MHCA has joined other industry entities to ask the Minister of Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure to take the lead in establishing a utility locates working group, to accelerate response for locates from utilities
The proposed Utility Locates Working Group, proposed to be convened by the Manitoba government, would provide consensus-based recommendations within 120 days on solutions related to utility locate services.
Utility locates are mandatory before starting most construction projects in Manitoba. These ensure safety, timely progress and protection of investments in underground utilities.
Delays in obtaining utility locates have been a long-standing issue, causing frustration and hindering project timelines. Delayed locates lead to increased costs, safety risks and economic disruption.
The group’s proposed composition, resourcing and mandate is as follows:
Composition
- Include representatives from the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba, Manitoba Home Builders’ Association, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, and Winnipeg Construction Association, as well as Manitoba Hydro, Bell MTS, other telecom and pipeline utilities and a provincial department representative.
Mandate
- To undertake a comprehensive review and return with consensus-based recommendations to implement the provision of timely and reliable utility locates.
Review areas include:
- Establish utility locate service timeline-delivery standards.
- Resourcing locate/safety watch provision, especially for surges in development or with major projects.
- Consider third-party locate provider services for general application, including certifying private locate providers.
- Introduce fees for locate service paid by industry to meet prescribed turnaround timelines.
- Accountability measures for non-compliance with timely locate response.
Benefits
- Public and private construction projects across Manitoba
- Reduced risk and costs
- Enhanced safety
- Protection of existing underground utilities from damage.
The request was submitted by the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba, Lawson Consulting & Surveying, MHCA, Manitoba Home Builders’ Association, Valley Fibre Inc. and Winnipeg Construction Association.
Read the letter here.
