With the ground thawing, the Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance (SCGA) is sending out some info to people on how to keep safe during digging season.
They're doing so through a series of free breakfasts open for construction workers and members of the public involved in ground construction across the province.
The one-hour events, starting at 7:30 a.m., offer a free breakfast, a 20-minute Dig Safe video presentation, and a chance to connect with fellow industry professionals and utility owners.
“Last year, over 2,700 people attended these events, and we hope to surpass that number in 2025,” said Shannon Doka, SCGA Executive Director. “These breakfasts are a great opportunity to bring together anyone who prioritizes safe digging practices and community safety.”
The breakfasts will be held throughout the province in April, with the first southeast event taking place April 16th in Estevan at the Beefeater plaza. The program will make a return trip to the southeast later in the month, headed to Weyburn on April 24th and Carlyle and Moosomin on April 30th.
This year, they'll hone in on the risks of uncontrolled excavation and the potential problems that can occur with gas lines, oil pipelines, electricity wires, water and sewer systems, telecommunications cables, and more buried beneath the surface.
Doka says she hopes that through these initiatives, they can lower the number of incidents to zero.
“No one wants to be responsible for disrupting power to a neighbor’s home, a seniors center, or a hospital, but the consequences can go far beyond inconvenience, leading to severe financial penalties, serious injuries, or even fatalities.”
SCGA reminds people that they can request a free locate from Sask 1st Call, either online or by calling 1-866-828-4888 during regular business hours.