Natural gas leak near Vancouver Art Gallery fixed

The streets around the Vancouver Art Gallery have reopened to pedestrians and vehicles after a natural gas leak triggered a closure on Monday morning.

Natural gas was spotted bubbling up through the sidewalk at Hornby and West Georgia streets around 11 a.m. PT.

A crew from Fortis B.C. cut off the line feeding the area just before 1 p.m.

The cause of the leak has not yet been released, but it was near a construction project underway on the front lawn of the gallery.

Spokesman Michael Allison said the gas was rising into the air and dissipating safely, which is the safest way for gas to clear since it is lighter than air.

Police did not evacuate any buildings, and patrons inside the art gallery were told that the area was safe, and they didn't have to leave.