Chaos Unfolds: Canmore Aquatic Centre Becomes Scene of Mass Casualty Chemical Incident

It was a Friday morning that started like any other in Canmore, until a chilling emergency alert shattered the calm. What should have been a vibrant hub of community activity, the Canmore Aquatic Centre, suddenly became the scene of a terrifying chemical incident. An accidental mix of common pool chemicals created a hazardous situation, quickly escalating into a full-blown mass casualty response that drew emergency services from across the region.

The trouble began when two crucial pool maintenance chemicals—calcium hypochlorite, typically used for 'shocking' the pool, and hydrochloric acid, which helps manage pH levels—were inadvertently combined. This unfortunate blunder triggered a chemical reaction, releasing irritating chlorine gas into the air. The consequences were immediate and severe, affecting everyone present in the facility.

Emergency responders, including Canmore Fire-Rescue, EMS, and the RCMP, descended upon Elevation Place, the larger recreational facility housing the aquatic centre, in force. The sheer scale of the operation was immense, involving multiple fire trucks, ambulances, and police cruisers. It truly underscored the gravity of the situation as paramedics quickly set up a triage area, ready to assess and treat those exposed to the dangerous fumes.

In total, a staggering 37 individuals required medical assessment right there on site, a testament to how quickly and broadly the chemical vapours spread. Among them, eleven people, a mix of adults and children, were transported to various hospitals in stable condition. Imagine the fear and confusion as families, expecting a pleasant swim, instead found themselves grappling with chemical exposure and medical attention.

The incident necessitated the immediate and full evacuation of the aquatic centre, and indeed, the entire Elevation Place complex. Authorities swiftly established a perimeter, closing down Elevation Place and sections of Mallard Alley to ensure public safety and allow emergency crews unhindered access. A specialized hazmat team from Calgary was even called in to manage the contained chemical spill, meticulously working to secure the hazardous materials and make the area safe again.

Canmore Fire-Rescue Chief Walter Gahler confirmed the details of the chemical mixing, reassuring the public that the situation was contained and the chemicals secured. Meanwhile, Mayor Sean Krausert acknowledged the significant response, highlighting the collaborative effort of various emergency services in addressing such a critical community event. It's a sobering reminder of how quickly an ordinary day can turn extraordinary.

As the clean-up and investigation continue, led by Occupational Health and Safety, the Canmore Aquatic Centre remains closed indefinitely. While other parts of Elevation Place have slowly reopened, the pool—a beloved community fixture—will stay shuttered until it is deemed absolutely safe. This incident certainly serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards involved in handling chemicals, even in seemingly routine environments.