Eight hospitalised after chemical incident at North York condo
Eight people were taken to hospital with minor injuries after a pool-area chemical incident at a three-tower condo on Harrison Garden Boulevard. Emergency crews ventilated the building and isolated the source.
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By Torontoer Staff
Eight people were taken to hospital with minor injuries after a chemical incident at a condo complex in North York on Sunday evening, officials say. Toronto Fire Services, Toronto paramedics and police responded to the three-tower residential complex connected by a common lobby at 78/80 Harrison Garden Boulevard shortly after 5 p.m.
Paramedics told media they assessed 11 patients at the scene and transported eight for further care. Fire crews isolated the affected area in the building's pool facility, ventilated the structure and confirmed all occupants were accounted for.
What happened
Emergency services were called just after 5 p.m. to reports of a chemical hazard in the Willowdale neighbourhood near Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue East. Crews located the source in the pool area, which Toronto Fire Services described as an issue involving cleaning chemicals. The service said the source was quickly isolated and the building ventilated.
Our crews responded to a chemical leak at a residential high-rise on Harrison Garden Blvd. The source was quickly located and isolated. Buildings were ventilated, and our firefighters ensured all occupants were accounted for, 8 patients transported to hospital for further care.
Toronto Fire Services
Toronto police noted in a social post that the incident was reported as a 'chemical hazard' and that it was possibly related to pool chemicals. Some targeted evacuations were carried out as crews managed the scene.
Response and evacuations
Firefighters isolated the pool area and ventilated common spaces to reduce airborne contamination. Paramedics assessed residents on site and transported those needing treatment. Officials said the injuries were minor, and transported patients were taken to hospital for observation and care.
Authorities arranged temporary sheltering for displaced residents. Several TTC shelter buses were brought in to assist evacuees while crews worked to make the building safe for re-entry.
Road and building access
Harrison Garden Boulevard was closed between Humberstone Drive and Oakburn Crescent while emergency personnel were on scene. Residents should expect local traffic delays and follow instructions from police and building management about re-entry and access.
Health and safety advice
Exposure to pool or cleaning chemicals can cause respiratory irritation, eye and skin discomfort, and dizziness. If you were in the building and feel unwell, seek medical attention. Emergency services advise moving to fresh air and removing contaminated clothing where appropriate.
- Move to fresh air and stay away from the affected area.
- Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin or eyes with water if contact occurred.
- Seek medical help if you have difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, chest pain, severe eye or skin irritation, or dizziness.
- Follow instructions from emergency personnel and do not re-enter the building until authorities declare it safe.
What residents should do next
Residents should monitor communications from their condo corporation, property manager and local emergency services for updates on building safety and cleanup timelines. If you live in the building and have questions about access, medication needs or temporary accommodation, contact building management or 311 for city services.
Emergency crews cleared the immediate hazard and arranged transport for those needing care. City agencies will release further information if additional follow-up or environmental testing is required.
The incident remains under investigation by emergency services. Anyone with information about the event or who believes they were exposed and requires assistance should contact Toronto Police or Toronto Paramedic Service.
North YorkToronto Fire ServicesToronto Policechemical incidentcondo safety
