Low-flying helicopters will be visible across parts of the Sea-to-Sky region between May 14 and June 14, 2025, as FortisBC begins its annual aerial inspections of high-pressure natural gas pipelines.
The flights, conducted by Talon Helicopters in partnership with LaSen Inc., are authorized by Transport Canada and will take place during daylight hours, according to a notice by SLRD. The helicopters are equipped with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, used to detect potential issues along the pipeline routes as part of FortisBC’s integrity management program.
According to the notice, the inspections are intended to support the safe and reliable operation of the natural gas system and guide ongoing maintenance efforts.
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District is among 24 districts across the province included in the survey. The low-flying areas include the District of Squamish, Garibaldi Highlands, Brackendale, and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. Flight times over each location will be brief, and no ground activity is planned concerning the inspections. Schedules may shift due to weather or wildfire conditions.
A map outlining the inspection zones is available online. For more information, contact FortisBC at 1-888-224-2710 or visit fortisbc.com/communityupgrades. Talon Helicopters can also be reached at 604-214-3585.
