Chemical spill prompts hazmat call at Canada Post building

Ottawa Fire Services hazmat crews investigate a leaking package at a Canada Post building on Sandford Fleming Avenue in Ottawa. Aug. 1, 2023. (Jean Lalonde/Ottawa Fire Services)

Ottawa Fire Services says a chemical spill late Tuesday night at a Canada Post building prompted a visit from its hazardous materials team.

Hazmat crews were called to the Canada Post building on Sandford Fleming Avenue, opposite Riverside Drive, at 10:03 p.m. when an unidentified liquid spilled from a package.

Several people said they had difficulty breathing. Ottawa paramedics said two people were taken to hospital in stable condition and three others were treated and released at the scene.

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The building was evacuated and hazmat crews tested the liquid, which OFS said turned out to be a "non-harmful auto cleaning solution."

Ottawa police were also called to investigate the leaking package, which was determined to be not suspicious.

The scene was cleared at 12:04 a.m. Wednesday, OFS said.

Canada Post said in a statement the incident caused some minor mail delivery delays Wednesday.

"Once we received the all-clear from authorities, we resumed full operations, but as a result of the evacuation, there have been some minor impacts on mail delivery for today," a spokesperson said. "We will deliver as much mail and parcels as we can today and will return to full operations tomorrow. We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding."