At approximately 11 a.m., on Monday September 16, Our Lady of Wisdom Elementary School in Rainbow Falls was evacuated due to a gas leak in the area.
Staff noticed the distinct gas-like odor in and around the school and called 9-1-1 to notify emergency services.
Administration then made the quick decision to evacuate the school as a precaution – so staff and students walked to nearby Rainbow Creek Elementary School where they stayed until it was determined safe to return to the school later in the afternoon.
“I am so proud of our students and staff at OLW – we were so well prepared and everyone knew exactly what to do” says Lisa Ashworth, principal at OLW. ”
According to RCMP, Atco Gas was quick to do an emergency repair to the nearby line which ruptured when a landscaping company accidentally cut the gas line while working in a construction area just south of the school.
Chestermere Fire Services monitored the school for air quality and determined that it was safe for students to return to the school at approximately 1:45 p.m.
The Chestermere RCMP were on scene to block traffic, so that the students could safely walk to and from Rainbow Creek Elementary.
Rainbow Creek Elementary did an outstanding job in accommodating the extra students. Staff ordered in pizza and juice for the kids to share over the noon hour and they even had the opportunity to go outside after lunch to play on the school’s playground.
“The Administration at OLW made the right decision based on their best intentions in order to keep the entire school population safe, and it was a good exercise for learning.” said RCMP Staff Sergeant Glenn Henry. “The students were very well behaved during their parade to and from RCE.”
Sergeant Henry noted that nobody in Chestermere was ever in danger and the decision to evacuate was merely a precaution.
