Report Power or Gas Safety Concerns - Burlington Bylaw

Utilities and Infrastructure Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In Burlington, Ontario, a suspected gas leak or dangerous electrical hazard is both an immediate safety issue and a matter that can involve municipal bylaw enforcement, the local distributor, and emergency responders. This guide explains who to contact, how the City handles reports, and the practical steps to protect people and property. Read the safety first actions, the City enforcement pathways, common offences, and how to follow up after a report so you know what to expect.

If you smell gas or see sparking wires, leave the area immediately and call 911.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Burlington addresses public-safety complaints through By-law Enforcement and coordinates with utilities and Fire Services. Specific monetary fines or statutory penalty amounts for failing to report or for creating unsafe utility conditions are not specified on the cited City page; see the municipal reporting contact below for enforcement procedures and referrals.Report a Concern[1]

  • Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and Burlington Fire Services handle public-safety referrals and investigations.
  • Inspection: Investigations may include site visits, coordination with the utility distributor, and documented inspection reports.
  • Fines: Specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: First, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page; enforcement is case-by-case.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: Orders to remedy, stop-work or site-safety orders, and court action are potential measures.
The City typically coordinates with the utility owner, which may take the lead on isolating or repairing utility equipment.

Applications & Forms

No specific application form is required to report an immediate gas or electrical safety hazard; report pathways are handled by phone and the City online reporting tool on the cited page.Report a Concern[1]

How to Report

Follow these steps to protect life and property, and to ensure the City and utilities can respond quickly.

  1. Immediate danger: If anyone is at risk or fire is possible, call 911 first.
  2. Notify the gas provider for suspected gas leaks: follow the emergency reporting instructions on Enbridge Gas's safety page.Enbridge Gas safety[2]
  3. Notify the electricity distributor for downed wires or outages using the local distributor outage/report page.Alectra outage center[3]
  4. Report the incident to the City of Burlington using the online reporting tool or By-law Enforcement after emergency services and the utility have been notified.Report a Concern
Always prioritize immediate evacuation and 911 for any imminent danger before reporting to utilities or the City.

Common Violations

  • Damaged or downed overhead power lines near public areas.
  • Unauthorized excavation that severs underground gas or electrical lines.
  • Obvious gas smells or persistent venting at a property.
  • Failure to follow a utility or City order to make repairs or secure a site.

FAQ

Who do I call if I smell gas?
Call 911 if there is immediate danger. Then contact the gas provider using the emergency reporting instructions on their official safety page.[2]
What if a power line falls on my property?
Stay clear, keep others away, call 911 for hazards, and report the downed line to the electricity distributor using their outage/report page.[3]
Does the City fine property owners for utility hazards?
The City investigates and may issue orders or pursue enforcement; specific fine amounts and escalation details are not specified on the cited City page.[1]

How-To

  1. Assess safety and, if there is immediate risk, evacuate and call 911.
  2. Contact the appropriate utility: gas provider for gas smells and the electricity distributor for downed lines; follow their emergency guidance.[2]
  3. Report the incident to the City of Burlington via the official reporting tool to trigger municipal follow-up and records.[1]
  4. Follow any utility or City orders, keep records of communications, and ask about appeal or review routes if you receive enforcement.
Document the time, location, and photos if safe to do so to help investigators and utility crews.

Key Takeaways

  • Immediate danger: call 911 first.
  • Notify the utility distributor as soon as possible.
  • Report to the City of Burlington to start municipal follow-up.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Burlington - Report a Concern
  2. [2] Enbridge Gas - Safety and Emergency Reporting
  3. [3] Alectra Utilities - Outage Center

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data