Item - 2023.IE6.9

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council request that the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks notify the general public, within one week of results being available, and no later than, November 1, 2023 as to:

a. The results of analysis on all water samples collected since August 11, 2023, including which tests are being conducted; and

b. Any long-term impact or safety risk to the waterways, animals, or neighbours of the impacted sites.

2. City Council request the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks consult with the Office of the Fire Marshal, Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Water, and Toronto Public Health regarding the results of the Office of the Fire Marshal investigation once completed to identify opportunities to mitigate similar events in the future.

3. City Council request that the Office of the Fire Marshal share with the general public the findings of their investigation into the cause, origin and circumstances of the fire once completed.

On August 11, 2023, a six-alarm fire took place at Brenntag Canada (Brenntag), a chemical distribution facility at 35 Vulcan Street in North Etobicoke. This fire resulted in environmental impacts both onsite and to our local waterways. Efforts to remediate and monitor these impacts are ongoing, led by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).

Many partners contributed to the immediate response and ongoing efforts to clean-up and monitor the impacts of the fire over the past month:

- Brenntag retained private firms at their cost to clean up the spill and conduct sampling.

- Toronto Water has been providing support for the clean-up and is monitoring the situation.

- The investigation into the cause, origin and circumstances of this fire is being conducted by the Office of the Fire Marshal. The onsite investigation concluded on August 25 and the property was returned to the care and control of the owner, but the broader investigation continues.

- Other government bodies contributed to the immediate and ongoing response including Toronto Fire; Toronto Public Health; Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation; Toronto and Region Conservation Authority; and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

- Finally, the Toronto Wildlife Centre, a charitable wildlife rescue organization, continues to rescue animals impacted by the runoff.

As we move forward, we have an opportunity to learn from this event, and to:

- ensure residents have clarity on the impact of the fire and any long-term risks, and

- potentially reduce the risk of similar events happening at similar sites in Toronto.