Third Party Requests

On occasion, individuals and companies may need to access AltaLink utility right-of-ways (URW) for installing underground pipelines, moving buildings or heavy equipment, building roads, or determining distances for locating new facilities such as buildings, barns, etc.

Before individuals and companies can access or encroach upon AltaLink’s right-of-ways or easements, they are required to submit a request to AltaLink for permission.

Steps for submitting a third party request:

1. Complete the Applicant Detail Sheet (PDF).
2. Complete the Type of Work Form (PDF).
3. Complete the appropriate crossing/data sheet or drawing for the type of work. Sample documents can be found here (PDF).
4. Submit all documents to 3rdpartyrequests@altalink.ca. 

Access Definitions

Crossing Request to AltaLink Right-of-Ways

This request is required if the proposed facility crosses AltaLink’s right-of-way.

Proximity Request to AltaLink Right-of-Ways or Easements

This request is required if a proposed facility is located outside of AltaLink’s right-of-way by within 100.0 metres of AltaLink’s facilities.

Encroachment Request to AltaLink Right-of-Ways or Easements (or any other Land Dispositions or Interests)

This request is required if a proposed facility is located within AltaLink’s right-of-way, but not entirely crossing the right-of-way’s boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When do I need to request permission from AltaLink to cross its right-of-way, easements or property?

A. AltaLink’s permission is required each time anyone or a third party is planning to work within 100.0 metres of AltaLink’s facilities.

Q. What type of third party agreement do I need from AltaLink when planning to cross its right-of-ways, easements or property?

A. The following descriptions can help you find out which agreement you will need to request from AltaLink.

Crossing agreement: If the proposed facility crosses AltaLink’s right-of-way, a crossing agreement is required.

Proximity agreement: If a proposed facility is located outside of AltaLink’s right-of-way but within 100.0 metres of AltaLink’s facilities, a proximity agreement is required.

Encroachment agreement: If a proposed facility is located within AltaLink’s right-of-way, but not entirely crossing the right-of-way’s boundaries, an encroachment agreement is required.

Q. Who should I contact to request a third party agreement with AltaLink?

A. Contact AltaLink’s Land department by emailing 3rdpartyrequests [at] altalink [dot] ca.

Q. How long does it take to obtain agreements from AltaLink?

A. Once AltaLink has received the information it needs to process your request, agreements are normally obtained within three to six weeks for Crossing, Proximity, or Encroachment agreements.

Q. What information does AltaLink require to process my request?

A. AltaLink requires the Short Legal (Section-Township-Range-Meridian) or Long Legal (Lot, Block, Plan) land description of your proposed work site to be included in your request. If this information is not provided, your request will not be considered.

Q. How far or what distance do I need to be from the power lines when working near or around them?

A. There are different setback distances for different voltages of power lines.

Once AltaLink has received your request, we will specify in the agreement the distance that third party contractors have to maintain from power lines.

If voltage of a power line is unknown, 7.0 metres of separation needs to be maintained between power lines and workers and equipment at all times, under all conditions.

Q. Can I disturb the soil within AltaLink’s right-of-ways or near AltaLink’s facilities?

A. Soil disturbance is not allowed within AltaLink’s right-of-ways, easement, vegetation control easement (VCE) or any other Land Dispositions or Interests without the appropriate agreement from AltaLink.

Soil disturbance is not permitted within 25.0 metres of steel towers and 10.0 metres of wood poles.

Q. Can I construct anything between anchors and AltaLink’s power poles or steel towers?

A. No construction or activity is permitted between anchors and AltaLink’s power poles or steel towers.

Q. If I want to build a barn, shelter or access to buildings, or install an irrigation system or related components under power lines, do I need to contact AltaLink?

A. Yes, for any work or construction within 100.0 metres of AltaLink’s facilities, agreement from AltaLink is required.

Q. How close can I build a house to power lines?

A. If you are planning to build a house near power lines, please contact us. While there is no fixed distance for locating a house from power lines, agreement from AltaLink to construct the house will be issued after submitting development plans.

Q. I am planning to install a fence in my backyard that backs onto a power line right-of-way. Do I need to contact AltaLink?

A. AltaLink and the Government of Alberta have specific requirements for fences of this nature, and it is critical that you contact AltaLink before installation begins.

Q. Can I build a pond or water feature within AltaLink’s right-of-way?

A. AltaLink will not allow any water feature or pond to be constructed within AltaLink’s right-of-way. Water features or ponds should be a minimum of 30.0 metres from power line right-of-ways.

Q. Do I need AltaLink’s approval to cultivate or farm under power lines?

A. Farming land under power lines with normal farming equipment is permitted if the following safe limits of distances are maintained:

If the voltage of the power line is unknown, 7.0 metres of separation should be maintained between the line and workers and equipment at all times, under all conditions.

Q.Can I park or store vehicles or equipment under power lines?

A. Parking or storing vehicles and equipment inside AltaLink’s right-of-ways, easements, Vegetation Control Easements (VCE), licenses of occupation, or other Land Dispositions and Interests without AltaLink’s agreement is forbidden.

Q. Can I plant trees under power lines?

A. AltaLink does not allow trees to be planted under power lines or within AltaLink’s right-of-ways, easements, Vegetation Control Easements (VCE) or any other Land Dispositions and Interests. AltaLink personnel will remove trees that are identified as hazardous to our power lines.

Q. How close can I install a pipeline or build a house to a substation?

A. Contact AltaLink for information regarding any project that will occur in proximity to substations. AltaLink will provide you with guidelines and regulations that take the specific substation into consideration.

Q. Who should I contact if I want to purchase land under power lines?

A. Contact AltaLink’s Land department by email at 3rdpartyrequests [at] altalink [dot] ca for land purchases or related land questions.