COCHRANE, Alta. – A possible gas leak closed a highway Friday and threatened the evacuation of a children’s camp in the Alberta foothills.
Fire crews and officials from Alberta’s energy regulator and Environment Department were on their way to the area following reports of a strong gas smell along Highway 66, just south of the Trans-Canada Highway near Cochrane.
The smell was near Camp Horizon, a children’s camp operated by the Easter Seal campaign.
“Right now, we’re just investigating reports of an odour,” said Nikki Booth of Alberta Environment. “Natural gas or sour gas, they’re not sure.
“Apparently, residents heard a bang (Thursday) and saw a plume in the air. There’s no plume visible in the air right now.”
She said local pipeline operators had also been informed of the situation.
RCMP Sgt. Patricia Neely said Highway 66 was closed as a precaution.
“We’ve been asked to blocked the highway and potentially assist in the evacuation of Camp Horizon.”
The camp, 10 kilometres southeast of the community of Bragg Creek, offers week-long outdoor experiences for children with disabilities.