Toronto landscaper pleads guilty in striking Enbridge gas pipeline
(UI) — Ontario-based Orin Landscaping Inc. has pleaded guilty to striking and damaging a natural gas pipeline operated by Enbridge. This marks the second guilty plea this year for pipeline strikes in Ontario. The company was found guilty of an offence under Ontario Regulation 210/01 of the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000.
In December 2024, Orin Landscaping was using a mechanical excavator for a drainage installation project at Bathurst Street in downtown Toronto when it struck and damaged a 4-inch plastic gas main pipeline that was part of the Enbridge gas supply system. No injuries were reported in this incident.
By law, contractors must obtain locates before digging to avoid damaging pipelines and other underground infrastructure. Even with the legally required locates, Orin Landscape violated safety code requirements by using a mechanical excavator within one meter of the gas line. Only vacuum excavation equipment or hand tools is permitted within this distance, as specified by the safety code provision.
“Enforcement is one of our key tools to protect public safety as Ontario’s safety regulator. This marks the second guilty plea for gas pipeline strikes so far this year,” said Owen Kennedy, TSSA’s Director of Fuels.
“Contractors must take every necessary precaution when digging near pipelines. Striking underground infrastructure doesn’t just disrupt the affected neighborhoods; it can cause gas leaks and many other serious consequences. Follow rules and dig safe, that’s the right thing to do for every business involved in excavation,” added Mr. Kennedy.
In March 2025, another construction company was fined for damaging multiple gas lines in and around Ottawa, which caused gas outages for six homes and a retail mall.
Pipeline strikes account for the vast majority of fuels incidents in Ontario, making up 70% of all reported fuels incidents in fiscal year 2024, according to a recent TSSA safety report. Before any digging project, homeowners and contractors are required to contact Ontario One Call to locate underground infrastructure such as gas, hydro, cable, and phone lines.
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