
Whether you’re in a rural or urban setting, keeping right-of-ways clear and accessible is a matter of safety – not just for our crews, but you and your neighbours too!
What are Right-of-Ways?
When we build infrastructure, like overhead power lines, we establish a right-of-way (ROW) agreement with the land and property owners. This agreement gives us permission to inspect, maintain or repair our equipment at anytime.
It also outlines a minimum ROW boundary zone around power lines that must remain clear. Any obstruction is an encroachment and poses a risk to your safety and our ability to complete work.
Watch this short video to learn more about right-of-ways and the importance of keeping them clear.
What are Common Encroachments?
Some common encroachments that we see are:
- Large structures like grain bins, greenhouses, sheds, fences, or decks.
- Storage areas for vehicles, equipment and machinery, or materials like hay bales and fill.
- Hot tubs, and swimming pools, including temporary ones
- Trees – don’t trim trees away from power lines yourself. We will do this for free.
Clear The Way
Whether your property or land is in a rural or urban setting, it’s your responsibility to clear the way! Always meet the terms of your ROW agreement and respect the boundary zones outlined.
ROW boundary zones depend on the voltage and design of the power line on your land or property. To make sure you’re not encroaching, always reference your ROW agreement. The agreement provides specific information about the exact width of a boundary zone.