Encroachments

Encroachment
Removal
Program

Trans-Northern Pipelines Inc. (TNPI) was incorporated in 1949 and has been operating pipelines for more than 60 years. The pipeline flows east to west, linking Montreal and Oakville, Ontario; and west to east between Nanticoke, Ontario, and Toronto. There are also branch lines which connect to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, Montreal’s Pierre-Elliot-Trudeau International Airport, as well as Clarkson, Ont., and Ottawa. Learn more about the Trans-Northern Pipeline Inc. system.

Our business is built on four strategic pillars which we work to uphold every day: Personal and Process Safety, Environmental Sustainability, Reliability and People.

Our team’s decades of experience combined with a focus on our core values – safe, respectful, professional, trustworthy, results-focused, decisive – guide our daily activities and business operations.

We are committed to continually building working relationships with people, municipal officials, and other personnel in the communities where we operate to ensure pipeline safety. To help keep you and your family safe, we need your help. It starts by ensuring the right-of-way (the area around the pipeline) remains clear of structures, vegetation, and debris. Similar to other utilities like electricity, telephone, internet and TV cables, water and sewer, our pipelines are safely installed under the ground. Unfortunately, unauthorized construction and digging are leading causes of damage to pipelines and other utilities. Always receive approval before working in the area of the TNPI pipeline.

As noted in the recent notification letters sent to landowners and municipal officials in your area, we are working to document, inspect, and remedy encroachments of the pipeline right-of-way in your area. We encourage you to take some time to read the information provided here to understand more about the right-of-way, the pipeline, and the regulatory requirements of our operations. If, after reviewing the material within this site, you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

FAQ

Encroachment Removal Program

What is a right-of-way / easement agreement?

A right-of-way agreement may be known by other names such as a Statutory Right-of-Way Agreement, Pipeline Right-of-Way Agreement, Easement Agreement or Utility Right-of-Way Agreement.

A right-of-way is a written agreement between the pipeline company and the landowner. Usually a right-of-way agreement allows the company to construct and operate the pipeline while the landowner still owns the lands. A right-of-way agreement sets out the rights and obligations of both the company and the landowner in regard to the use of the lands for the location of the pipeline and will specify restrictions on the use of the land. The landowner usually grants the right-of-way to the pipeline company for a negotiated amount of money.

The company has the right to use the lands to build, operate, and maintain the pipeline once a right-of-way agreement is in effect. The company will then register the agreement with the local land titles or registry office. The agreement remains registered to title for the life of the pipeline, even if the land is sold and purchased by new owners.

What is a right-of-way?

A pipeline right-of-way is the strip of land in which the pipeline will be located. The width of the right-of-way may vary depending on factors such as pipeline diameter and the slope of the land, but it will typically range from 12-30 metres (approximately 40-100 feet) for the entire length of the pipeline.

What is an encroachment?

An encroachment exists when any portion of a facility, such as a building, fence, deck, driveway, retaining wall, or other structure extends from privately-owned lands onto a right-of-way.

What rights do the pipeline companies have?

The company has the right to use the lands to build, operate, and maintain the pipeline once a right-of-way agreement is in effect, based on the specific terms of the agreement.

Why do I need to move or remove the encroachment?

Encroachments impede pipeline company access to the right-of-way to safely operate the pipeline.

What am I permitted to do in the right-of-way?

Trans-Northern encourages landowners to continue using the land where the right-of-way is situated, while noting the installation or construction of any facility over the right-of-way, or excavations within the prescribed area (an area measured 30 metres perpendicularly from the centreline of pipe) requires written permission from Trans-Northern or the Canada Energy Regulator.

What are my responsibilities when digging near the pipeline?

The first step when digging anywhere is to know what’s below and ClickBeforeYouDig. Doing so will identify and notify buried utilities in the vicinity of your project allowing them to either locate and mark their buried energy and utility network, provide an “all-clear” to work; or, begin a process with you to ensure your project meets regulatory requirements and is carried out safely.

I purchased this property and was not aware of the pipeline. How do I get more information?

There are multiple information sources on pipelines in Canada such as the Canada Energy Regulator and the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association. Alternatively, you may contact your realtor, notary, land registry office, or local legal survey company and they will be able to provide information related specifically to your property.

Encroachment removal – what are my options?

If you disagree with Trans-Northern’s request to remove or alter an encroachment within its right-of-way, you may submit an application to the Canada Energy Regulator pursuant to Section 335.(1) of the Canada Energy Regulator Act. Learn more.

Will I be compensated to move or remove the encroachment on my property?

No, compensation for removing unauthorized encroachments on TNPI’s right of way will not be offered.