TDSB defends how it responded to reports of asbestos at middle school
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is defending the way it responded to reports of asbestos discovered at a middle school in the city’s east end, even as some parents raise concerns that they weren’t notified sooner.
Queen Alexandra Middle School, located at Broadview Avenue and Dundas Street East, with more than 400 students, reported traces of asbestos on Dec. 14.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
A letter sent to parents from Principal Ross Edgar, reviewed by CTV News Toronto, said the TDSB retained a certified company to provide abatement and cleanup services, adding that the material had been removed safely.
“An investigation to determine whether there was any risk of exposure was conducted, and Occupational Health and Safety has determined that any potential exposure was low risk,” Edgar wrote.
On Tuesday, TDSB spokesperson Ryan Bird clarified to CTV News Toronto that once the lead dust was discovered, “the air handling unit was immediately shut off and students relocated while staff thoroughly cleaned the area as a precaution.”
The following day, another cleanup took place while an environmental consultant took samples.
“Results of those samples were received on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, indicating a limited amount of asbestos in a group of rooms and lead in one room,” Bird said.
But parents tell CTV News Toronto that low risk is still a risk. On top of that, parents said they were concerned and confused by why they weren’t notified about it until nearly a month later, on Jan. 12.
The TDSB said the duct was cleaned again in early January with more sampling revealing results were “within acceptable limits.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.