Vancouver Halts Multiplex Projects Built Too Close to Power Lines
Vancouver’s multiplex rollout hit a safety snag as the city issued stop‑work orders on multiple projects built within required setbacks from overhead power lines. The result is immediate site shutdowns for affected builders and a policy nudge to tighten plan checks around electrical clearances.
What Happened
At least nine multiplex sites were halted after accredited professionals signed off on plans that placed buildings within the Canadian Electrical Code clearances for BC Hydro infrastructure. The city says WorkSafeBC also issued separate stop‑work orders at three properties due to worker safety risks. Authorities are reviewing files and coordinating with BC Hydro to evaluate remedies, with demolition characterized as a last resort.
Why It Matters
Multiplex policy aims to deliver missing‑middle housing quickly, but safety rules around overhead conductors are non‑negotiable. The incident underscores two realities: clearances must be checked early in design, and reliance on professional assurance without robust municipal verification can allow critical issues to slip through.
What To Watch
- City process updates to explicitly verify electrical clearances during plan review
- BC Hydro collaboration and potential design mitigations for near‑clearance conditions
- Guidance for architects, engineers, and electrical contractors on lane‑side massing near wires
- Any delay impacts on active multiplex pipelines and financing timelines
Practical Next Steps
- Owners and designers should obtain utility clearance checks early and model massing against overhead conductors before DP/BP
- Builders should brief site crews on minimum approach distances and lane‑side staging
- Lenders should request documented clearance confirmations to de‑risk draws
Source
News report: Exclusive: ‘Serious safety risk’: Work halted on several Vancouver multiplex projects built too close to power lines.
