Ottawa exempts utility poles from pesticide ban

The federal government has backed away from a proposed ban on a pesticide commonly used to protect wooden utility poles. Over the weekend, Health Canada published new regulations allowing poles used for poles used for electricity and telecommunications to continue using pentachlorophenol (PENTA), a toxic compound first developed in the 1930s that helps prevent insect and fungi infestations. The regulations reverse government restrictions announced in 2023, which were set to take effect on Oct. 4, 2026, citing potential human health and environmental damages, under the Pest Control Products Act. The proposed ban had faced pushback from electricity providers who suggested PENTA was key to maintaining utility poles from being destroyed by natural disasters, warning of potential shortages. During a subsequent consultation on the policy, Health Canada received submissions advocating for PENTA-treated poles to be permitted beyond October 2026. More specifically, stakeholders theorized that some poles may need to be relocated to accommodate widening roads, while others said northern communities would be disproportionately affected by the forthcoming deadline because of “transportation and installation challenges.” Under the new rules, Ottawa will allow PENTA-treated poles to be installed and relocated for “the specific purpose of transmitting and distributing electricity and telecommunications with no time limit.” “Pentachlorophenol-treated utility poles and cross-arms are essential parts of the electrical grid,” read the regulations. “Utility companies keep these poles and crossarms in stock to maintain the grid’s reliability through unpredictable weather events, to replace already installed poles and cross-arms at the end of their service life, and to advance new infrastructure projects.” Moving forwards, owners of PENTA-treated poles must inform workers or subcontractors of the pesticide’s use to ensure protective equipment is used. news@thewirereport.ca

Ottawa exempts utility poles from pesticide ban

Regulatory |
By Wire Report Staff
|June 15, 2026

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Ottawa exempts utility poles from pesticide ban

Regulatory | By Wire Report Staff |June 15, 2026

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By Wire Report Staff
|June 15, 2026