Notice of Annual General Meeting – April 11, 2013

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on April 11, 2013  from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at Spectra Energy, 1100 – 1055 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC. The Agenda and Minutes from last year are available for your reference. The status of Stakeholder Seats that are up for election…

April is Safe Digging Month!

April 2013 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…

ASTTBC Unveils Plan to Prevent Skill Shortages

BC must fill more than 8,000 new job openings for technologists and technicians by 2020 – every job an opportunity for young BC adults!  But our economy faces costly skill shortages, because technology career opportunities have been overlooked and under-promoted. Introducing a “Strategic Plan for…

Safe Digging Month – Vancouver Sun Opportunity

April 2013 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 alike follow the safe digging process to help prevent injuries, property damage and…

Digging Deep

Every day in B.C., excavation crews are responsible for an average of 13 hits to underground infrastructure. And each hit to a utility line — be it gas, electrical, water and sewer, or fibre optics — represents a potential danger to the crews involved. Read more…

Excavation Focus Groups

The BC Common Ground Alliance, in partnership with Fortis BC, is undertaking a series of focus groups in Metro Vancouver to dialogue with excavation professionals during the month of February 2013. We will likely hold three separate meetings in the Fraser Valley and in the Vancouver area. Walter…

Happy Holidays from BC Common Ground Alliance

  We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued participation and support in making the BCCGA a recognized leader in safety. The BCCGA will continue to evolve in 2013, providing a clear voice for improved worker and public safety in connection with…

Member / Board Meetings ~ 10 am to 2 pm

The 2013 face to face meeting schedule is as follows: Member / Board Meeting ~ Thursday, February 7, 2013 Annual General Meeting / Board Meeting ~ Thursday, April 11, 2013 Member / Board Meeting ~ Wednesday, June 12, 2013 Member / Board Meeting ~ Wednesday, October 16, 2013…

BCCGA Strategic Priorities Summary for the 2012 Year

This year the BCCGA has made great strides in visibility, engagement, and service delivery.  In addition to continuing our education and awareness programs, we have launched the first annual Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report, representing our first attempt to quantify damage to underground infrastructure…

New Dig Laws in Washington State

After three years and a great deal of input from stakeholders, the Washington Legislature passed E2SHB-1634, the Underground Utilities Damage Prevention Act, in 2011. The intent of the legislation was to build and improve upon the existing dig law by addressing federal standards along with…

Surrey Memorial Hospital Excavation Mishap

Surrey Memorial Hospital diverting patients to other hospitals after flooding. A watermain break Monday morning apparently caused by an excavation crew mishap has crippled the ability to provide emergency and other medical care at Surrey Memorial Hospital. Read more… and an update…

BCCGA Bowl-O-Rama Safety Extravaganza!!!!

Join us for our second annual social event at The Zone Bowling Centre & Big River Brew Pub on November 27, 2012 at 3:30 pm for some fun and networking. Cost is $30 plus HST per person.  Registration closes November 20, 2012 at 5 pm.…

8th Annual CGA Excavation Safety Conference

  8th Annual CGA 811 Excavation Safety Conference & Expo March 12-14, 2013  •  West Palm Beach, FL Join nearly 2,000 damage prevention professionals from 9 countries for: OVER 50 CONFERENCE SESSIONS: More than 50 educational sessions are in development, and each one is specifically targeted…

Free Contractor Breakfast ~ Chetwynd ~ November 6th

The Fall 2012 Contractors Breakfast is coming and you’re invited!  Mark your calendars for the morning of Tuesday, November 6 in Chetwynd. Hosted by Spectra Energy and Pembina Pipeline, this free breakfast event is open to any company or individual that has the potential to conduct…

BCCGA Bowl-O-Rama Safety Extravaganza!!!!

Join us for our second annual social event at The Zone Bowling Centre & Big River Brew Pub on November 27, 2012 at 3:30 pm for some fun and networking.  Cost is $30 plus HST per person.  Registration closes November 7, 2012 at 5 pm. Price includes appetizers,…

Member/Board Meeting Reminder – October 18th

The BCCGA is pleased to have Mike McKenna of the BC Construction Safety Alliance present at our Member/ Board on October 18th, 2012.  The BCCSA is industry’s safety voice working to develop health and safety programs, tools and resources for over 40,000 construction employers and…

Vancouver Sun and News1130 Reports

On October 1st and 2nd, 2012, the Vancouver Sun and News 1130 reported that work crews are failing to call before they dig.  Read more… Vancouver Sun – October 1, 2012 Vancouver Sun – October 2, 2012 News 1130 – October 2, 2012

DigSafe BC! in Langley…October 16, 2012 – REGISTER NOW

Date: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 Location: CLAC Langley – 19955 81A Ave, Unit 100, Langley BC Time: 7:45am – 4:30pm Registration & Coffee:  7:00am – 7:45am Cost:  Free to CLAC members and $150 to non-members To register and for more information email: bctraining@clac.ca. Note that registrations…

CGA DIRT Report for 2011

Common Ground Alliance’s 2011 DIRT Report Confirms Importance of Calling 811 Before Digging in Damage Prevention Process WASHINGTON (Sept. 13, 2012) – Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the stakeholder-run organization dedicated to protecting underground utility lines and the people who dig near them, today announced findings from its comprehensive 2011…

CanWest Hort Show

The CanWest Hort Show has been the meeting place for buyers and sellers of BC’s nursery, floriculture and landscape industry for over 30 years. They are Western Canada’s largest horticultural trade show with over 3,000 industry professionals visiting 350+ booths over a 2-day period. The show is September…

CanWest Horticulture Show ~ September 19 and 20

The CanWest Hort Show has been the meeting place for buyers and sellers of BC’s nursery, floriculture and landscape industry for over 30 years. They are Western Canada’s largest horticultural trade show with over 3,000 industry professionals visiting 350+ booths over a 2-day period. The show is September…

Resources on our Website

The Field Resources pages on our website includes a number of useful resources. In addition to a page for our Best Practices Version 2.0, the Field Resources – Other Resources  page includes Legislation and Regulations, Toolbox Meeting Guides, Monthly Common Ground Updates and Damage Prevention Professional…

Professional Builder’s Institute of BC AGM

You are invited to attend the Professional Builders’ Institutes’ Annual General Meeting on Thursday September 27th, 2012. The keynote speaker for the AGM Dinner is Cliff Meidl,  who has been extensively involved in promoting the use of the US 811 “call before you dig” service throughout the…

Professional Builders’ Institute of BC AGM ~ Sept. 27, 2012

You are invited to attend the Professional Builders’ Institutes’ Annual General Meeting on Thursday September 27th, 2012. The keynote speaker for the AGM Dinner is Cliff Meidl,  who has been extensively involved in promoting the use of the US 811 “call before you dig” service throughout…

CSA 5250 ~ Mapping of Underground Utility Infrastructure

CSA S250 Mapping of Underground Utility Infrastructure is derived from mapping best practices and internal utility company mapping standards.  The standard covers: Management programs, types, characteristics and lifecycle of mapping records. Accountabilities and responsibilities of the owner, the locator and the excavator. Reliability and accuracy of mapping records: methods…

BC Construction Safety Association Contractor Breakfasts

BCCGA supports the endeavours of BC Construction Safety Alliance in their goal of continual improvement in safety.  We encourage you to attend at least one of their two free Breakfasts. The next BCCSA Breakfasts for the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley regions are here! As your industry…

Mandatory One-Call Law Passes in Ontario

Ontario Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) from all three provincial political parties worked together in the spirit of collaboration to pass Bill 8, Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012 (Bill 8), a move that makes Ontario the Canadian leader in safe digging practices. The…

CanWest Horticultural Show Booth Camp 2012

The BCLNA and CanWest are offering a 1-day ‘Booth Camp’ for exhibitors, which is taking place on June 14 in Langley with trade show expert, Barry Siskind.   Barry is one of the leading experts in the world when it comes to teaching companies how to exhibit successfully at…

Utility Locating and Damage Investigation Webinars

Excavation Safety University is offering two courses in May: Damage Investigation Webinar – Tuesday May 22nd at 8 am PST, 2 hours, $125 For Additional Information and to Register CLICK HERE  Utility Locating Webinar Series – Thursday May 24th at 8 am PST, 5 hours, $375 For Additional Information and to…

Best Practice Committee – Call for Members

On behalf of Andrew Mark, Chair of the Best Practice Committee, we are about to begin work on Best Practices Version 3.0.  If you are interested in participating in the development of Best Practices in BC, please email cheryl@commongroundbc.ca by April 18th.   Time and…

Advanced Underground Cable & Pipe Locating Seminar

Two of our members, Linestar Utility Supply Inc. and Vivax Metrotech, are offering an Advanced Underground Cable and Pipe Locating Seminar following our Contractor Breakfast on April 18th at the Sheraton Vancouver Guilford Hotel. For detailed information on the Learning Objectives, Agenda and Registration, please…

April is Safe Digging Month…

April is Safe Digging Month.  Please help raise awareness by including the Safe Digging Month banner on your website and in your email tag line. We would love to buy you and your team breakfast on April 18th in Surrey at our Contractors Breakfast.  For…

CRTC Denies CCGA Application for Shared Use of 811

It is with disappointment that the CCGA, its Regional Partners across Canada and its National Stakeholders, the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association and the Canadian Gas Association, announce the CRTC decision to deny our application for shared use of the 811 dialling code. For a Telecom…

NEB Releases Damage Prevention Framework

The National Energy Board released its Damage Prevention Framework on February 29, 2012.   The framework is made up of a number of regulatory tools which establish the NEB’s mandate, describe requirements for pipeline companies and people planning activities near pipelines, and provide guidance on how to…

April is National Safe Digging Month!

April 2012 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…

Member Meeting – February 7, 2012

Our Members Meeting is scheduled for February 7th starting at 10 am at the Roundhouse Community Centre at 181 Roundhouse Mews in Vancouver (Yaletown).  The Roundhouse is half a block from the Yaletown stop of the Canada Line and there is paid parking under the…

Mark Your Calendars ~ 2012 Meeting Schedule

The 2012 face to face meeting schedule is as follows: Member / Board Meeting ~ Tuesday, February 7, 2012 — PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE FROM THE 9th DUE TO A CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE Annual General Meeting / Board Meeting ~ Thursday, April 12, 2012 Member /…

Season’s Greetings from BCCGA

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support in making the BCCGA a recognized leader in safety.  The BCCGA will continue to evolve in 2012, providing a clear voice for improved public and worker safety in connection with underground infrastructure throughout the Province…

CSA Standards S250 Online Information Session

CSA Standards has developed an on-line S250 Mapping of Underground Utility Infrastructure information session that will address: The driving forces behind the development of the CSA mapping standard An overview of the S250 Standard, and The intended benefits for, and impacts on, various community stakeholders…

Ontario One Call Act Passes Second Reading

Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey (PC) and Hamilton East – Stoney Creek MPP Paul Miller (NDP) presented their private member’s bill, Bill 8 – ‘The Ontario One Call Act, 2011’ – to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario for Second Reading Debate this afternoon. ‘The Ontario One…

Call for Help for the CCGA Drive for 811!

The Canadian Common Ground Alliance 811 campaign is in the final stages.  In order to demonstrate to the CRTC that we are working with provincial health ministries and to demonstrate the breadth and spectrum of our stakeholder support for this initiative, we are asking members…

Annual General Meeting / Board Meeting

The 2012 face to face meeting schedule is as follows: Member / Board Meeting ~ Thursday, February 16, 2012 Annual General Meeting / Board Meeting ~ Thursday, April 12, 2012 Member / Board Meeting ~ Wednesday, June 20, 2012 Member / Board Meeting ~ Thursday October 18,…

Member / Board Meeting

The 2012 face to face meeting schedule is as follows: Member / Board Meeting ~ Thursday, February 7, 2012 Annual General Meeting / Board Meeting ~ Thursday, April 12, 2012 Member / Board Meeting ~ Wednesday, June 20, 2012 Member / Board Meeting ~ Thursday October 18,…

Talk about DIRT and 811

We would like to thank Khrysanne Kerr, VP, Communications and Program Development at Common Ground Alliance (US), for attending our October 20th Members Meeting.  Khrysanne delivered a comprehensive presentation about the value of the Damage Information Reporting Tool and the success of the 811 initiative in…

CGA DIRT Report for 2010 Member Teleconference

On October 28, 2011 at 1 pm EST, CGA staff and committee members will provide an overview of the recently released DIRT Report for 2010.  The presentation will highlight key messages and takeaways found in the 2010 report. For more information, click here.

CSA S250 Mapping of Underground Utility Infrastructure ~ Published

CSA Standards has just published CSA S250 Mapping of Underground Utility Infrastructure. This new standard has its origins from long established mapping best practices and internal utility company mapping standards. It has been developed by a committee of nationwide industry subject matter experts, regulators, general interest and…

BCLNA Golf Tournament

Sandpiper Golf Resort, Harrison Mills, BC. Noon shotgun start, Texas Scramble format Cost – $150 plus HST Questions to Heidi Henderson at hhenderson@bclna.com or 604-574-7772 ext 102

The British Columbia Common Ground Alliance is a non-profit organization established to lead development of consistent practices and coordination of activities to ensure the highest possible standards of public safety,worker safety and damage prevention in connection with underground infrastructure. The BC Common Ground Alliance is…

DigSafe!BC – CLAC/Kiewit (Langley)

Location: CLAC Langley – 19955 81A Ave, Unit 100, Langley BC Time: 7:45am – 4:30pm Registration & Coffee: 7:00am – 7:45am Cost: $150 per person or Free for CLAC members (call for details) For companies who disturb the ground in any way – this workshop…

NTSB ADVISORY ~  NTSB Issues Urgent Safety Recommendations

National Transportation Safety Board, Washington, DC 20594 January 3, 2011 The National Transportation Safety Board today issued seven safety recommendations, six of them classified as “Urgent,” as a result of its investigation into the pipeline rupture and explosion that killed eight people and destroyed 37 homes in San Bruno, Calif., on September 9, 2010. The…

Pipeline Safety Task Force Issues Guidelines To Protect Public From Tragedy Similar to San Bruno’s Communication problems between local governments and utilities is a national issue.

By Rebecca Rosen Lum The deadly gas pipeline explosion in San Bruno on Sept. 9, 2010 highlighted a lack of planning and, most particularly, communication among utility companies, local governments, builders and homeowners — not just in California but nationwide. So concluded a 130-member task force on pipeline…

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration releases Pipeline and Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA) Report

PHMSA officially released the Pipeline & Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA) report today. A press release has been posted to the PHMSA web site  http://phmsa.dot.gov/staticfiles/PHMSA/DownloadableFiles/PIPA%20release%20phmsa1010.pdf. The PIPA Report is available in its entirety on the Land Use Planning page within PHMSA’s Stakeholder Communications website at http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/LandUsePlanning.htm, or…