Where’s the Line
Alternate Locate Provider (ALP)
The ALP Program is not Mandatory. You Choose the Best Option for your Project.
ALP program launches August 1, 2024
Starting August 1, you will be able to select the Alternate Locate Provider Option on new locate request tickets. The ALP Option will be available in all regions of Alberta.
Program Overview
The Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) Program is a new option for how locates can be delivered in Alberta. The ALP Program provides excavators with the option to hire an approved locator to complete locates on behalf of participating USP members. The goal of the ALP Program is for project owners to receive locates in line with their project requirements and provide certainty around project timing and costs. The Alternate Locate Service Provider (ALSP) works directly for the project owner on their timeline and can serve to reduce unnecessary downtime to improve project outcomes.
Alternative Locate Service Providers must be registered to participate in the ALP Program and are required to meet specific criteria defined by infrastructure owners, including specialized training, quality assurance audits, reporting, insurance, experience, and capabilities.
An ALP locate request is submitted through Utility Safety Partners’ standard ticket creation process by selecting “YES” in the Alternate Locate Provider Option field. Once submitted, the ticket requestor works directly with their selected ALSP to agree on payment and project execution to have locates completed for members participating in the ALP Program. Members who are not participating in the ALP Program will receive a copy of the ticket and will respond to the request following normal procedures.
Watch a short video about how to select the ALP Option when requesting a locate.
Registered Alternate Locate Service Providers
Select a company from this list of Registered Alternate Locate Service Providers to complete your ALP locates. Work directly with your selected ALSP to plan and coordinate location, timing, resourcing, measurement, and completion of locates in line with your project.
ALSPs offer locating services in different regions in Alberta. View the ALP Region Map.
Virtual Town Hall
Thank you for attending our ALP Town Hall held on July 29, 2024!
Click HERE to view a recording of the Town Hall.
For those who may have missed the ALP Town Hall held on May 2, 2024, here is summary of the Q&A portion for your reference:
ALP Town Hall Q&A Summary
For additional information, please refer to our FAQs or contact USP at [email protected]
Participating Members
- ATCO ELECTRIC LTD.
- ATCO GAS
- ATCO PIPELINES
- CALGARY, CITY OF**
- EDMONTON, CITY OF
- ENMAX CORPORATION**
- EPCOR DISTRIBUTION & TRANSMISSION INC
- EPCOR WATER SERVICES INC.
- FORTISALBERTA
- TELUS COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY*
*Telus participation in the Alternate Locate Provider program is in addition to the Telus only commercial private locate policy which requires commercial excavators to supply their own locator for their ground disturbance site.
**ENMAX and City of Calgary have certain critical assets that can NOT be located by an ALSP and are not included in this program. Enmax and City of Calgary will provide locates for these facilities.
It is up to you to confirm with your locator what facilities they are authorized to locate. As always ensure you have received and understand the response for each utility owner on your locate request.
ALP Documents
General Information
Defined Program and Industry Terms
Information for Project Owners and Excavators
Preparation Guide for ALP Project Owners (excavators)
Information for Locate Service Providers
Preparation Guide for Prospective ALSPs
ALSP Registration Assessment Checklist
Endorsed Training Providers
The following organizations are endorsed to provide Locator 101 training, which meets the Locating and Marking Standard required to become a registered ALSP:
To learn how to become an endorsed training provider of the ALP Locating and Marking course click here.