CBC building in Toronto evacuated after ‘donated’ artillery shell discovered

TORONTO — Police have cleared staff at CBC’s headquarters in Toronto to return to work after the building was evacuated when a military artifact was “donated” to the broadcaster and an artillery shell was found inside.

Toronto Police Const. Victor Kwong said police received a call from the CBC at about 1:39 p.m. that the shell had been discovered within the artifact in the shipping and receiving department in the basement of the building at 250 Front St. W.

Kwong said police are not sure whether the shell is active, but they are responding as if the device presents a danger to the public and are working backwards from there.

Members of the police’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive unit are on scene and Kwong said the military had been called in to investigate as well.

“Once they take a look and do their initial assessment we’ll know whether or not it’s literally just an antique shell or if we need to investigate further,” Kwong said.

Kwong said at this point there is nothing to say the incident is criminal, but investigators will decide after they determine whether or not the shell is active.

John Street has been closed between Wellington Street and Front Street for the investigation.