Toronto, Ontario, Nov. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oasis Pool and Landscaping was found guilty of eight offenses related to pipeline strikes under s. Ontario Regulation 210/01 (Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems) Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000. The Ontario Court of Justice imposed a fine of $80,000 plus a 25% victim surcharge.
Safety breaches occurred in June and July 2024 when Oasis Pool and Landscaping damaged two gas pipelines in two separate incidents in North York, Ontario, resulting in gas service interruption to more than 50 households in the surrounding areas.
An investigation by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) found that Oasis Pool and Landscaping did not supervise its employee or follow safety procedures during excavation work. The company failed to manually excavate within one meter of the gas pipeline as required and in both cases broke through the line using an excavator.
After each strike, the contractor's employee shut off the damaged gas line and continued to work without reporting the incident—an unsafe and unlawful act that poses a serious threat to public safety.
During the July incident, the company carried out additional excavations without reference to the findings, increasing the risk of damage to the pipeline.
According to Latest TSSA Public Safety ReportIn fiscal year 2025, pipeline strikes accounted for more than 60% of reported fuel-related incidents. These incidents can result in gas leaks, fires, explosions, property damage, personal injury or death. Repair work often requires shutting off the gas, leaving nearby homes and businesses without service.
“This prosecution marks the third conviction for pipeline damage in Ontario this year,” said Owen Kennedy, director of fuel safety at TSSA. “At the same time, in one of the incidents, the company involved did not even use the obtained locations. Digging without knowing the location of buried utilities is irresponsible, as this significantly increases the risk of damage to gas pipelines and other underground infrastructure.”
Mr Kennedy added: “TSSA would like to remind all contractors to follow regulations when carrying out work that may involve gas pipelines. It is the responsibility of each contractor to ensure that work is completed prior to excavation and to excavate safely and in accordance with safety regulations.”
Before starting any excavation project, both homeowners and contractors should contact Ontario, one call to determine the location of underground utilities such as gas, hydropower, cable and telephone lines. This step is critical to prevent damage to pipelines and other underground infrastructure.
To protect underground utilities, contractors are also required to comply with the safety standards outlined in Canadian Damage Prevention Standards Association Safety Code for the Protection of Underground Infrastructure (CSA Z247-15).
If a gas line is damaged or a leak is suspected, it must be reported to TSSA immediately at 1-877-682-8772.
About TCSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario's public safety regulators mandated by the Ontario government to enforce provincial safety regulations and improve public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of entertainment devices, boilers and pressure vessels, lifting devices, fuels, operating engineers and lifts. The range of safety services includes public education and consumer awareness, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consulting, compliance support, and enforcement and prosecution. The organization's vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in the field of public safety.
