Close X
Sunday, November 10, 2024
ADVT 
National

Mayor of Delta, B.C., condemns lack of notification from FortisBC on odorous gas leak

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 17 Jan, 2024 10:46 AM
  • Mayor of Delta, B.C., condemns lack of notification from FortisBC on odorous gas leak

The mayor of Delta, B.C., is calling the lack of communication from FortisBC "an egregious oversight" after the utility didn't notify the public for more than four hours after a leak at a renewable gas plant.

George Harvie says on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that it was unacceptable for Delta residents and businesses to be "left in the dark" after a leak at a plant in Ladner.

Harvie says he has asked the city manager to review of the cause of the leak, as well as the reason it took FortisBC four hours to notify others. 

The mayor says the heavy odour led to stress and panic among the public, and the flood of calls received by local police and firefighters seriously hampered Delta's emergency response services.

FortisBC said in a news release Tuesday evening that the Ladner plant was the source of a minor leak that is now under control, and that repairs are underway. 

The company said the smell of the gas is pungent due to an additive used to detect leaks, and that the amount released is not hazardous to inhale and is expected to dissipate.

The heavy odour at one point led to the nearby BC Ferries terminal advising foot passengers to stay inside during their Tuesday commute, while vehicle passengers were asked to roll up their windows to avoid the smell.

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C.'s chief coroner exits, frustrated and disappointed with government's OD response

B.C.'s chief coroner exits, frustrated and disappointed with government's OD response
British Columbia's chief coroner Lisa Lapointe says she's a hopeful person, but she is leaving her office frustrated and disappointed. Angry, even, with drug overdose deaths expected to hit record levels this year. The B.C. Coroners Service issued a public safety warning Wednesday, citing increases in overdose deaths "above earlier indications," when 189 deaths were reported in October.

B.C.'s chief coroner exits, frustrated and disappointed with government's OD response

Port Moody Police arrest vandal

Port Moody Police arrest vandal
Police have arrested a man who allegedly smashed several vehicle windows in the parking lot of Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody. Police say officers were called to the hospital on Monday just before 9 p-m after a man allegedly smashed the windows of vehicles parked in the lot, then threatened a security guard before fleeing.

Port Moody Police arrest vandal

Spike in Vancouver property tax in 2024

Spike in Vancouver property tax in 2024
Vancouver business owners and residents will face a property-tax increase in 2024, but it’s smaller than last year’s double-digit spike. Vancouver's city council has approved a 7.5-per-cent property-tax increase in 2024.

Spike in Vancouver property tax in 2024

BC facing snowfall warnings

BC facing snowfall warnings
BC is facing a number of weather warnings related to heavy snowfall and wintry conditions. Environment Canada has issued snowfall warnings in Whistler, the North Thompson region and Highway 1 from Sicamous to Golden, with accumulations of up to 20-centimetres expected in some areas.

BC facing snowfall warnings

Revealing allegations on Nijjar death meant to 'put a chill' on India, Trudeau says

Revealing allegations on Nijjar death meant to 'put a chill' on India, Trudeau says
The allegations worsened already strained relations between the Liberal government and that of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has continued to deny any connection to the killing. In the interview, Trudeau said his public statement came after weeks of "quiet diplomacy" that included raising the allegations with India at the highest levels.

Revealing allegations on Nijjar death meant to 'put a chill' on India, Trudeau says

Liberal caucus meets after Canada votes for Israel-Hamas ceasefire at United Nations

Liberal caucus meets after Canada votes for Israel-Hamas ceasefire at United Nations
Liberal MPs gathered Wednesday for what was expected to be their final caucus meeting of the year, a day after Canada shifted its stance to join international calls for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The decision came amid conflict within Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal caucus over how to respond to the latest eruption in violence, which was triggered when Hamas militants launched their brazen Oct. 7 attack on Israel.   

Liberal caucus meets after Canada votes for Israel-Hamas ceasefire at United Nations