Is there a power line near my property?

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High-voltage transmission lines run across BC, often over private land. A report checks two maps for lines within 200 m of the lot line and gives the distance to the nearest. Look up the address or PID on PlaceDossier to see the record for that lot. What the maps show: High-voltage transmission lines only, from two maps read together: the Province's map of BC Hydro's lines and those of private and independent power producers, which names BC Hydro's circuits but leaves voltages out, and OpenStreetMap, where volunteers record the voltage where it's known. Each map has lines the other lacks. The smaller distribution lines along streets, and the wires to each house, aren't included. The right of way: Where a transmission line crosses private land, BC Hydro holds a statutory right of way, an easement registered on the title. It lets BC Hydro build, run and maintain the line and keep the area under and around it clear of anything that could get in the way. The agreement on title sets the right of way's width and terms. Building: BC Hydro allows no part of any building inside its right of way; you can usually build up to its edge. Next to a 500 kV line a further setback applies, set by a BC Hydro engineering standard it sends on request, and building inside that setback needs a consultant to check the electric field. Using the strip: The owner can still use the land in the right of way, as long as the use puts no one at risk, doesn't get in the way of the line and fits the agreement on title. BC Hydro asks that anything planned inside it be sent to its Property Rights Services group for review and approval first. Trees: Inside the right of way, only low-growing trees, shrubs and plants; how low depends on the line's height and voltage. BC Hydro can remove hazard trees outside the right of way that could fall on the line. Trees that could fall on or near a line may be felled only under a certified utility arborist with BC Hydro safety certification, and BC Hydro asks to hear about logging nearby at least three months ahead. What to ask BC Hydro: Whether a right of way crosses or borders the lot, how wide it is, what you may build, plant or keep in it, and whether a 500 kV setback applies. Its properties help desk answers these: properties.helpdesk@bchydro.com. For a line owned by someone else, ask that owner. Health: Health Canada says power lines give off extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields, strongest right beside the source and falling off quickly with distance. It says the scientific evidence doesn't support claims that long-term exposure causes cancer, and that you don't need to take precautions against these exposures.

Is there a power line near my property?

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