news-McMeeken Arena

Statement from the City of Sault Ste. Marie…
Sault Ste. Marie, ON – 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.