Rockyford Arena springs carbon monoxide leak, several children hospitalized

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A carbon monoxide leak at the Rockyford Arena, Dec. 14, sent several children to the Alberta Children’s Hospital and resulted in the temporary closure of the facility. 

The Rockyford Fire Department responded to a call at the arena at approximately 7 p.m. Upon their arrival, high levels of carbon monoxide were detected inside the building. Those attending the arena were evacuated and treated on site. 

Those responding to the calls detected carbon monoxide levels of 90 parts per million in the lobby of the arena prior to its evacuation.

Several of the children who had become ill throughout the day stayed overnight at the Children’s Hospital. They were released the next day and no fatalities were reported.

ATCO was contacted to assess the situation, and it was determined the carbon monoxide leak was caused by a defective radiant heater venting emissions into the building.

“The arena is currently closed and will remain closed until all necessary repairs to the heaters are completed and then we will have a follow up inspection to ensure the safety of all,” said Lori Miller, chief administrative officer with the Village of Rockyford. “The village and the Agricultural Society will be working collaboratively on this project to ensure public safety.”

The arena is owned by the Village of Rockyford and is leased to the Agricultural Society. The latter will be responsible for the repairs. Miller clarified the village will simply be supporting them at this time. 

According to Miller, the facility is inspected annually for exhaust, fire suppression, and other potential hazards, though carbon monoxide has not historically been monitored at the facility. 

As of publication no carbon monoxide detectors were present in the building. Detectors have since been ordered and are scheduled for installation, Monday, Dec. 23.

The facility will remain closed until repairs to the radiators have been completed. Miller said she hopes the facility will be able to reopen as soon as possible.

“Hopefully we are going to be able to get somebody out here right away and get everything inspected and hopefully be back up and running soon because there are a lot of teams that are depending on that ice surface,” she said. “We will not reopen it if it is not safe. It will remain closed until we know positively that it is safe for everybody.”

Subsequent inspections of the facility going forward will include measures for carbon monoxide detection.