Two Nova Scotia Community College campuses were evacuated Wednesday after an undisclosed threat was made on the school.
The NSCC Marconi campus in Sydney and the Institute of Technology campus in Halifax were evacuated as police investigated a threat made to the college.
“Two NSCC campuses currently being evacuated – Marconi & IT Local police investigating threat made to both campuses – Marconi closed for day,” the college said in a statement on social media. “Will provide additional updates as available. Status on IT for remainder of day to be determined.”
Cape Breton Regional Police said in a statement that officers responded to the Marconi campus just before 8 a.m. AT “to a report of a potential bomb threat.”
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“The NSCC Marconi Campus is currently being evacuated, as well as Cape Breton University’s campus,” police said.
As for the Institute of Technology campus, Halifax Regional Police said units responded to the college just after 8 a.m. AT for a bomb threat after the school “received a threatening message from an anonymous person.”
“Officers are on scene and searching the area with the assistance of the K-9 Unit, however, nothing suspicious has been located to this point,” the department said in a statement. “The campus is being evacuated as a precaution and police ask people to avoid this area until further notice.”
Meanwhile, Halifax Regional Police said units also responded to a call about a suspicious package at 5381 Spring Garden Rd., in the area of the Old Halifax Central Library. The area was closed briefly while officers investigated.
“The Explosive Disposal Unit attended the scene and determined there was no threat. The package was determined to be garbage,” the police force said in a statement.
It’s unclear if the incident was related to the NSCC evacuation.
Halifax Regional Police said investigators were working with Cape Breton Regional Police in the ongoing investigation.
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“These incidents appear to be related but it’s still early in the investigation,” a police spokesperson said.
Just before noon, NSCC Institute of Technology campus cancelled all classes for the day.
Meanwhile, police agencies across Prince Edward Island evacuated all schools due to a potential threat, according to the RCMP.
In a statement, the RCMP said “emergency evacuation plans have been activated” at schools across the province.
At a press conference, RCMP in Prince Edward Island said they were aware of the threats made in Nova Scotia and were working to determine if the threats were related.
NSCC confirmed to reporters that the college received the threat via a fax but wouldn’t comment on what the threat said.
Meanwhile, investigators told reporters in Prince Edward Island the bomb threat they received was also through a fax early Wednesday.
“This fax indicated that a bomb had been placed in a number of schools in Prince Edward Island. It didn’t specify which schools, it did say a bomb would be detonated,” RCMP spokesman Sgt. Kevin Baillie said.
No threat was found.
“We are also aware there’s been similar threats received at a schools and campuses in Nova Scotia and other jurisdictions, and one of the things we’re following up at this time is whether or not those threats are related to this one,” Baillie said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau provided a brief update on the threats received in both Prince Edward Island and in Nova Scotia Wednesday afternoon.
“The minister of public safety just informed me that all of the schools’ children and personnel are safe and the situation is under control,” the prime minister said. “As a parent, I know how worrisome this type of situation can be and I know the affected parents must be having a very difficult day.”
Trudeau said government and law enforcement officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
“I can assure you that the RCMP and all local authorities are deploying all necessary resources to this ongoing operation,” he said.