UPDATE: Lumby pool and spray park remain closed due to chemical incident

Jul 14, 2021 | 2:00 PM

Oval Park and the White Valley Community Centre have reopened in Lumby but the spray park and pool remain closed after a chemical incident this morning.

Following the report of a possible chemical exposure at the spray park and pool, a hazmat team from Vernon Fire Rescue Services responded to investigate.

“The hazmat team has concluded their response and found that there was an individual exposure to an accidental mixing of chemicals, and there is no risk to the public. The hazmat team has disposed of the mixture,” Tom Kadla, chief administrative officer for the village, said.

As a result, the Oval Park on Glencaird Street and the White Valley Community Centre on Shields Avenue have reopened after a precautionary closure was implemented at 9 a.m. A brief evacuation alert placed on nearby residences has been rescinded. The Lumby branch of the Okanagan Regional Library will reopen tomorrow morning for regular hours.

The spray park and pool on Glencaird Street will remain closed out of an abundance of caution as village staff monitor the water chemistry. It is expected that the spray park and pool will reopen at regular operational times Thursday, July 15.

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“We thank emergency personnel for their quick response and will review our operational procedures to identify ways to avoid a situation like this from occurring again,” said Kadla.

The Village of Lumby operates White Valley Parks and Recreation services on behalf of the RDNO.

Lumby facilities closed due to potential chemical exposure
Jul 14, 2021 | 12:25 PM

Five facilities in Lumby have been closed to the public due to a potential chemical exposure.

The Village of Lumby said Oval Park, including the spray park and pool on Glencaird Street, and the White Valley Community Centre and Lumby Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library, are closed until further notice after an incident this morning.

“While opening the park for the day and performing their routine maintenance operations, a Lumby staff member reported feeling unwell while handling chemicals, and is on route to the hospital for further observation,” Tom Kadla, chief administrative officer for the village, said in a news release.

The Lumby and District Fire Department is on scene investigating.

“The area has been secured with no public access permitted. There is no risk to the public at this time and emergency responders are on site responding to the call. We will work closely with emergency responders in investigating the incident,” Kadla said.

At approximately 8:30 a.m. today, Vernon Fire Rescue Services was dispatched to the Lumby pool.

“VFRS is assisting the Lumby Fire Department and is responding with its HAZMAT trailer and personnel who have specialized HAZMAT training,” Christy Poirier, city communications manager, said.

The Village of Lumby operates White Valley Parks and Recreation services on behalf of the RDNO.

A notice will be issued once the park can be reopened and available to the public.

by Pete McIntyre

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