At least one parent says she is seeking legal advice in the wake of the temporary closure of a public school in Ottawa.
Charles H. Hulse Public School has been closed since Friday because the lingering odour of a recent pesticide application has been making some students and staff sick with flu-like symptoms. Health officials are working to locate and eliminate the source of the smell.
Lorna Powell says when her son became ill it was doubly-concerning because he already has health problems. She says the school was not open enough about the problem and she’s considering legal action, and thinks other parents should do the same.
“I want answers,” says Powell. “They haven't owned up to, you know, using the wrong pesticide and spraying without our knowledge. I'm furious.”
The pesticide in question is called Konk 400, with the active ingrediant propoxur. The Ottawa Carleton District School Board says it did not authorize the product for use.
The company that sprayed the pesticide, Rentokil, released a brief statement today:
“Rentokil complies with all current regulations and labeling procedures for the application of any pest control material at any location. This includes using proper amounts as well as the way in which material is applied by our technicians. For information on current regulations and labeling requirements, as well as any investigation into application at the Charles Hulse School, those questions are best answered by Health Canada. Rentokil is cooperating with any and all government authorities as the investigation to this situation continues.”
Meanwhile, the students are getting used to some new digs. Starting today they are being bused to another school that has been sitting vacant – the former Parkwood Hills Public School on Triverton Drive in Nepean.
“It’s going to be different, but exciting,” says student Sumaya Al-Idrissi. “I’m a bit nervous.”
The Principal of Charles H. Hulse, Valerie Petrie, says staff have worked very hard to get the new school ready. She is also very aware of the hardship that made it necessary. “We are terribly sorry for any of the pain and suffering that this situation has caused. We encourage families to make sure that they are seeking medical attention for any children that are affected and to call Ottawa Public Health."
The students will be making the commute to their new school daily until authorities determine Charles H. Hulse is safe to re-open.
For some parents, it could take a lot of convincing. Says Lorna Powell, “The trust is definitely broken here.”
