The arena here was evacuated last weekend after a carbon monoxide leak sent several people to hospital.
On March 19 at about 2:24pm a carbon monoxide leak occurred at the Grand Valley and District Community Centre, resulting in several people reporting symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide exposure.
Emergency response teams from the Grand Valley and Orangeville fire departments, as well as Dufferin County Paramedics and the OPP responded to the scene.
“Thanks to the quick actions of an off-duty Dufferin County paramedic and local emergency services, the danger was mitigated and 13 people were transported to hospital for treatment,” states a town press release.
The OPP had previously stated 16 people were sent to hospital with symptoms, which can include headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion or blurred vision.
The building remained closed until March 21 while officials investigated. A town press release that day indicated the cause of the leak was “a faulty part on the arena’s ice resurfacing machine.” It was repaired and tested.
“The Town of Grand Valley regrets the unfortunate circumstances that occurred and we are thankful that those who became ill have recovered,” stated Mayor Steve Soloman.
Town officials say the community centre’s joint health and safety committee has implemented changes to ensure a carbon monoxide detector is readily available when the ice resurfacing machine is in use.
“The Town of Grand Valley has committed to installing carbon monoxide detectors in all of their facilities in the near future to ensure a similar incident does not occur again,” said Soloman.
