14 assessed by paramedics after 'hazmat incident' at Chilliwack, B.C., park

A B.C. Ambulance Service paramedic wears a uniform while at the central reporting station in Victoria, B.C., on Thursday, November 9, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

CHILLIWACK — Fourteen people were assessed by paramedics after what emergency officials call a “hazmat incident” at a park in Chilliwack, B.C.

Emergency Health Services says in a statement that three ambulances and a supervisor were called to Portage Park at around 11 a.m. on Friday.

After being assessed, no one was taken to the hospital.

Local media outlet, the Chilliwack Progress, says children at a nearby daycare were exposed to chemical residue from a pepper-spray incident in the park the night before.

Photos posted online from the scene show multiple ambulances along with a fire truck.

People can be seen being treated while sitting on the ground.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 17, 2026