Damages to buried utilities dropped by roughly 70% in the United States following the introduction of 811 (3 digit "Call Before You Dig") in 2007 enhancing public safety and the security of buried infrastructure. In Canada, 811 was assigned
to non-emergency medical services in 2005 yet only a handful of provinces use the number for this purpose. In July 2011, the Canadian Common Ground Alliance applied to the CRTC requesting shared use of 811 (press "1" for non-emergeny medical services and press "2" to request a locate of buried utilities before you dig). Response from the CRTC is pending.
The 811 Bike is a symbol of the ongoing public awareness ingenuity buried utility owners, operators and stakeholders share in the U.S. and the desire to do the same in Canada is enormous. Be a partner in safety, share this link!
