Latest news with #Crowncorporation
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Manitoba Hydro to increase vegetation management work as utility sees more tree-related outages
Manitoba Hydro plans to do more tree and brush maintenance this year, after it said the province experienced the highest number of tree-related outages in more than a decade in 2024. There were 2,612 tree-related power outages in the province in 2024 — more than in any of the previous 14 years, the Crown corporation said in a news release on Wednesday. Tree contact with electrical lines is one of the leading causes of power outages in the province, Manitoba Hydro said. In addition, falling branches and overgrown brush can spark fires and downed electrical lines create safety issues for community members and hydro crews. "It's important for both safety and reliability of the system that we try to keep trees and brush away from power lines," spokesperson Peter Chura said. That's why the utility will be doing more vegetation management work this year, largely focusing on rural areas. He said a map of areas crews are clearing will soon be available on Manitoba Hydro's website. Workers will be trimming trees, using heavy machinery to remove brush, and applying pesticides to prevent vegetation growth, according to the press release. "You might see crews along highways, you might see crews in your neighbourhood. It's important just to stay back, keep a distance from where the work is going on," he said. If you see a downed power line, you should stay at least 10 metres away from it and call 911 immediately, he said. Chura also said homeowners have a responsibility to keep trees and brush on their property away from power lines and hydro infrastructure. Homeowners can fill out a tree safety assessment on Manitoba Hydro's website if vegetation is growing near power lines or hydro poles. "We want to see fewer outages. I'm sure homeowners and customers want to see fewer outages and this is one way that we can go about that," Chura said. More from CBC Manitoba:
CBC
18 hours ago
- Climate
- CBC
Manitoba Hydro to increase vegetation management work as utility sees more tree-related outages
Manitoba Hydro plans to do more tree and brush maintenance this year, after it said the province experienced the highest number of tree-related outages in more than a decade in 2024. There were 2,612 tree-related power outages in the province in 2024 — more than in any of the previous 14 years, the Crown corporation said in a news release on Wednesday. Tree contact with electrical lines is one of the leading causes of power outages in the province, Manitoba Hydro said. In addition, falling branches and overgrown brush can spark fires and downed electrical lines create safety issues for community members and hydro crews. "It's important for both safety and reliability of the system that we try to keep trees and brush away from power lines," spokesperson Peter Chura said. That's why the utility will be doing more vegetation management work this year, largely focusing on rural areas. He said a map of areas crews are clearing will soon be available on Manitoba Hydro's website. Workers will be trimming trees, using heavy machinery to remove brush, and applying pesticides to prevent vegetation growth, according to the press release. "You might see crews along highways, you might see crews in your neighbourhood. It's important just to stay back, keep a distance from where the work is going on," he said. If you see a downed power line, you should stay at least 10 metres away from it and call 911 immediately, he said. Chura also said homeowners have a responsibility to keep trees and brush on their property away from power lines and hydro infrastructure. Homeowners can fill out a tree safety assessment on Manitoba Hydro's website if vegetation is growing near power lines or hydro poles. "We want to see fewer outages. I'm sure homeowners and customers want to see fewer outages and this is one way that we can go about that," Chura said.
CTV News
15-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
VIA Rail plans to use refurbished cars to improve service between Halifax-Montreal
A passenger section is seen during a tour of The Ocean passenger train at Halifax station in Halifax on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Via Rail is marking 120 years of continuous service by The Ocean, making it the oldest named passenger train in Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese HALIFAX — The CEO of Via Rail says the Crown corporation wants to use refurbished rail cars to improve service between Halifax and Montreal. Mario Péloquin made the comments after a ceremony marking the completion of renovations to Via's Halifax station. Péloquin also noted that last year was the 120th anniversary of The Ocean — the train from Montreal to Halifax inaugurated in July 1904. The CEO says the federal government has committed to renewing the corporation's entire Canadian fleet within ten years. And in the interim, Péloquin says there are plans to refurbish stainless steel cars that are being retired in Central Canada for use in the Atlantic region. Mario Péloquin, president and CEO of Via Rail, speaks during a press conference at the company's Halifax station in Halifax on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Via Rail is marking 120 years of continuous service by The Ocean, making it the oldest named passen... Mario Péloquin, president and CEO of Via Rail, speaks during a press conference at the company's Halifax station in Halifax on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Via Rail is marking 120 years of continuous service by The Ocean, making it the oldest named passenger train in Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese But Péloquin says he doesn't know yet whether the refurbished cars will be enough to restore daily service to the Halifax-Montreal line, which currently runs three times a week. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2025. The Canadian Press
