Quebec clay tennis courts closing over asbestos concern

Several Quebec municipalities have closed their tennis courts over concerns about asbestos concentrations in clay products used to maintain them.

Samples that exceeded Canadian limits were found in a bag of clay in St-Sauveur.

Julien Charest-Landry, St-Sauveur director of Public Works, said they were alerted several weeks ago about levels of asbestos in a bag of Har-Tru clay the city uses for its courts.

“It states the material could contain up to 0.1 per cent of asbestos. But the permitted limit in Canada is less than 0.1 per cent,” he said.

While samples taken from the tennis courts showed no signs of asbestos, he says Environment Canada advised them to close their clay courts as a precaution while the investigation is underway.

It started a domino effect of closures across the province. In Montreal, 32 clay courts were closed down across 5 boroughs, including Outremont, Verdun, LaSalle, Saint-Leonard and Pierrefonds-Roxboro.

American company Har-Tru, the biggest provider of clay for courts in Quebec, said it’s investigating the matter.

“Har-Tru anticipates a temporary hold on the import, sale, and use of Har-Tru materials in Quebec and perhaps other parts of Canada. We will work with authorities to remain in full compliance with the law and meet expectations. We are hopeful new testing, re-testing, and a collaborative process across the U.S./Canadian border will make this a brief disruption,” it said in a statement to CTV.

Tennis Quebec Executive Director Julie Vezina said they are in contact with health authorities and members who may have concerns.

“At the moment no one has asked clubs to close, it’s really just preventative measures,” she said.

In Pointe-Claire’s Valois Tennis Club, all five of its clay courts were open for play Friday.

Facilities Manager Thomas Brown said they take precautions such as protective clothing and masks when handling the clay and spreading it each spring. He said the fact that no courts have tested positive for asbestos is a good sign.

“Anyone like us who lays down clay in April, there’s probably something to be found in the bag but there’s nothing to be found on the court,” he said.

Still, he said they won’t be touching any of the stockpiles of product they have at the club.

Members are also holding their breath, hoping the club won’t have to close.

“I hope the issue is addressed,” said James Shetler. “But it’s not going to stop me from playing.”