Skip to content

Kelowna had 3rd highest gas line strikes in 2023, call before you dig: FortisBC

April is Safe Digging Month
web1_240425-kcn-safe-dig-month-bc1call_1
In 2023, FortsBC had 844 instances of damage to underground gas lines, with nearly 70 per cent the result of work performed without contacting BC 1 Call before digging. (Photo: BC 1 Call)

FortisBC is urging contractors and residents to call before they dig.

In 2023, the utility had 844 instances of damage to underground gas lines, with nearly 70 per cent the result of work performed without contacting BC 1 Call before digging.

April is Safe Digging Month and FortisBC and BC 1 Call are asking residents and contractors to click or call BC 1 Call before they dig, excavate or disturb the ground before spring garden work.

Knowing the location of underground gas lines reduces the risk of personal injury, avoids interrupting essential services and prevents costly repairs.

Of the 2023 recorded damage incidents, the Thompson Okanagan region had the second-highest line strikes with 183, behind Metro Vancouver at 327.

Kelowna had the third highest strikes among municipalities with 41, behind Vancouver with 58, and Surrey with 64.

Nearly 75 per cent of damages to gas lines across the province are caused by contractors.

“It is very promising to see our damage incidents decreasing by about 10 per cent year over year since 2020,” said Tanya Kowalenko, program manager, of public safety, FortisBC. “However, even one incident is one too many.

Approximately 90 per cent of damages to gas lines are preventable by following safe excavation practices, Kowalenko added.

Call Before You Dig is a free service offered to the public and contractors and is available on the BC 1 Call website or by calling 1-800-474-6886. BC 1 Call members will respond within three business days.

“Though the number of registered BC 1 Call users continues to climb each year, there are many contractors, landscapers, and homeowners who still aren’t aware of safe digging practices, which is why we are continuing to see damage,” said Chris Hyland, president and CEO of BC 1 Call.

For more information on safe digging practices visit the FortisBC or BC 1 Call websites.

READ MORE: Kelowna first in B.C. to test drive new OnDemand transit

READ MORE: City of Kelowna pours $7M into flood protection



Gary Barnes

About the Author: Gary Barnes

Recently joined Kelowna Capital News and WestK News as a multimedia journalist in January 2022. With almost 30 years of experience in news reporting and radio broadcasting...
Read more