Winnipeg elementary school students relocated due to skunks

One Winnipeg elementary school has been battling a smelly situation over the last few days, thanks to some unwanted guests.

Staff and students at the Stevenson-Britannia School were temporarily relocated this week as skunks made their way into the school.

The skunks were first noticed on Monday due to the smell. It was reportedly worse on Tuesday, but the school’s principal says it’s gotten better over the week.

“We have been working with our maintenance crews as well as external pest control specialists to address the pest problem and lingering odour and ensure adequate air quality at the school,” said Jane Couch, Principal of Stevenson-Britannia School, in a statement to CityNews.

“We have deployed ozone generators to filter the air and have made adjustments to our HVAC system. We are continuing to monitor the situation.”

Couch says there are no safety concerns, and everyone is expected to return to the school sometime next week.

“We’re continuing to keep students, parents, staff and stakeholders informed and will let them know as soon as possible when Stevenson-Britannia School resumes normal operations.”

Students have been attending classes at Bord Aire Community Centre, Discovery Children’s Centre, and Linwood School.

“We want to thank our community, our students and caregivers for their patience throughout this situation, as well as the building operators that have been gracious enough to allow us to work out of their facilities over the last few days.”