The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has temporarily closed the Comox Valley Sports Centre after a low-level ammonia alarm was triggered in the facility’s refrigeration system earlier today.
At approximately 7 am on Wednesday, July 29, the Sports Centre’s refrigeration system triggered an ammonia alarm. Staff responded immediately by following established safety procedures and contacted the refrigeration contractor responsible for maintaining the system. Evacuation was not required at that time because ammonia levels remained low, at approximately 32 parts per million.
The contractor arrived to investigate, releasing a valve to vent the refrigeration system. This caused ammonia levels to briefly rise to approximately 200 parts per million. Because safety procedures require an evacuation when ammonia levels reach 200 parts per million, staff immediately evacuated patrons to the designated outdoor area.
Ammonia levels dropped back to a safe level shortly afterward. There is no current safety risk to the use of the outdoor track or artificial turf field.
The Sports Centre will remain closed while the contractor further assesses and repairs the refrigeration system. As a precaution, the CVRD will not reopen the facility until the system is operating normally and staff and the contractor are confident there is no further risk of an ammonia release or alarm.
The safety of staff and the public is the CVRD's highest priority. Thank you to patrons for your patience and cooperation while staff and contractors work to resolve the issue.
(UPDATED, 2PM) An update will be provided before 3 pm today, Wednesday, July 29.