Firefighters were able to quickly contain an ammonia leak at the University of Victoria’s Ian Stewart complex on Saturday after a maintenance worker noticed something was amiss.
Some 15 firefighters from Saanich and Oak Bay fire departments were on scene shortly after 9:30 a.m.
Saanich Fire acting platoon captain Jerry Tomljenovic said firefighters were able to contain and isolate the leak to the rear mechanical room for the ice rink at the Ian Stewart complex.
“Fortunately, it was a day when there was no staff in the building, and there just happened to be no sports teams in the rink as well. That could have complicated matters substantially,” he said, adding that ammonia leaks can be very dangerous.
Tomljenovic said it’s unclear how the leak began.
Built in 1964, the Ian Stewart complex was once UVic’s primary recreational facility until CARSA was opened in 2015.
The complex contains several laboratories and offices in addition to an ice arena that is still in use.
