Suspicious package prompting Edmonton Tower evacuation was an empty duffel bag

The Edmonton Tower in the city’s downtown core was evacuated and the bomb squad called after a suspicious package was found early Thursday morning — but in the end it turned out to be an empty duffel bag.

“We weren’t sure the danger level of it. We don’t take these things lightly. We do a full investigation on them. Public safety is our main concern,” Sgt. Curtis Maron, with the Edmonton Police Service said.

Just before 7 a.m., police received a 911 call from security at the building on 104 Avenue and 101 Street.

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The building was evacuated by police and the explosives disposal unit has been called in to examine the package. Traffic was diverted and 102 Street, between 103 and 104 Avenues, were being shut down.

“I’m happy if it’s nothing. It’s better than having somebody touch a package and then get injured or a bunch of people get injured,” Maron said.

“For us this is a perfect outcome for this. I’d rather us not have an explosive device to deal with or anything that could harm anybody. In the end, I think this is the best and this is what we’re training for.”

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The City of Edmonton said all services at the service centre in the Edmonton Tower were suspended due to the potential threat.

The closure included services such as renewing or purchasing bus passes, including seniors passes, or recreation passes, submitting permit or development applications, renewing pet licenses and a number of other services that are provided at the Service Centre.

The city said February transit passes and the 2017-18 seniors annual pass will be honoured Thursday and Friday.

While the service centre is down, the city said residents can continue to access a number of services online, including business licenses, pet licenses and permits.

Shortly before 10 a.m., the scene was cleared and the bag was taken away. Police are still investigating to identify the person who made the threat and left the package by the building.

In addition to the Edmonton Tower, two other buildings and a construction site were partially evacuated.