The Spring Equinox: The Start of Digging Season in Alberta

Mike Sullivan - President - Utility Safety Partners

As winter's icy grip begins to loosen and the days grow longer, the arrival of the spring equinox marks a significant turning point in Alberta. Occurring around March 20th or 21st each year, the equinox is the moment when day and night are nearly equal in length. It signals the transition from winter to spring, bringing with it rising temperatures, melting snow, and the long-awaited return of digging season across the province.

Understanding the Spring Equinox

The spring equinox occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, creating nearly equal hours of daylight and darkness across the globe. For Albertans, this celestial event is more than just an astronomical occurrence—it’s a practical sign that winter is behind them and outdoor work can resume in earnest.

Digging Season Begins

With the thawing of the ground and the retreat of frost, spring marks the ideal time for construction projects, gardening, farming, and utility work. In Alberta, where harsh winters make excavation nearly impossible for several months, the equinox is often regarded as the unofficial start of digging season.

Agriculture and Gardening

For farmers and gardeners, the spring equinox is the green light to prepare soil for planting. The warming ground allows for the tilling of fields, seeding of crops, and the return of fresh local produce to markets. Home gardeners take advantage of the changing season to begin planting early crops like peas, spinach, and lettuce, all of which thrive in the cool temperatures of early spring.

Construction and Utility Work

The equinox also marks the beginning of a busy season for construction crews and utility workers. From road repairs to laying foundations for new buildings, warmer temperatures make excavation and outdoor labor more feasible. Utility companies take this time to inspect and repair underground infrastructure that may have been damaged by winter’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Safety Considerations: ClickBeforeYouDig

With the increase in digging activity, it’s important to remember safety protocols. In Alberta, homeowners and contractors must ClickBeforeYouDig to determine the presence and location of buried energy and utility assets in the vicinity of their digging project. This free service helps prevent damage to underground utilities, reducing the risk of accidents, service disruptions, and costly repairs. It ensures that energized utilities, such as buried gas lines, electrical cables, and all other critical utilities delivering services, are properly marked, keeping workers, the public, and your community safe.

A Season of Renewal

Beyond its practical implications, the spring equinox symbolizes renewal, growth, and new beginnings. As the landscape transforms from a frozen expanse to a lush, vibrant terrain, Albertans eagerly embrace the opportunities that spring brings. Whether it’s planting a garden, breaking ground on a new project, or simply enjoying the return of warmer weather, the equinox serves as nature’s invitation to step outside and reconnect with the earth.

So, as the days lengthen and the ground softens, Albertans can look forward to another productive and fulfilling digging season. Just remember—before you put that shovel in the ground, ClickBeforeYouDig and DigSafe!