NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH FIRE DEPARTMENT
*************************
At 14:19 hrs, the Guelph Fire Department responded to a reported ammonia leak at Exhibition Arena. On arrival, arena staff had the building evacuated and secured. The detection system activated the alarm, alerting staff.
Fire crews assembled the Hazardous Materials Response Team on scene, ready if required. Residents in the neighbourhood directly east and approximately 500 metres downwind of this location were contacted and advised to shelter in place. The small leak was located and isolated by the refrigeration technician who services the system.
There were no injuries to staff or members of the public.
Thank you to Parks and Recreation Staff on their quick actions and to the members of the public for their cooperation during the incident.
Below is an additional news release, sent by the City of Guelph:
*************************
Around 2:15 p.m. Saturday afternoon, there was a minor ammonia leak at Exhibition Arena. A girl’s hockey tournament was underway when the leak was discovered.
Everyone was safely evacuated and no injuries or illnesses were reported.
“The leak has been found, stopped and is being repaired,” says Heather Flaherty, general manager of Parks and Recreation for the City of Guelph. “We’re working with the tournament coordinators to arrange delivery of items left in change rooms during the evacuation, and to reschedule the tournament.”
Safety systems installed at the arena alerted staff to the issue which allowed them to act quickly to ensure everyone’s safety. Staff followed emergency protocols in place as per their training to safely evacuate everyone from the arena.
The arena is being ventilated but will remain closed for the rest of the day.
“We want to thank the players and their families for their cooperation today,” notes Flaherty. “We also want to thank our emergency services teams for their excellent and prompt support.”
*************************