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    • Benefits
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    • Tutorials + How-to
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    • Training
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Underground World

Apr 1, 2022

Education is invaluable

I believe you can put an actual dollar figure on the value of education.
Jul 6, 2021

Underground results for 2020 are good and bad

Figures for the landscaping sector are up 12.4 per cent and a whopping 30.5 per cent for the fencing sector.
Apr 6, 2021

Spring means digging

Some things you can do to assist damage prevention efforts.
Sep 2, 2020

The importance of safety is on the rise

The total value and importance of safety has increased over the last six months.
Jul 4, 2020

Where’s the discipline?

We are living in historic times and the unique circumstances we are dealing with present the possibility of several new and significant outcomes.
Jun 15, 2020

Late locate status reviewed

Some recommendations have been proposed to help eliminate late locates this season.
May 6, 2020

Underground hits dramatically reduced

An analysis of sector data from 2019 statistics on underground utility hits.
Apr 3, 2020

2019 was a turnaround year for utility hits

The total number of underground utility hits in the province of Ontario were down from 5,371 in 2018 to 4,934 in 2019.
Mar 15, 2020

Late locates are unacceptable

Get locate requests in early this spring in order to minimize any delay in starting work.
Jan 20, 2020

Special underground industry annual report

A recap of the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance three-day symposium in Collingwood.
Jul 15, 2019

Are you missing out on memberships?

Belonging to a larger group is part of basic human nature.
The Dig Safe flag was hoisted at Milton Town Hall on May 1.
Jun 15, 2019

Milton mayor hoists the Dig Safe flag

Event helps to promote Dig Safe Month for 2019.
May 6, 2019

Reduced number of utility hits is encouraging

Latest reports show a five per cent reduction in utility hits across related sectors.
Apr 1, 2019

Educating homeowners at Canada Blooms

Feature garden display helps to reduce the number of underground utility hits.
Mar 7, 2019

ORCGA mission, vision and strategic plan are articulated

A look at the strategic plan for the damage prevention industry.
Jan 29, 2019

Wishes for 2019

A look at how to reduce the number of underground utility hits across various sectors.
The annual Damage Prevention Symposium includes training, education and social events.
Jan 7, 2019

A review of 2018 activities

A summary of efforts put forth by the ORCGA in 2018.
Dec 12, 2018

Who does more damage: homeowners or professionals?

An analysis of statistics over the past five years.
Nov 6, 2018

Does advertising to homeowners produce results?

The damage prevention industry looks at ways to reduce utility hits by homeowners.
Locators compete in an annual competition that showcases their skills.
Oct 9, 2018

Annual rodeo allows locators to show off their skills

The only event of its kind in Canada, puts the spotlight on locators in the damage prevention industry.
Sep 15, 2018

Are your locates provided on time?

Contractors should not always assume a residential gas line is buried the standard 24-inch depth.
Jul 15, 2018

Utility hits going up, what’s wrong?

A major reduction is needed in the number of utility hits.
Milton Mayor Gord Krantz (centre), prepares to raise the Dig Safe flag with ORCGA President and CEO, Douglas Lapp (right), and Terry Murphy.
Jun 15, 2018

Milton mayor proclaims Dig Safe Month

Dig Safe flag raised at LO's home office in Milton.
May 15, 2018

2016 vs. 2017: No change in utility hits

Green industry still accounts for 15 per cent of all utility hits in Ontario.
Apr 5, 2018

Canada Blooms does it again

ORCGA educates contractors and the public with a display at the annual 10-day event.
Mar 15, 2018

Another successful symposium

A recap of the ORCGA's 2018 Symposium.
Feb 15, 2018

News, training and events for 2018

A look ahead to ORCGA events later this year.
Jan 15, 2018

Locate timing problems still exist

Proper communication is key to resolving issues.
Dec 15, 2017

Should membership fees increase?

Just like a business, organizations need to look at what they charge.
Nov 15, 2017

Invaluable educational opportunities

A look back at LO's education program was born.
Oct 15, 2017

Don’t get sloppy at year end

End of year comes with more hazardous working conditions.
Sep 15, 2017

Small investment with enormous returns

Membership in ORCGA is a great value.
Jul 15, 2017

Employee retention helps everyone

A survey helps to identify the top reasons why employees move on.
(L-R) Terry Murphy, Milton Mayor Gord Krantz and ORCGA president Doug Lapp prepare to hoist the Dig Safe flag.
Jun 15, 2017

Dig Safe celebrated at Landscape Ontario

Ceremony helps to promote Dig Safe month.
May 15, 2017

How are we doing?

Looking at data from the 2016 DIRT Report.
Apr 16, 2017

Help yourself to faster locates

You must call ON1CALL before you dig. This is the law.
Mar 15, 2017

2017 Symposium a tremendous success

Two-day event for damage prevention industry held in Niagara Falls.
Feb 15, 2017

Wish list for 2017

Ways to reduce the number of underground utility hits this coming year.
The annual golf tournament provides a great place for all stakeholders in the damage prevention industry to come together.
Jan 15, 2017

2016 year in review

A look back at 2016 activities of the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance.
Dec 15, 2016

Good decisions require good data

Annual DIRT Report helps damage prevention industry to identify sectors that need more help to improve.
From community events to fundraisers, many organizations rely heavily on the contributions of both members and volunteers to make events possible.
Nov 10, 2016

The importance of volunteers and members

Volunteers are the life-blood of Non-Government Organizations.
Nov 2, 2016

The value of ORGCA membership

Benefits outweigh the cost of membership.
It is provincial law in Ontario for the person doing any digging to first get locates.
Oct 31, 2016

Garden centre liability: Is there any?

Can a retailer be held accountable once a customer leaves the store?
Oct 22, 2016

Believe it, or not!

Interpreting statistical data from a 2015 industry report.
Senator Grant Mitchell (centre) accepting a DigSafe “MiniDig” after hosting the CCGA in the Senate during DigSafe month in April. (l-r) are Mike Sullivan, President, CCGA; Nathalie Moreau, Chair, Quebec CGA; Darwin Durnie (CPWA) and Ian Munro (ORCGA).
Jun 15, 2016

Utility hits and locate requests increase in 2015

Each year, damages resulting from insufficient or poor excavation practices account for 33 per cent of utility hits.
May 15, 2016

Public utility damages are a challenge

Getting the Dig Safe message out to the public.
The annual Dig Safe public awareness campaign included an event at Mohawk College on Mar. 9.
Apr 15, 2016

Should landscape contractors do private locates?

A number of training programs are available.
Mar 15, 2016

ORCGA symposium energizes delegates

Annual thee-day event gathers key players in the damage prevention industry.
Feb 15, 2016

An interview with the ORGCA president

Ian Munro answers questions about the damage prevention industry.
Jan 15, 2016

Highlights from 2015

A recap of efforts to reduce underground utility strikes this past year.
Dec 15, 2015

Congress to feature information on utility hits

It has been a very good year in the underground damage prevention movement.
Nov 15, 2015

Contractor receives bill for $11,000

Actual experiences from Landscape Ontario excavating landscape contractors.
Oct 15, 2015

These tips may save you a fine

Here are some items that some members have mentioned during the last couple of months that could save you from receiving a fine.
Sep 15, 2015

Statistics show solid improvement

Congratulations, green industry, you continue to improve.
Jul 15, 2015

Utility hits continue to go down

The green industry statistics show a dramatic reduction in utility hits over the last 12 months.
Jun 15, 2015

Plan your locate requests

Normally the industry starts landscape construction projects on Apr. 1. Everything, of course, depends on the weather.
May 15, 2015

Dig Safe month is a great success

ORCGA dedicates the month of April to marketing underground safety and damage prevention to the public by having key awareness sessions across Ontario.
Students from Mohawk College celebrate Dig Safe Day.
Apr 15, 2015

April is Dig Safe Month

Branding is an integral part of corporate life and our advertising world.
Students attending Congress 2015 thought it was an amazing experience to see the new equipment, new products showcase, nurseries and all the associated exhibitors, including the safety organizations and to network with industry professionals.
Mar 15, 2015

Congress was an unqualified success

Again, the Landscape Ontario Congress proved a major success.
Jan 15, 2015

ORCGA plan charts strategic direction

After spending two full days, with the 22-member board of directors, a strategic plan was developed.
Dec 15, 2014

ORCGA promotes safety and professionalism

New members are the lifeblood of any association.
Nov 15, 2014

Congress will feature underground partners

Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) and its member partners will focus on two important areas at Congress 2015 in January.
Oct 15, 2014

Reasons for utility hits remain the same

The landscape and horticultural industry in Ontario will strike underground utilities between 600 and 900 times each year.
The first-ever Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance’s Dig Safe Fall Expo was held at LO home office in Milton last year. It returns this year on Sept. 18.
Aug 15, 2014

LO hosting ORCGA’s Fall Expo

Last year was the first time for the event. It was attended by more than 200 damage prevention professionals, making it an excellent success.
An ALA agreement with a utility involves the contractor agreeing that he will not dig more than 11 inches into the soil.
Jul 15, 2014

How to obtain prompt locates

Ways that landscape contractors can assist with achieving five-day locates and avoid delays and fines.
Jun 15, 2014

The solution to utility locate problems

We have come a long way in establishing this new system of consistent five-day locates.
May 15, 2014

A decade of momentum continues

The landscape industry has done a fine job in the last four years to reduce our hits, let’s keep it going
Terry Murphy presents Trillium Award to Jim Douglas at Congress 2014.
Feb 15, 2014

Jim Douglas receives Landscape Ontario Trillium Award

In honour of Jim and the ORCGA, Landscape Ontario declared Jan. 8, 2014 as Dig Safe Day at Congress.
Oct 15, 2013

Dig Safe Fall Expo was a great success

Day of sharing and learning was a great success.
Aug 15, 2013

Dig Safe Fall Expo scheduled at Landscape Ontario

First-ever Fall event scheduled for Sept. 12 at the Landscape Ontario home office site in Milton.
Jul 15, 2013

Latest statistics show improvement

Drawing some conclusions from the latest DIRT report.
May 15, 2013

Utility hits remain stable

Statistics show that the landscape sector is constant in the number of utility hits over the last couple of years.
Mar 15, 2013

Alliance celebrates 10th anniversary

Congratulations to the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) for its 10th year in business and all the great work that has been accomplished over that period of time.
Feb 15, 2013

Seminars prevent underground hits

Executing with efficiency and having your staff understand your business technical details contributes to your company’s success.
Jan 15, 2013

Safety fines up in 2013

The Technical Standards and Safety Association (TSSA), which is responsible for the safety of underground facilities, fuels and elevators, has announced higher fines for 2013.
Oct 15, 2012

CSA S250 improves safety

In the landscape industry, landscape architects and contractors are required to produce as-built drawings.
Sep 15, 2012

Industry’s focus and effort needed

The tabulated results of 2011 industry utility hits show that we really didn’t make any improvement in our industry utility hits over 2010.
Celebrating the passage of Bill 8 at Queen’s Park, June 14, are from left MPP Bob Bailey, co-sponsor of Bill 8, ORCGA board of directors member Terry Murphy, who represents the landscape industry, and LO, MPP Paul Miller, co-sponsor of Bill 8, and ORCGA president Jim  Douglas.
Aug 15, 2012

Bill 8 officially becomes law

It is expected that it will be in effect within the next 12 months.
Jul 15, 2012

Do not assume your MPP knows

What happened three weeks ago was a complete surprise to me.
Jun 15, 2012

Underground hits down significantly

Underground hits in a category called “Green Industry” by the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) are down some six per cent in 2011 from the previous year.
May 15, 2012

The Underground Police: TSSA

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is as much of a police organization as the Ministry of Labour (MOL).
Apr 15, 2012

Utility strikes can be costly

What should you do if you hit a utility line? The fact that you struck and damaged a utility line puts some liability onto you.
Mar 15, 2012

Are you helping yourself avoid underground damage?

A wise man once said, “If you sit and do nothing, then don’t expect results.”
Feb 15, 2012

Goals for 2012

Some meaningful endeavours are possible and achievable for the landscape industry in 2012, with respect to the underground and the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA).
Jan 15, 2012

Ontario One Call Act

At the Provincial Legislature at Queen’s Park on Dec. 2, the Ontario One Call Act, or Bill 8, received all party support on second reading.
Fire that could result from a typical residential gas hit.
Dec 15, 2011

What the experts are saying

The number of gas line hits by landscapers is on the decline, but more significantly, the number of hits due to lack of locates is constant.
Nov 15, 2011

Reducing utility hits

Last year the landscape industry reduced underground utility hits by 36 per cent.
Oct 15, 2011

Time to raise awareness to bring in One Call legislation

ORCGA is launching a new advocacy website to help raise awareness among Ontarians and Ontario provincial election candidates of the urgent need for mandatory One Call legislation in Ontario.
Sep 15, 2011

Minimize costs if you strike an underground utility

If you have the misfortune to strike an underground utility, it will probably cost you some money.
Aug 15, 2011

Safe excavation update

This will give you an update on the issues within the underground industry over the last 12 months.
Jul 15, 2011

Provincial government axes Bill 180

Bill 180 had passage of the first and second readings in the legislature before the provincial Liberals axed it.
Jun 15, 2011

Review your underground excavation plans

Each spring always check and service all your equipment before starting up your landscape operation.
May 15, 2011

Private backyard locates are necessary

Two recent incidents resulted in two deaths that could have been prevented.
Apr 15, 2011

Landscape sector reduces utility hits

The landscape sector registered an amazing statistic, by going from 542 hits in 2009 all the way down to 360 in 2010.
Mar 15, 2011

Best practices for excavators

Damage prevention officers from key organizations have worked together to develop best practices for excavation contractors.
Feb 15, 2011

First-hand experience shows importance of locates

Mark Humphries has been in the landscape contracting business for many years and has done numerous construction projects.
Jan 15, 2011

Ministry hands out $180,000 fine

A masonry firm, performing a landscape function without locates, struck a propane line.
Dec 15, 2010

Contractors can help themselves with one-time ALAs

The number of underground strikes are on the rise. Unfortunately, the landscape industry itself is the only one that can do something about it.
Nov 15, 2010

The underground world

Most people would not believe what exists below ground in terms of underground utility assets in Ontario.

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