New ventilation system at Newmarket tennis clubhouse resolves 'mild' chemical contamination, town says

Town will monitor air quality in consultation with Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, public health

Yorkregion.com
March 18, 2021
Lisa Queen

A new ventilation system installed in the clubhouse at the downtown Keith Davis Tennis Club appears to have done the trick, the town says.

The system was installed after a mild “historical” chemical contamination was discovered.

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

On March 12, the town issued a statement saying the problem of chlorinated solvents exceeding acceptable levels has been resolved.

While the tennis club was closed from the end of December until Feb. 21 in accordance with COVID-19 lockdown measures in place at the time, the facility reopened Feb. 22 when York Region moved into the red “control” zone, allowing more places to resume operations.

The town said it will continue with followup air quality testing as recommended by the municipality’s environmental consultants and in consultation with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and York Region Public Health.

The town also said it is continuing to work with the club to keep members apprised of the situation and will share information as it becomes available.

“The health and safety of our residents, visitors and community spaces is always our top priority,” Mayor John Taylor said.

While the tennis club remained safe for use during the investigation, he said the town is “incredibly pleased” that the ventilation system has resolved the indoor air quality conditions.

For more information, call 905-953-5300, ext. 2040.