The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has taken immediate action to cancel all ski trips involving chairlifts following a serious incident that left a 13-year-old student with life-threatening injuries. The accident occurred on Wednesday at Centre Vorlage in Wakefield, Quebec, approximately 35 kilometers north of Ottawa.
Immediate Safety Measures Implemented
In a message distributed to staff, the OCDSB announced that the use of chairlifts at ski hills is now prohibited for both staff and students, effective immediately. The board stated that ski trips may still proceed only if chairlift usage can be completely avoided. "We are hopeful this will be a temporary measure while the incident is reviewed," the message explained, directing staff to consult the Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education guidelines.
Details of the Vorlage Incident
According to preliminary investigations by the MRC des Collines-de-l'Outaouais police, the teenage girl's hoodie became entangled in the chairlift's pull device in lift area B at the top of the ski hill. First responders were unable to free her at the scene, leading to the difficult decision to transport her to the bottom of the hill while she remained suspended from the cable.
The injured student was initially taken to Wakefield Hospital before being transferred to CHEO for specialized care. As of Friday, her identity and the name of her school had not been publicly released by authorities.
School Board Response and Support Systems
OCDSB spokesperson Diane Pernari expressed the board's concern in an official statement: "Our thoughts are 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."
Contrasting Approaches Among School Boards
While the OCDSB has implemented system-wide restrictions, the Ottawa Catholic School Board has not issued any new directives specifically related to school trips following the Vorlage incident. OCSB spokesperson Sharlene Hunter explained their approach: "That said, schools are always encouraged to review planned excursions carefully and make decisions based on current information, site conditions, and student safety. We have well-established procedures to support the safe planning and supervision of school trips."
The OCSB follows OPHEA guidelines, which include comprehensive safety protocols for alpine skiing activities. These guidelines recommend that trip organizers discuss potential risks with students beforehand, including dangers associated with obstacles like trees, lift towers, and snow-making equipment, as well as proper lift usage procedures.
Ongoing Investigation and Facility Status
Centre Vorlage remained closed indefinitely as of Friday while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The closure affects all recreational activities at the popular ski destination, which serves both local residents and visiting school groups from the Ottawa region.
The incident has prompted renewed attention to safety protocols for school-organized winter sports activities across Ontario. Educational institutions are reviewing their existing procedures in light of this serious accident, with particular focus on mechanical safety features of ski lift equipment and proper student attire guidelines during winter sports excursions.
