Advertisement

Strathcona County set to release report on response to 2018 parkade explosions

A large police presence could be seen at the Strathcona County Library in Sherwood Park, Alta., on Tuesday night. Les Knight/ Global News

A report on how Strathcona County handled its response to a pair of explosions in the library parkade last year will be released Tuesday.

READ MORE: Man, 21, dead after blast led police to car packed with explosives in Sherwood Park

The report, by an independent consultant, will summarize the county’s actions after the Nov. 6, 2018 incident until the facility returned to full operations on May 8, 2019. It will include findings and recommendations.

RCMP say the first explosion happened at around 6:30 p.m. and the second — which was not deliberately set but rather triggered by the first — took place around 8:15 p.m.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

Police concluded the first blast was deliberately triggered by Kane Kosolowsky, 21, before he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. It forced the evacuation of hundreds of people in and around the county hall and shut down parts of the community complex for months.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: RCMP confirm Tannerite was used in Strathcona County explosions; motive unclear

RCMP announced in September that the motive for the explosion remains unclear.

In April, a Global News investigation uncovered internal emails showing arguments over the release of information to the public and an attempt by the county to control posts on a local Facebook page.

The emails show the mayor repeatedly asking for a statement to be released. However, one would not be for several hours. The county’s first statement to the public came approximately six hours after the first explosion.

A description posted online of the report coming Tuesday says it will provide key learnings that “can be drawn upon for improvements to Strathcona County’s emergency management system.”

Administration has already reviewed the recommendations, which “can constructively form the basis of a multi-year improvement plan.”

READ MORE: Sherwood Park explosions caused $14M in damage

The report will be distributed at the council meeting and will be available online at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

It will be presented by Barry Huybens, managing director, and Ed Marchak, consultant, of iStrategic Advisors Inc.

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices