All city Zambonis to be tested after McMeeken incident

NEWS RELEASE

CITY OF SAULT STE. MARIE

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Investigation into McMeeken Centre CO incident continues

The W.J. McMeeken Centre on Goulais Avenue remains closed as the city continues to investigate the source of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions at the facility on February 28 and to determine why CO detectors did not alarm.

“While not confirmed, the Zamboni is being examined as a potential source of the carbon monoxide emissions,” says CAO Al Horsman.

“There are CO detectors in the facility; however, we can confirm that the monitoring system failed. We continue to investigate the reasons for that failure. The health and safety of our citizens and staff is paramount and we are diligently seeking answers as to how this distressing incident occurred.”

As a precaution, emissions from Zambonis and monitoring equipment in all municipal facilities are being tested to ensure that there are no safety concerns.

City staff is working with various user groups to mitigate the impact of rescheduling activities that were to take place at the McMeeken Centre.

“We’re very sorry that so many people experienced a difficult ordeal as a result of attending at a City facility,” says Horsman. “We encourage anyone who attended the McMeeken on Tuesday, February 28 who is experiencing symptoms — such as dizziness, nausea, or headaches — to seek a medical assessment.”

A full report will be issued once the investigation is complete and action items identified. This will include findings made by staff and other officials such as the Technical Standards and Safety Authority.

Regular updates will continue to be provided as more information becomes available.

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