Know Before You Dig: Utility Marking & Landscaping Rules in KW
Thinking of putting in a new garden bed? Maybe installing a fence, planting a tree, or building a deck?
Before you grab your shovel and get to work—stop and read this first.
There’s a whole world of cables, pipes, and wires buried under your lawn in Kitchener-Waterloo, and if you hit one... let’s just say you’ll be dealing with a lot more than just dirt.
Why Calling Before You Dig Matters
There are a lot of utilities buried underground—like:
Gas lines
Water and sewer pipes
Internet and cable lines
Electrical cables
Digging without checking first can lead to:
Power outages
Broken internet/cable lines
Flooding
Gas leaks (aka the scary one)
Expensive repair bills
…and yes, you’d be responsible for the damage if you didn’t follow the proper steps.
Who Do You Call? Ontario One Call!
Enter the heroes of safe digging: Ontario One Call.
It’s a free service that lets you request all underground utility locates for your property.
How it works:
Submit a Locate Request
Online at ontarioonecall.ca or by calling 1-800-400-2255
(Do it at least 5 business days before you plan to dig.)Wait for Locators to Come
Utility companies will send someone to mark the locations of buried infrastructure with spray paint or flags.Follow the Markings
Once you have the all-clear, then you can safely dig.
What Happens If You Skip This Step?
You could cause property damage or injure yourself.
You’ll be liable for repair costs and possibly face legal trouble.
It could delay your project—by a lot.
Let’s be honest—nothing slows down a landscaping job like accidentally taking out your neighbourhood’s Wi-Fi or gas line.
Common Projects That Require a Locate
Even small jobs count!
You need to call before digging if you’re doing any of the following:
Installing a fence post
Planting a tree or shrub
Digging a trench for wiring or irrigation
Anchoring a deck or shed
Building a flagstone path or garden edging
Basically, if a shovel or post-hole digger is involved, make the call.
Other Landscaping Considerations in KW
While you’re planning your big backyard upgrade, keep these KW-specific rules in mind:
Fence heights & locations must follow city bylaws (Kitchener Fence Rules | Waterloo Fence Guidelines)
Trees on city boulevards can’t be trimmed or removed without permission
Some deck/shed builds may require a permit—always check with your local building department first
That new garden bed or patio will look amazing—just don’t forget the safety step that could save you thousands:
Call before you dig.
It’s free, fast, and way easier than explaining why your whole block lost internet because of your tomato patch.