Faulty pool pump blamed for 'strange smell' at Vaughan aquatic facility

globalnews.ca
Dec. 14, 2023
Ryan Rocca

Numerous people were assessed by paramedics after a pool pump malfunctioned at a facility in Vaughan, officials say.

York Regional Police said emergency crews received a hazardous materials call just after 8 p.m. Tuesday “after patrons noticed a strange smell” at Splashville on Cityview Boulevard.

Splashville owner Julianne Carullo told Global News that she called emergency crews out of an abundance of caution after smelling something “different” in the backroom.

Firefighters determined a malfunctioning pool pump led to an increased chlorine smell, police said.

A spokesperson from York Region’s Community and Health Services Department said paramedics responded with seven transport ambulances, a special response unit, two superintendent vehicles and a multi-person unit bus.

Eighteen people were assessed at the scene, the spokesperson said, and one was taken to a local hospital.

Carullo said that there were no hazardous materials found by crews, and the one child taken to hospital had a chest x-ray and was released in good health.