Manitoba Hydro power lines are photographed just outside Winnipeg on May 1, 2018. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
Manitoba Hydro is reminding firearm owners to avoid shooting near electrical infrastructure after damage was discovered on a power line serving Cross Lake.
The utility says a recent inspection found shotgun pellet damage to aerial marker balls attached to the line crossing the Nelson River. A preliminary examination also showed similar damage to the line that broke on December 28, 2025, causing a power outage.
While it has not been confirmed that gunfire caused the break, Manitoba Hydro says shooting at power infrastructure can shorten equipment lifespan, trigger outages, and create safety risks for the public and utility workers.
“We ask hunters and firearm enthusiasts to think of the serious consequences that can result from taking aim at our equipment,” said Peter Chura, media relations officer for Manitoba Hydro, in a release.
“We remind hunters to exercise caution when shooting at birds and other game in the vicinity of power lines, substations or other electric or natural gas facilities.”
As a precaution, the utility plans to replace other river-crossing spans on the line that show signs of firearm damage. Manitoba Hydro says it is working with the community to determine the best time to complete the work.
