Stick of dynamite from 1980s found near Banff Springs Hotel during excavation

A stick of dynamite thought to be left behind from an old construction project was found near the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel on Tuesday.

RCMP said they were called to an area near the hotel at around 3:30 p.m. after what was suspected to be an explosive device was uncovered during the excavation of a road.

The area was cordoned off and RCMP said one wing of the hotel was temporarily evacuated while they awaited the arrival of the RCMP’s Explosives Disposal Unit.

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The EDU determined the item was, in fact, a stick of dynamite and should be detonated. The EDU set it off at around 10:45 p.m., RCMP said.

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In an email to Global News, a spokesperson from the Banff Springs Hotel said the stick of dynamite was from a 1980s construction project.

“There is no risk to hotel employees, guests or the general public,” they added.

RCMP said there were no injuries, and no charges will be laid.