What to expect if blasting is taking place in your neighbourhood
With blasting and rock breaking taking place in your neighbourhood, it’s important to be aware the bylaw includes notification requirements, safety measures and additional rules and regulations to ensure protections for neighbouring properties.
To understand how blasting and safety precautions are typically managed, this video of the City of Kingston provides an example:
Before Scheduled Blasting and Rock Breaking
Written Notice
If you live within 150 metres of the work site, the permit holder must give you advance notice:
- Two days (48 hours) for projects two days or less.
- One week notice for projects longer than two days.
The notice must tell you the dates, times, methods, and safety measures being used. The District will also send a separate municipal notice. If you haven’t received either notice and work appears to be starting, please contact the District of Oak Bay immediately at 250-598-2042.
Pre-Blast Surveys
For blasting only, the permit requires the blaster to provide confirmation and a summary of the completed pre-blast surveys of at-risk neighbouring properties.
A pre-blast survey is a documented record for the blaster’s insurance provider, typically photos and video, of the condition of your property before any blasting takes place. This survey helps determining whether blasting caused damage to your property.
If the blaster does not deem your property to be at risk, you can contact your own insurer for further advice or engage your own home inspection or take photos of areas of concern to be prepared for any damage claims.
Heritage Homes
All permit applications must include a context map showing every designated and registered heritage building within 300 metres of the work site. This map is meant to raise awareness and does not extend to separate requirements for heritage buildings.
Insurance
Every permit holder must maintain comprehensive general liability insurance of at least $5 million. If you believe blasting caused damage to your property:
- Document the damage
- Contact your home insurer
- Notify the contractor
The home owner’s insurer will investigate any damage and the relation to blasting and pursue recovery from the blaster’s insurer. The District of Oak Bay is not a party to insurance claims.
During Blasting and Rock Breaking
Approved Hours
In the District of Oak Bay, blasting and rock breaking is only permitted:
Monday to Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Rock hammering (hoe-ramming) less than 10m3 is limited to 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.
Blasting and rock breaking is not permitted on weekends, stat holidays and the period of December 24 to January 2. If you hear work during these hours, contact Bylaw at 250-598-2042.
Dust Must Be Controlled at the Property Line
The permit holder doing the rock breaking and blasting must make sure that dust or dirt does not create a nuisance for neighbours. If you notice an issue, document it and contact the District.
*Responsibility for monitoring airborne hazardous materials from blasting lies primarily with federal and provincial regulators and WorkSafe BC.
Notifications
As a property owner within 150 metres of the work, you must receive written notice at least 48 hours before work begins or one week for projects lasting more than two days. The notice must include:
- Type of work
- Dates and times
- Expected duration
- Safety measures
- Vibration monitoring details
- Warning signals
- Contractor contact information
- Insurance information
If work appears to be starting and you have not received notice, please contact 250-598-2042. Additional notifications will include:
Site Notices
At least one week before, a weather-resistant sign must be posted on-site with:
- Planned dates
- Duration
- Excavation depth
- Estimated volume of rock removal
School and Health
Schools and health facilities located within 300 metres must receive written notice.
The senior administrator must also receive at least two hours’ notice before each individual blast.
District of Oak Bay
Although not required by the bylaw, the District will continue to send a municipal notice to affected neighbours in addition to the one required from the permit holder.
The owner must notify the District Building Official in writing once rock removal is finished.