REGINA – Every year taxpayers in Saskatchewan fork over $10 million for emergency services due to incidents caused by improper digging.
That’s why April has been dubbed “dig safe” month in the province.
Advocates are using the occasion to remind residents to “call before they dig” in an attempt to curb the number of improper digging incidents.
In a Thursday morning demonstration, representatives from Sask 1st Call, Shermco Industries, and the Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance (SCGA) were on hand to show proper digging procedure.
“This is to make sure we are finding anything that might be in the area,” Richard Barss explained.
Barss said once residents phone Sask 1st Call, a ticket is created and business like Shermco are called to do “locating” services to look for any utility pipes and wire lines that may be hidden.
“Sask 1st call is wanting to let people know the online request has been improved,” Sask 1st Call manager Barb Tchozewski added.
Tchozewski says the organization has added online services to ensure they’re more accessible for residents.
“In 2015, there were over 140,000 tickets created in Sask 1st call.”
Tchozewski also wants to remind residents that those who do not heed the warnings and follow proper procedure will be responsible for the total bill for any damages they cause.
Sask 1st call can be reached at 1-866-828-4888 or http://www.sask1stcall.com/