Mild 'historical' chemical contamination discovered in Newmarket tennis clubhouse

New ventilation system installed, clubhouse safe for use, but remains closed during lockdown

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 3, 2021
Lisa Queen

The town has installed a new ventilation system in the clubhouse of the Keith Davis Tennis Club after a mild “historical” chemical contamination was discovered.

It’s believed the chemical can be attributed to historic industrial or commercial activities in the area of the downtown building on Doug Duncan Drive.

The town is continuing to search for the specific cause of the contamination.

Indoor air quality tests revealed the presence of the chemical trichloroethylene, a solvent used to remove grease from metal parts and as an ingredient in adhesives, paint removers, typewriter correction fluids and spot removers.

The levels detected slightly exceed Ministry of the Environment standards.

The clubhouse and adjacent tennis bubble remain closed under the COVID-19 lockdown.

However, environmental consultants hired by the town, in consultation with the ministry and York Region Public Health, determined the clubhouse and bubble are safe for use.

A depressurization system was installed and follow-up testing will be conducted within six weeks to ensure the system has resolved the indoor air quality conditions.

“Ensuring the health and safety of our community is the top priority for the Town of Newmarket,” Mayor John Taylor said in a statement.

“We are pleased that a system has been quickly installed within the (clubhouse) to ensure that the indoor air quality conditions are resolved.”

Residents with questions or concerns can contact the town at 905-953-5300 ext. 2040.