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
Canadians are eyeing moves to these cities for more affordable housing
Faced with elevated housing prices, half of Canadians in the country's largest cities are considering moving to places with more affordable housing.
Poilievre says Canadians 'fleeing' to Nicaragua, Liberals say it shows he 'doesn't have a clue'
Liberal parliamentarians are criticizing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre over a new video in which he promotes the idea that some Canadians are 'fleeing' Canada to live in Nicaragua because they can't afford a house in this country.
With DNA break, police ID victim in decades-old Newfoundland case
A skull was found along a backroad near St. John's more than 20 years ago. Now, police have finally identified the victim of the homicide.
'Do not drive': Nissan warns Canadian drivers of explosion risk impacting 48,000 vehicles
Car manufacturer Nissan has issued a do-not-drive warning for some older vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators, due to the risk of explosion during a crash.
Tessa Virtue reveals she's expecting her first child. Here's what Canadians had to say
Canadian figure-skating icon Tessa Virtue is expecting her first child, she revealed via social media Tuesday.
Infant dies in ATV crash, N.S. RCMP says alcohol may be a factor
An infant has died and three others, including another child, were taken to hospital following an ATV crash in Forties, N.S., on Monday.
McDonald's says $18 Big Mac meal was an 'exception' and their prices haven't risen that much
McDonald’s is fighting back against viral tweets and media reports that it says have exaggerated its price increases.
B.C. mortgage broker ran $270-million Ponzi scheme, then fled Canada, bankruptcy trustee says
The trustee appointed to manage the bankruptcies of a Victoria mortgage company and its owner has concluded that they committed "numerous offences" and operated as a "massive Ponzi scheme."
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's housing plan defeated in House of Commons
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's housing bill has been defeated in the House of Commons with the Liberals, New Democrats and Bloc Quebecois voting against the legislation.