Mandatory CO alarms ruled out despite fatality

While loved ones of an Airdrie boy killed by carbon monoxide push for mandatory CO detectors in more buildings, provincial officials say they have no plans to introduce tougher measures.

On Feb. 4, 12-year-old Trai Schlichter was overcome by CO fumes from a malfunctioning water heater in his family’s Airdrie condo and later died in hospital.

Since then, family and friends have been pushing the province to make CO alarms a requirement in all homes and have begun a petition, which had collected more than 17,300 signatures by Thursday afternoon.

They say the document will be presented to municipal and provincial leaders.

But while provincial officials say they encourage the detectors’ use, there’s no current plan to make them mandatory beyond a law requiring them in all homes built since 2014.

“Legislation regarding mandatory carbon monoxide detectors is not off the table, but we have to consult with municipalities and other stakeholders before considering further action,” said Lauren Arscott, press secretary for Municipal Affairs Minister Shaye Anderson.

“If the province were to consider changes to legislation, consultation and research would take shape.”

Calgary Fire Department spokeswoman Carol Henke said she couldn’t comment on the push for a mandatory policy but said the more CO detectors in use, the better.