Ottawa school board cancels ski trips after student injured at western Quebec hill

The Ottawa schoolboard cancelled all upcoming ski trips involving chairlifts after a 13-year-old girl was seriously injured. CTV’s Natalie van Rooy reports.

Ottawa’s public school board has cancelled all ski trips that involve chairlifts after a 13-year-old girl suffered serious injuries in a ski lift incident at Centre Vorlage in western Quebec.

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board confirmed to CTV News Ottawa the board suspended “all school-organized ski trips involving chairlifts.”

An OCDSB spokesperson said in an email the decision was made as the board works to “fully understand the details of the accident that occurred at Vorlage on Wednesday.”

“The safety of our students is our top priority.”

The student was on a school trip at the ski hill near Wakefield, Que. when her clothing got caught on a ski lift as she attempted to dismount, according to the MRC des Collines de l’Outaouais police.

“What we know so far is that she was about to get off the chairlift at the top of the hill, the piece of clothing got caught into the chair, and at one point she was hanging from the chairlift,” Sgt Martin Fournel said.

Witnesses were unable to assist the girl because the chairlift was too high and “it was decided, unfortunately, to send her back down the hill,” Fournel said.

First responders and two doctors performed CPR on the girl. She was transported to the hospital in Wakefield before being transferred to CHEO in Ottawa.

On Thursday, the OCDSB said their thoughts were with the student, their family, and the entire school community “during this deeply difficult time.”

“Student well-being is always paramount, and we have taken immediate steps to support those affected, including ensuring mental health professionals are available to assist students and staff following the trip and in the days ahead,” the board said.

The school board did not say which school the girl attends.

Centre Vorlage remains closed

Centre Vorlage will remain closed on Saturday and Sunday.

“We believe it is important to take the necessary time to be present for our employees and provide them with all the support needed during this difficult period,” Centre Vorlage said in a statement.

“In the meantime, we continue our collaboration with the authorities.”

Centre Vorlage added, “We remain deeply affected by the situation involving the young skier.”

“Our most sincere thoughts are with the young girl, her family, and all those affected,” officials said.

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