Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre and the nearby park have been closed until further notice following a chemical incident that prompted a large emergency response Friday morning.
In a brief update posted April 10th, the City of Victoria said the facility would remain closed until further notice.
Police say officers are assisting fire crews near the 2000 block of Quadra Street.
Eight people have been taken to hospital following the incident, according to a City of Victoria spokesperson. The city says it is waiting for the Capital Regional District hazmat team to arrive before confirming what type of chemical was involved.
As a result, Quadra Street has been shut down between Bay Street and Caledonia Avenue, with traffic being diverted away from the area.
Multiple emergency vehicles, including fire crews and ambulances, were seen arriving on scene beginning around 11 a.m.
One person inside the facility at the time said patrons were asked to evacuate suddenly.
“We were asked to evacuate Crystal Pool now due to something that smelled awful. They’re still checking what and where it came from, so if you have plans to go, please have the necessary precautions,” said CB Nueva.
In an email statement, BC Emergency Health Services said it received a call about a hazmat incident in the 2200 block of Quadra Street in Victoria.
Four ambulances staffed with primary care paramedics, one with advanced care paramedics, a link and referral unit and a paramedic supervisor responded to the scene.
Paramedics assessed 10 patients and transported eight to hospital in stable condition, according to BCEHS paramedic public information officer Brian Twaites.
The City of Victoria has issued a shelter-in-place order for the area surrounding Crystal Pool as crews continue to respond to the hazardous materials incident.
The alert, issued at 1:38 p.m. on April 10th, is considered critical and remains active.
Officials are urging anyone in the immediate area to go indoors or avoid the area entirely. Those nearby are being told to close all windows and doors and turn off ventilation systems until further notice.
The city says the order will remain in place until the incident has been resolved, with another update expected within two hours.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as burning eyes or lungs is being advised to seek medical attention.
⚠️ Due to an ongoing hazardous material incident, those near the Crystal Pool are required to shelter in place for your safety. This alert will remain in effect until the incident has been resolved. Another update will be provided within 2 hours. 1/3
— City of Victoria (@CityOfVictoria) April 10, 2026
Residents are also being asked to follow directions from local authorities and not call 911 for information or updates.
According to Victoria Fire Chief Dan Atkinson, the incident began after two chemicals were mixed together in a mechanical room at Crystal Pool, creating chlorine gas.
It is not yet known whether the incident was caused by a mechanical failure or human error.
Atkinson said the concentration of chlorine gas is believed to be high, and the gas may have migrated beyond the initial area.
Several people had already evacuated the building prioer to fire crews arriving and were experiencing varying levels of upper respiratory distress, including coughing and difficulty breathing.
A full inspection of the facility is now underway and could take several hours. Once complete, crews will be able to isolate the chemicals and safely dispose of them.
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