The following has been prepared pursuant to the Environmental Emergency Regulations, 2019 (SOR/2019-51) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

This document is a community information notice, it is not an emergency notification system.

Ammonia (Anhydrous Ammonia, NH₃)

Gordon Food Service (GFS) uses anhydrous ammonia (NH₃) as a refrigerant at certain facilities across Canada to safely store food at controlled temperatures. Ammonia is a commonly used industrial refrigerant with a strong, self‑warning odour (sharp “cleaner‑like” smell) that most people can detect at very low concentrations.

Locations Involved:

• Amherst NS – 38 Industrial Park Drive 
• Boucherville QC – 550 Louis-Pasteur
• Ajax ON – 200 Salem Road
• Milton ON – 2999 James Snow Parkway N
• Winnipeg MB – 310 Sterling Lyon Parkway
• Calgary AB – 290212 Township Road 261
• Edmonton AB – 13511 163 street NW
• Delta BC – 1700 Cliveden Avenue

Possibility of an Environmental Emergency

Although GFS designs, operates, and maintains its ammonia systems to high safety standards, an accidental release of ammonia is possible if equipment, piping, valves or fittings fail.

An environmental emergency involving ammonia could result in a temporary ammonia gas cloud moving downwind from a facility, depending on weather conditions and the size and duration of the release.

Potential Effects on Human Health and the Environment

HUMAN HEALTH

• At very low levels, ammonia’s strong odour may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; most people will move away voluntarily.
• At higher levels, ammonia can cause coughing, chest tightness and more severe irritation; very high concentrations and prolonged exposure can cause serious lung injury.
• Ammonia’s sharp odour usually provides early warning well before concentrations become immediately dangerous to life or health.

If you ever smell a strong ammonia odour and experience burning eyes, nose or throat, treat this seriously and follow local emergency instructions.

ENVIRONMENT

• Ammonia is lighter than air and tends to disperse upwards into the atmosphere rather than pool at ground level.
• It does not stay in the environment for long and does not build up in the food chain. It breaks down quickly in air, soil, and water.
• For most accidental releases at refrigeration facilities, the primary concern is short‑term effects on human health from inhalation, not long‑term environmental damage.

Measures GFS Takes to Protect Health and the Environment

Across its Canadian operations, GFS implements a consistent set of engineering and management controls to prevent, detect and respond to ammonia releases, aligned with the E2 Regulations and applicable mechanical and process safety codes.

Key measures include:

1. Engineered systems and safeguards

• Ammonia refrigeration systems designed and installed to applicable codes and standards (e.g., CSA mechanical refrigeration and pressure‑equipment requirements).
• Safety devices such as pressure relief valves, automatic shutdowns and gas detection systems.

2. Monitoring and maintenance

• Fixed ammonia detectors with alarms to warn personnel of leaks.
• Routine inspection, testing, and preventive maintenance of piping, vessels, valves, and controls to reduce the likelihood of failures and leaks.

3. Process Safety Management and E2 Plans

• Environmental Emergency (E2) Plans and process safety programs that identify hazards, assess risks, and describe prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery measures for ammonia.
• Periodic reviews, exercises, and updates to these plans, including full‑scale exercises at least every five years, as required by the E2 Regulations.

4. Training and emergency preparedness

• Training for employees on ammonia hazards, emergency procedures, and shelter‑in‑place/evacuation concepts.
• Coordination and information‑sharing with local fire services and emergency management authorities for joint planning and exercises.

These measures are intended to reduce the likelihood of an ammonia release and to limit potential impacts on nearby communities and the environment.

How GFS Will Communicate with the Public During an Environmental Emergency

If an environmental emergency involving ammonia occurs at a GFS facility:

1. GFS will immediately notify 911 or local emergency services and follow its site‑specific emergency response and E2 Plan.

2. Local authorities (e.g., fire department, municipality, provincial emergency management) will choose the most appropriate ways to alert and instruct the public, which may include:

• Wireless emergency alerts, radio/TV, social media, or local news
• Door‑to‑door notifications in affected areas
• Sirens, loudspeakers or other warning systems

Public guidance may include shelter‑in‑place (go indoors, close windows and doors, turn off ventilation) or evacuation along specified routes, depending on the situation.

After the emergency, the public will be informed when the event is over and when it is safe to resume normal activities. Authorities and GFS will also review the event and update plans and preventive measures if needed.

What You Should Do if You Receive an Emergency Instruction

If you receive a public warning or instruction related to an ammonia release (e.g., via phone alert, radio or from emergency responders):

• Follow official instructions immediately.
• If told to shelter in place:
  • Go indoors and close all doors and windows.
  • Turn off fans, heating, and air‑conditioning systems that bring in outside air.
  • Move to an interior room, if possible.
  • Stay tuned to official channels (radio, TV, government or emergency‑services websites or social media).
• If told to evacuate:
  • Leave the area promptly using the routes and directions provided by authorities.
• Do not return to an affected area until authorities announce that it is safe.

Questions and Further Information

This notice is general and applies to GFS facilities in Canada that use ammonia refrigeration and are subject to the Environmental Emergency Regulations, 2019. Site‑specific information, including maps and detailed response arrangements, is provided directly to local authorities (such as municipal fire services and emergency management agencies) in accordance with regulatory guidance.

If you have questions about ammonia use at a particular GFS facility, please contact our Senior Manager, National Health and Safety, Bonnie Hinks at 416-906-0373. Bonnie.hinks@gfs.com