Public and private locates serve distinct but complementary roles in identifying underground utilities. Public locates focus on mapping and marking utilities managed by public utility companies, such as municipal water lines, public gas pipelines, electrical grids, and telecommunications cables. These services are coordinated through systems like Ontario One Call, which facilitates communication between property owners and utility companies to prevent accidental damage during excavation. This process ensures that essential public services are protected when digging or construction occurs near public rights-of-way or easements.

In contrast, private locates address underground utilities that are privately owned and not covered by public locate services. This includes private water lines, gas lines extending from the public supply to individual properties, electrical cables for outbuildings or specialized installations, and irrigation system components. Private locates are crucial for accurately identifying these utilities on private property, where they might not be marked by standard public services. This detailed and specialized mapping helps prevent damage to these privately managed systems, ensuring safety and minimizing potential disruptions during excavation or construction projects.