Ministry of Labour probes North York condo pool chemical incident, no serious injuries
An inspector has been assigned after a chemical incident in a Willowdale condo pool area Sunday evening. Thirteen people were assessed, eight taken to hospital with minor injuries.
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By Torontoer Staff
Ontario’s Ministry of Labour is investigating a workplace incident involving chemicals at a three-tower condo complex in North York, the ministry confirmed Monday. An inspector has been assigned and officials say the probe is ongoing.
The event took place Sunday evening at 78/80 Harrison Garden Boulevard in Willowdale, east of Yonge Street and north of Highway 401. Toronto Fire Services and emergency crews responded after residents and staff reported strong odours coming from the building.
What emergency crews found
Toronto Fire Services said crews were called shortly after 5 p.m. for reports of "noxious odours in the building." Firefighters identified an issue with pool cleaning supplies in the pool maintenance area, isolated that section, and ventilated the building.
Toronto paramedics assessed 13 people at the scene and transported eight to hospital for further observation. All injuries were described as minor. The building’s lobby was evacuated and 30 residents were temporarily displaced while crews worked to clear the space.
As the investigation is ongoing, no further details are available at this time.
Ministry of Labour spokesperson, email to CTV News Toronto
We received reports of noxious odours in the building.
Toronto Fire Services
How residents experienced the incident
Some residents reported smelling fumes in their units and were told to shelter in place when staff realised the odours were spreading beyond the pool area. Others were moved to TTC buses that were brought in to provide temporary shelter.
We heard the speakers announcing what was going on and we stayed in the apartment.
Resident, via CTV News Toronto
We smelled something but we received an email that it was nothing dangerous.
Resident
One resident who lives on a higher floor said their unit was not directly affected but that management instructed occupants to keep windows closed. Roads in the area were briefly closed for emergency access and later reopened.
Response and next steps
Toronto Fire Services says the affected area has been cleared. The Ministry of Labour confirmed an inspector has been assigned to the case and that the investigation will determine whether workplace safety rules were followed during storage and handling of pool chemicals.
Building managers typically handle pool chemical inventory, storage and maintenance protocols. The ministry’s probe may examine training records, storage practices and any ventilation or containment failures in the maintenance area.
Practical takeaways for residents and condo boards
Incidents involving pool chemicals are uncommon, but they can cause irritation and require a coordinated emergency response. Residents should follow directions from building staff and emergency services, report any lingering symptoms to health providers, and preserve any communications from management about the incident.
- Follow shelter-in-place or evacuation instructions from building staff and first responders.
- Seek medical attention for persistent respiratory or eye irritation.
- Keep records of notices or emails from building management about the incident.
- Condo boards should review chemical storage, labeling and staff training after the incident.
The ministry and local emergency services will release further details as the investigation proceeds. For now, officials say there are no reports of serious injuries and the building has been cleared.
North YorkWillowdaleToronto FireMinistry of Labourcondo safety
