Water, heat restored to QEII Halifax Infirmary site
Nova Scotia Health says water and heat have been restored to the QEII Halifax Infirmary site Thursday evening.
The health authority says a water main break happened overnight and the Infirmary, the Veterans Memorial Building, and the Abbie J. Lane were without running water and steam.
"We had a water main break inside the power plant building here mid-day yesterday. There was a repair done to that and unfortunately a second water main break occurred in the same pipe, in the same building at about midnight,” said John Gillis, a health authority spokesman.
Gillis says the latest break also left the buildings without heat, which has since been restored.
According to a Thursday news release, water was also restored, but three days of testing will be required before tap water can be considered drinkable.
"Portable hand-washing stations are available and portable washrooms are located near main entrances. Bottled water is available at the site," reads an earlier release from Nova Scotia Health.
Hoses are pictured outside the Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building in Halifax on April 4, 2024. (Carl Pomeroy/CTV Atlantic)
The health authority noted only emergency and time-sensitive surgeries will go forward on Friday.
The emergency department remains open, though patients without emergency concerns are being asked to go to other emergency departments.
Blood collection was closed at the Halifax Infirmary for Thursday. Blood collection will go forward virtually where possible on Friday.
CTV News spoke with several staff members who declined to speak on camera but said it’s cold inside the building. Many wore winter jackets and hats inside. They added the biggest challenge is having to use toilets outside.
On Wednesday, there was a broken water line in the site’s steam plant. The buildings were without water for drinking or flushing toilets for several hours.
Nova Scotia Health said water was restored around 8 p.m., but staff and patients were advised not to drink it until it was tested.
With files from The Canadian Press.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.