A squirrel sparked a major power disruption in New Westminster on Saturday, leaving several neighbourhoods without electricity.
The mischievous animal reportedly entered the city’s main substation, triggering outages across the area. Residents in Sapperton, Glenbrook North, and Queen’s Park were affected.
B.C. Hydro sent electricians to the substation to investigate, even though New Westminster manages its own utility services. Mora Scott, a B.C. Hydro spokesperson, confirmed the cause in an email Saturday.
“They determined the outage was caused by a squirrel contacting equipment in the substation,” Scott said.
The sudden power loss prompted the temporary evacuation of the Queen’s Park Sportsplex, according to the city’s website.
The outage began shortly after 9 a.m. and disrupted service for multiple neighbourhoods. Power was fully restored just before 11 a.m., bringing relief to residents and businesses.
Animal-related power interruptions are not unusual in B.C. Each year, interactions between birds, squirrels, and other animals with electrical equipment cause around 25 to 30 outages across the province.
While animals are a growing source of electrical disruptions, falling trees and storm damage remain the leading cause of outages, accounting for nearly half of all service interruptions. However, B.C. Hydro has noticed an increase in animal-related incidents in recent years.
Electricians take special precautions when repairing animal-related outages. Substation equipment is energized, which can be dangerous, so crews work quickly to restore power safely.
The incident in New Westminster highlights the unpredictable ways urban wildlife can affect city infrastructure. Residents are reminded to report any sightings of animals near electrical equipment to local authorities to help prevent similar events.
Officials say that while the outage was brief, it demonstrates the importance of maintaining and monitoring city substations. Regular inspections and wildlife deterrent measures help reduce the frequency of such interruptions.
In response to growing animal-related issues, B.C. Hydro has been reviewing its substation designs. Efforts include installing protective barriers and other wildlife-proofing measures to keep animals away from critical electrical equipment.
This is not the first time squirrels have caused disruption. Across Canada, small animals have been linked to sudden blackouts and electrical failures. Utility companies are continually updating protocols to respond to these events safely and efficiently.
Despite the inconvenience, Saturday’s outage was resolved without injuries or significant damage to property. Residents quickly resumed daily activities once power returned, and the city continues to monitor substation safety.
Events like this illustrate how even small animals can have large impacts on urban systems. New Westminster’s quick response and B.C. Hydro’s expertise ensured the outage remained limited and controlled.
Authorities encourage residents to remain aware of the risks animals pose to electrical infrastructure. Reporting unusual activity near substations can help prevent future incidents.
The squirrel that caused the outage may have been small, but its impact was felt by many in New Westminster. It serves as a reminder that nature can unexpectedly intersect with modern city life.
