Ottawa police detonate dynamite found near Rideau River

OTTAWA – Police responded to a suspicious package in the 600 block of River Road near Vanier Thursday night that residents say they suspect was leftover sticks of dynamite from ice blasting on the Rideau River.

Ottawa police spokesman Henri Lanctôt said two people fishing discovered a suspicious package on the riverbank, and notified the police around 7:30 p.m.

Residents in the Vanier area said via Twitter that they could see police cars, flashlights, and crime scene tape surrounding a park across the street. After a few hours, they noted a fire burning, and what sounded like an explosion that shook the entire building around 11 p.m.

Lanctôt, however, said there was no explosion.

“All precautionary measures were taken,” Lanctôt said, and the items were disposed of safely.

Lanctôt said the investigation was closed, since it would be difficult to track down the origin of the material.