe BC! workshop is important. There are critical infrastructures underground that are vital to healthy communities and business continuity, but can be…

Prince George – Postponed to early December – Date TBD For excavators and companies who disturb the ground in any way, our DigSafe BC! workshop is important. There are critical infrastructures underground that are vital to healthy communities and business continuity, but can be dangerous…

For excavators and companies who disturb the ground in any way, our DigSafe BC! workshop is important. There are critical infrastructures underground that are vital to healthy communities and business continuity, but can be dangerous to public safety and worker safety if struck.  This workshop…

Please be advised that our next Member and Board Meetings will be held on October 8, 2014 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm in the Spectra Energy Boardroom in Vancouver.  The agenda for the day is attached. We have three special presentations ~ Michelle Petrusevich will outline…

European fire ants were first seen in British Columbia in 2010. Since then, they have been found in the Lower Mainland, the Fraser Valley, and southern Vancouver Island. Their nests are found in moist, shaded places such as lawns and grassy areas, under decaying logs,…