A week ago, Whistle Bend Place suffered a significant gas leak the Yukon government now says has been addressed.

Earlier this week, the Star received a tip that a serious gas leak had occurred at the seniors’ care facility.

The tipster said the building had been enveloped by a cloud of frozen “white gas”.

“I heard that Whistle Bend Place damn near could have blown up the neighbourhood! Apparently there was a gas leak everyone smelled, by the time the fire department showed up, they were told that there was a white cloud around the place!”

The Star began asking questions of various organizations, including territorial officials and the Whitehorse Fire Department.

After the inquiries were made, the government provided a detailed statement on the situation Thursday afternoon – six full days after the incident.

“A propane leak at the Whistle Bend Place long-term care home in Whitehorse has been successfully managed, ensuring the safety of all residents and staff,” the statement said.

“On Jan. 19, at approximately 3 a.m., staff detected the smell of propane and alerted the facility’s security team.

“Security personnel quickly responded and confirmed the presence of a propane leak from the main tank outside the building. When the Whitehorse Fire Department arrived on the scene, they executed emergency protocols to shut off the propane system, stopping the leak.”

The statement added, “Superior Propane, alongside Whistle Bend Place Manager Support Services and Highways and Public Works staff, were also involved in rectifying the situation.

“Superior Propane repaired the leak and subsequent checks confirmed that there have been no further leaks after the propane system was re-engaged.

“The Whitehorse Fire Department conducted a walk through of the building with a sensor and confirmed that there were no dangerous levels of propane.”

According to the statement, an investigation is currently being conducted to determine the cause of the leak.

Preliminary findings suggest the incident was due to a failure in a pressure monitoring valve.

Superior Propane’s assessment suggests that the problem is unlikely to recur due to the implemented safety measures.

To support early detection, the propane tanks will be checked for damage, gas leaks and odours on a more regular, ongoing basis and continuous video surveillance was scheduled to be in place by today.

“The Yukon government is committed to working closely with all involved parties to ensure a thorough review and response,” the statement said.

“The safety and wellbeing of Yukon residents remain the top priority. This incident has demonstrated the effectiveness of emergency response protocols and the commitment of staff to ensuring community safety.

“The Government of Yukon is grateful to everyone involved for their swift action and co-ordinated response, which exemplifies the preparedness and dedication of the teams in managing emergency situations.”

Jason Wolsky, the acting fire chief of the Whitehorse Fire Department, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, nearly a day before the government’s statement was released.

While he didn’t have the file on hand, he confirmed the department had attended the scene, and that a piece of equipment had broken off the propane line leading to the facility.

Wolsky said he could not comment on the severity of the leak.

A representative from Superior Propane said the company was called to repair the pipe which is part of the propane system owned and maintained by the Yukon government.