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Winfield arena getting emergency response plan

Tragedy in Fernie, B.C. prompts County of Wetaskiwin’s plan
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The County of Wetaskiwin is taking a lesson from a tragedy that happened to another municipality in Fernie, B.C.

A recent ammonia leak in a recreational facility in Fernie contributed to the deaths of three people. Recently, Director of Leisure Services Geoff Lynch has been presenting council with suggestions and options to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen at the Winfield arena. He presented to council at their Oct. 4 regular meeting.

“On September 4th, 2018 Administration provided Council an overview of the tragic accident that lead to the death three individuals in the Fernie Recreation Centre along with the scope of the investigation, and key findings regarding contributing factors to the ammonia leak,” stated Lynch in his presentation to council.

“At that time Council accepted the Fernie Memorial Arena Investigation Report as information and that Administration was to present costs for a ‘Remote Building Management System’ (remote monitoring software program for refrigeration plants) to add to the County’s current safe guards at the Winfield Arena as well as updating the County of Wetaskiwin Emergency Response Plan at a future Council meeting.

“Administration provided Council with the new ‘Emergency Response Plan - Winfield Arena” for review. Key additions to the response plan: Maps with evacuation safe distances; Response to a minor Ammonia leak; Response to a major Ammonia leak.”

Lynch also noted, “Administration has investigated the costs of installing a ‘Remote Building Management System’ as well as costs to purchase three ‘Industrial Airhawk 2 4000 face masks.”’

The response plan contains contact information, muster points and other vital information in the event of an emergency at the Winfield arena.

Reeve Kathy Rooyakkers stated it’s good to have a plan like this in place, and it should be provided to the rest of the community.

County CAO Rod Hawken stated the county will approach both the school and senior’s lodge to discuss the plan.

Lynch stated the Remote Building Management System is between $40,000 and $60,000, the three face masks are $9,612.06 and the annual fit test costs are $300.

The councilors accepted the response plan for information.

Stu.salkeld@pipestoneflyer.ca