Fire chief calls for changes to bylaw after carbon monoxide scare

A carbon monoxide incident at a city apartment building last week has Saskatoon’s fire chief taking a closer look at the city’s bylaw for CO alarms.

Deadly levels of the odourless gas were found leaking from the boiler room of an apartment building on Bateman Crescent on Thursday, resulting in 33 residents being sent to hospital.

Saskatoon doctor Mark Wahba suspected carbon monoxide poisoning was the culprit when he saw a patient in one of the emergency rooms and notified the fire department.

“Without that decision, it is very likely we would’ve seen people deceased. It would have happened for sure,” Chief Morgan Hackl told the Brent Loucks Show on Monday.

“We’re putting together some information. We are going to have some discussions with council about looking at some bylaw change (for CO alarms).”

The national building code requires CO detectors in all buildings renovated or constructed after 2009. However, the city’s bylaw only recommends the alarms in older buildings.

Hackl said since this apartment building was built before 2009 the owner was not issued a fine. Still, despite what the law says, Hackl believes people should have the detectors.

“As a renter, whether you’re in a multi-residential or a single residence, you should purchase your own. You should have a CO alarm in every sleeping area,” said Hackl.

“Test your carbon monoxide alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. The entire alarm should be replaced every seven years or sooner if required.”

He added furnaces, water heaters, chimneys and gas appliances should also be inspected once a year.

Hackl presented Wahba with the fire department’s Award of Merit during a virtual ceremony Monday afternoon.

The company that operates the two buildings involved in the incident denied a request for an interview Monday.

However, Mainstreet Equity Corp. vice-president of operations Sheena Keslick issued a brief statement to 650 CKOM about the incident.

“The safety, health, and comfort of our tenants is Mainstreet’s highest priority, and we are still in the process of fully investigating this incident,” the statement said. “Mainstreet Equity had moved all of its affected tenants into a safe, nearby hotel.

“As of (Monday), Mainstreet has completed all necessary repairs to the building’s facilities and both the Saskatoon Fire Department and SaskEnergy have approved the building for occupancy. Mainstreet takes this matter very seriously and continues to ensure the needs of affected tenants are met.

“To avoid passing on unreliable or unsubstantiated information, we will not be participating in any interviews at this time.”