BC 1 Call Announces a new President

BC 1 Call has announced the appointment of Donna Grant as President, effective October 21, 2024.  Donna will lead the organization in its important efforts in damage prevention and safety related to B.C.’s underground infrastructure.  “I look forward to bringing my experience and commitment to…

Did you know?

BCCGA is not a training provider. That said, we work with our members to ensure that education around safe digging practices is available and meets minimum requirements. The training and certification requirements to perform work in BC depends on who you are performing work for.…

Ground Disturbance Exellence Award – City of Kelowna

We were thrilled to attend the BC Municipal Safety Association/Public Works Association of BC Joint Annual Conference and Tradeshow on October 8th and to present the Ground Disturbance Excellence Award to the City of Kelowna. Thanks to BCMSA for hosting us and Congratulations to the…

2024 BCLNA Holiday Gala – Everyone Welcome!

It’s the jolliest time of the year! Join us at BC Landscaping and Nursery Association’s annual holiday gala, where we get together to enjoy good food and celebrate! Thursday, December 5 · 6 – 11:30pm PST at Delta Hotels Burnaby Conference Centre Everyone is Welcome!…

Contractor Breakfast – Kamloops October 10th – REGISTER NOW!

BC Common Ground Alliance invites you t o join us for breakfast and share your thoughts with our speakers on our Shared Responsibility in Underground Disturbance Activities. Generously sponsored by our members We hope you will join us DATE:                          Thursday, October 10, 2024 TIME:                          6:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.…

Become a DIRT Reporter!

Help BCCGA to target damage prevention and safety solutions and messaging to benefit workers, the public and the environment…become a DIRT reporter now! It’s easier than ever. Just as a reminder, ALL data collected by BCCGA is anonymous and confidential and is used to produce the annual National DIRT Report.  This…

Training and Education at BCCGA

BCCGA is not a training provider. That said, we work with our members to ensure that education around safe digging practices is available and meets minimum requirements. The training and certification requirements to perform work in BC depends on who you are performing work for.…

CER Feedback on Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR)

The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) continues to seek feedback for the Phase 2 review of the Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR) and the Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment and Lands portion of the Filing Manuals (FM). In July, CER hosted virtual information sessions to provide general information about the…

CER Efficiency Project

The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) is considering replacing the Section 58 Streamlining Order and the Decommissioning Exemption Order with a simplified project review process for certain negligible-risk and low-risk activities. Project details and a Discussion Paper are posted on the CER Dialogue Page. The CER is…

CSA Z260 Pipeline System Safety Metrics – Comments open

The Public Review for the new edition of CSA Z260 Pipeline system safety metrics has opened and will remain live until August 31st. If you would like to review the draft and leave your comments, you can do so by going here: https://publicreview.csa.ca/Home/Details/5356. Please feel free to circulate…

Excavation Safety Alliance Town Hall – Recording

Can the creation of a Damage Prevention Professional designation/certification program help reduce damages and improve safety? Many professions require certification to be qualified to do the task. Once you are certified you need to meet some ongoing education requirements to stay current. Right now, there…

It’s Public Works Week!

BCCGA recognizes Public Works Week as a time to celebrate everyone who contributes to BC’s public infrastructure and services!    See BC 1 Call’s blog post giving a shout out to all those in both the public and private sectors dedicated to public works, including a great many…

April is Safe Digging Month!

April 1st marks the official start of Dig Safe Month across Canada! The BC Common Ground Alliance and its members have designated April as Dig Safe Month in BC and have received a formal proclamation from the Province – we had a great day in…

Safe Digging Month Contest @TransMtn

Don’t make a “dig” mistake, test your #safedigging knowledge and be entered for chance to win! We’re joining @TransMtn to raise awareness for #DigSafe month and protect underground infrastructure. ➡️ www.transmountain.com/safe-digging

WorkSafeBC 2024 Planned Inspectional Initiatives 

WorkSafeBC has updated its Planned Inspectional Initiatives to reflect their areas of focus and prevention activities for 2024.   WorkSafeBC’s Planned Inspectional Initiatives (previously known as High Risk Strategies and Industry Initiatives) support effective management of risks by examining and promoting occupational health and safety basics…

DIRT Lunch & Learn

We incorporated January’s Lunch & Learn into our Member meeting and heard from our DIRT Committee the exciting news that DIRT will have a fresh look and feel in February – it’s very exciting! You can find the DIRT Presentation on the Lunch & Learn…

2022 National DIRT Report Available

The Canadian Common Ground Alliance (CCGA) recently shared the 6th annual CCGA National DIRT (Damage Information Reporting Tool) Report for 2022. This report dives into the characteristics, themes, and contributing factors behind buried infrastructure damages in Canada, as reported through the DIRT reporting system. Underground…

BCCGA Lunch and Learn Series

We have posted the presentations, resources and recordings of our Lunch and Learn series to date on our website – check them out if you missed them. Our next session will be on January 24th as part of our Member meeting and will highlight our…

Looking for a Public Awareness Job?

TransMountain Pipelines is currently hiring a Public Awareness Coordinator. If you or someone you know might be interested in/qualified for the job, please check out the link below. The position is based in Burnaby, BC. Thank you! https://careers.transmountain.com/job/Burnaby-Public-Awareness-Coordinator-Brit/728160047/

New Membership Rates

The Executive approved the new membership rates and they have been posted on our website.   We have also included a list of membership benefits and a link to the membership application form. We will be sending Membership invoices for 2024 in late December/early January.…

Contractor Breakfast – November 3rd in Abbotsford/Chilliwack – REGISTER NOW!!

The BC Common Ground Alliance (BCCGA) invites you to join us for breakfast to discuss our shared responsibility in damage prevention. Sponsored by our members: TransMountain, FortisBC, ICBA and Enbridge DATE:                          Friday, November 3, 2023 TIME:                          7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. LOCATION:                Clarion Hotel – 36035 North Parallel Road,…

Revised regulations require work zone risk assessment

Whenever crews work on underground infrastructure along the roadside, they’re in danger of being struck by passing vehicles. Working at the side of a road for any reason and for any amount of time means they’re considered roadside workers. And that means their employers have specific responsibilities…

Excavation Safety Alliance Virtual Town Halls

What are the best ways to avoid cross bores? May 11 @ 10:30 CDT Register by May 11th here and access past sessions. Safety Alliance (ESA) virtual Town Halls are an open forum for all stakeholders to discuss concerns and present potential solutions to improve…

CSA Standards Now Available for Free!

Great news for those working in the oil and gas industry – several Canadian Standards Association (CSA) technical standards are now available for free online access for one year. The CER and the Western Regulators Forum have been working with the CSA Group to allow Canadians to…

“Dig Safe” – Everyone’s Responsibility

25 April 2023 | CER Website April is “Dig Safe” month. It’s a good time to remind people about safe practices anytime they’re digging, whether it’s for their job or at home. It’s important to know what is underground, such as buried pipelines or utility lines,…

“QR Code” Before You Dig? Why Not?

Mike Sullivan – President, Utility Safety Partners  Print this Article | Send to Colleague Given the proliferation of QR Codes, I recently developed the ClickBeforeYouDig QR Code and strongly suggest it be incorporated in all damage prevention awareness programs and promotional documentation. It has been provided to…

DIRT Deadline March 31st!

Upload Damage and Near-Miss Data by March 31 The DIRT data submission deadline of March 31 is fast approaching!  All 2022 data must be submitted by this deadline to be included in the 2022 Annual DIRT Report.  Your data is critical to helping the damage prevention industry…

It’s Agriculture Safety Week – March 13 to 19

Agriculture Safety Week in Canada is March 13-19, 2023. The CER wants to remind everyone about working safely on farms, especially when working near pipelines. Feel free to share these post on your own accounts! English: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn  French: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

Calling All Locators!

The ASTTBC registered utility locator certification program is the first of its kind in BC. It is designed to recognize the competencies of locators who work in various industries and to deliver an enhanced level of public safety. Learn more here. ASTTBC is in consultation…

BCCGA DIRT Committee and 2022 Data Deadline

We are seeking members to join the BCCGA DIRT Committee with our new Committee Chair, Jimmy Yip of Fortis BC. We encourage more people to make the routine submissions, and so it will be great to get a few folks together to discuss the possibility.…

Contractor Breakfast November 18th – Table Top Display Opportunities

Special Opportunity! The BC Common Ground Alliance (BCCGA) invites our member companies to join with our sponsors – ICBA, FortisBC an TransMountain – in displaying  their products and services with a table-top display at our upcoming contractor breakfast. DATE:                          Friday, November 18, 2022 TIME:                          Set up 6:30…

2020 CCGA DIRT Report Released

The fourth annual CCGA National DIRT (Damage Information Reporting Tool) Report for 2020 is now available. Like previous years, this report presents characteristics, themes and contributing factors leading to buried infrastructure damages in Canada as reported through the DIRT reporting system.  Underground infrastructure provides crucial…

CER Regulatory Framework Plan:  Seeking Feedback

On behalf of Canadian Energy Regulator (CER)” The purpose of this letter is to provide you with information on recent CER improvements and more importantly, to seek your input and feedback on the regulatory improvement priorities identified in our 2022-25 Regulatory Framework Plan.   Our Regulatory…

Notice of BCCGA Annual General Meeting – June 9th

Our Annual General meeting will be held via Zoom on June 9th, 2022 from 10 am to noon. The meeting will be held to conduct the following business: 10:00          Welcome and Introductions 10:10           Guest Speaker 10:45          Call meeting to order 10:45          Roll Call – Establish…

BC 1 Call 2021 Report to Members

BC 1 Call has just released its 2021 Report to Members & Partners, which includes new records: > 89,000 registered users 247,000 locate requests (up 14% over the prior record) 27 Educational partners who reference BC 1 Call in their professional training In addition, the…

April is #DigSafe Month!

April 1st marks the official start of Dig Safe Month across Canada! The BC Common Ground Alliance and its members have designated April as Dig Safe Month in BC and have received a formal proclamation from the Province. Click here to see the proclamation and…

April is Safe Digging Month!

April 1st marks the official start of Dig Safe Month across Canada! The BC Common Ground Alliance and its members have designated April as Dig Safe Month in BC and have received a formal proclamation from the Province. Click here to see the proclamation and…

DIRT Data Submission Deadline – March 31!

The submission deadline of March 31st is fast approaching. All 2021 data must be submitted before the deadline to be included in the 2021 Annual DIRT report. If your company has no 2021 events to report, a Company Administrator should go to Submission Status on the DIRT Main Menu…

2022 Trenchless Technology Roadshow – April 24 to 26 in Kelowna

The Trenchless Technology Road Show is Canada’s largest trenchless technology event focused on buried infrastructure condition assessment, construction, renovation, asset management and subsurface utility engineering. Join them Live In Kelowna, BC from April 24-26, 2022. Registration now open. There will be several pre-CATT Courses offered on…

Congratulations Michelle and Fortis!

The Canadian Society of Safety Engineers presented the 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award to Michelle Petrusevich! She was recognized for her efforts in decreasing damage to the @FortisBC natural gas infrastructure by 19% in the past 2 years.

OPR Review – Discussion Paper

The CER shared the OPR Review Discussion Paper with Indigenous peoples, regulated companies and other parties and it contains questions that will help guide the conversation over the course of the comment period. To follow progress or to comment, please click on the link. The Canada Energy…

Covid-19 Safety Plan Communication

A message from Al Johnson, Head of Prevention Services, WorkSafeBC: Earlier in the pandemic, employers were asked to create and implement detailed COVID-19 safety plans. On July 1, 2021, those plans were replaced by a more general focus on Communicable Disease Prevention as the province…

2020 DIRT Report

The 2020 CCGA National DIRT Report is now available. Please find both the English and French language versions attached. National DIRT Report 2020 – English Rapport National ORDI 2020 – French DIRT For Canada  Reporting damages into the Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) is critical for the…

Reducing Risk in Excavation Projects

BC 1 Call – November 4, 2021 Professional projects that involve ground disturbance are challenging given the need to stay on time and on budget – all while managing various risks. It goes without saying: failing to anticipate and deal with risk factors can negatively…

Did you know there are 3 basic safe excavation steps?

To avoid preventable injuries, costly repairs, project delays and many other consequences of damagingunderground infrastructure, make sure you: 1) Submit your free locate ticket with BC 1 Call2) Follow their members’ instructions3) Expose the underground line, pipe or cable to find its exact location before…

PST Refund Extension Saves Businesses More Money

VICTORIA – A StrongerBC program that refunds businesses the PST paid on select machinery and equipment will be extended for an additional six months. This extension will give businesses another chance to reduce costs and make new investments to adapt to the changes the pandemic…

UESI Municipal Full Scholarship – CCGA Conference

Dear Municipal Employees, UESI recognizes the budgetary constraints common to many municipalities and the restraints surrounding event attendance. Considering this, The Centre for Advancement of Trenchless Technologies (CATT) and The Utility Engineering & Surveying Institute (UESI) are proud to announce that they will be providing the opportunity for…

BC 1 CALL WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!

BC 1 Call wants to thank all users of their service who have taken the time to rate their service in the 1-minute post-experience survey launched last September. So far this year, they have received over 1,150 responses from callers and online users. On average, over…

Centriforce Damage Prevention Webinar

For over 40 years, Centrifrorce Products Ltd has been at the forefront of utility damage prevention. As part of their utility protection range for buried cables and pipelines, they manufacture the world-renowned Stokbord Cable Cover, alongside our Tapetile and Locata warning range. In this webinar,…

Job Posting: CER Instructional Designer

Position title: Call of Interest Instructional Designer / Appel d’intérêt Concepteur pédagogique Business Unit and Team:  System Operations / Programs and Evaluation /  Opérations sur le terrain / équipe de la gestion des urgences et de la sûreté  Closing Date : 10/09/2021 English: http://wapps/rdims/ViewDoc.aspx?Public=y&DocID=1357498 French: http://wapps/rdims/ViewDoc.aspx?Public=y&DocID=1358349

Job Posting: CER Regulatory Compliance Officer

Position title: Regulatory Compliance Officer – Industrial Control System Security / Agent de la conformité réglementaire – Sûreté des systèmes de contrôle industriel Business Unit and Team:  Field Operations / Emergency Management and Security /  Opérations sur le terrain / équipe de la gestion des urgences et…

Virtual BC Construction Health & Safety Conference

BCCSA is delivering the good news that the 2021 Virtual BC Construction Health & Safety Conference will take place on Thursday, October 14, 2021. This year’s conference will look at the theme of the construction industry’s capacity to embrace and overcome the challenges of the…

Asbestos Control Training (ACT)

This fall, the BC Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA) will launch Asbestos Control Training (ACT) a series of 5 courses beginning with Asbestos 101 (Awareness Training) with specialty courses to follow.  Courses are self-paced and accessible online 24/7. Asbestos Control Training is complimented by BCCSA’s newly…

Cansel is Looking for People

Cansel is looking to hire an Account Manager (Inside Sales)- Subsurface Technologies Equipment and are looking for some people who have an experience as a locators and  who wants to continue their career in Sales.  See the following job description and contact them directly if…