[CANUFNET] Tree Clearance around Overhead Utilities

[Michael Richardson]

I imagine that the electrical distribution companies have a legislated 
duty to maintain their lines and this will take precedence over any 
municipal bylaw seeking to protect trees.

Electrical distribution companies may have documented easements or ROW, 
or they may be established by long-term usage.  If this is the case it 
may extinguish any right the city has to control the trees.

I imagine the place to start research is the legislation governing 
electrical distribution, the PEI OHS Act & Regulations, and Trees and 
the Law by Julian Dunster.

You are treading on dangerous ground if you are trying to control trees 
and the over electrical distribution companies and I would suggest that 
a review by a suitably qualified lawyer may be in order.

Michael

On 2025-03-27 07:17, Corkum-Gorrill, Jessika via CANUFNET wrote:

> Hello,
> 
> PEI still has mainly overhead power lines with few buried underground. 
> With increased intense storms and power outages, our local utility is 
> working to increase tree clearances around power lines. Communication 
> delivered across the province from the electrical utility company 
> requests that all trees be planted 45ft from overhead power lines. They 
> are also working to increase clearances of existing trees/natural areas 
> near lines. In urban areas, tree removals even 1/3 of the distance 
> above would be detrimental to our already shrinking tree canopy.
> 
> Can anyone in this group speak to or share your bylaws or regulations 
> for municipally owned tree protection, clearances, pruning, removals, 
> planting near overhead utilities (in an urban setting)? Also, any input 
> on ensuring occupational health and safety considerations for utility 
> workers and how that relates to proximity of trees to the lines would 
> be welcomed as well.
> 
> Many thanks!
> Jessika
> 
> Jessika Corkum-Gorrill
> 
> Manager, Environment and Sustainability
> 
> City of Charlottetown
> 
> PO Box 98, 199 Queen Street
> 
> Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
> 
> Canada, C1A 7K2
> 
> Office: 902.629.4122
> 
> jcorkumgorrill at charlottetown.ca
> 
> www.charlottetown.ca [1]
> 
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> protect our environment.
> 
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