Vegetation and safety near transmission lines
Does and don'ts near power lines
Read your legal title. It should mention Hydro-Québec's servitude and may also include descriptions of the right-of-way and Hydro-Québec's rights (access rights and the right to remove any obstacles to power line safety, development or maintenance).
If you cannot find the information you're looking for in the title, contact the professionals who oversaw the transaction when you purchased the land.
You can obtain details by calling 1 800 279-0787 or complete the online form.
Power lines transmit electricity between 44 and 765 kV (44 000 to 765 000 volts) to consumer centres. The cleared corridors of varying widths (depending on the type of line) under the lines are called rights-of-way.
To ensure safety and service continuity, Hydro-Québec must rigorously control the use of the rights-of-way.
Making the most of your property
Even if Hydro-Québec has a servitude on part of your property, you remain the land owner. There are several ways in which you can make the most of your property.
You may carry out earth and enhancement work, plant short trees along the right-of-way (e.g. crab apple and dwarf fruit trees or lilac) or plant crops.
However, before beginning any work, you must have your project approved by Hydro-Québec. Call 1 800 279-0787 or complete the online form.
- Servitude rights
- In most cases, Hydro-Québec does not own the land on which its transmission lines are located but has a servitude for access and maintenance. As part of its vegetation management activities, Hydro-Québec must strictly enforce its servitude rights, especially by formally prohibiting any encroaching (i.e. the unauthorized use of the rights-of-way). Each year, Hydro-Québec observes many infractions with respect to its servitudes and must take action against owners who may be misinformed.
Strictly prohibited!
The following rules apply to owners and tenants of properties that include a right-of-way.
Carrying out any of the following activities on land located in a power-line right of way is strictly prohibited:- Installing a lamppost or building (e.g. house, garage, shed, etc.);
- Installing a pool (in-ground or above-ground) or digging an artificial lake;
- Flying a kite or miniature airplane;
- Altering ground levels by digging, stocking materials, piling snow, earth or waste, etc.;
- Installing a tent or trailer;
- Installing a clothesline.
This list is not exhaustive. For your safety, please contact us before carrying out landscaping or any other work: 1 800 279-0787.
