Update 2
The Orillia City Centre will be closed for the rest of the day following the earlier police activity in the area. Offices will reopen Friday at 8:30 a.m., the city noted a news release. Anyone with questions or concerns about the Orillia City Centre services can call 705-325-2108 or 705-329-7232.
Update 1
Orillia OPP has wrapped up its investigation regarding a bomb threat at the Orillia City Centre. The OPP Explosive Disposal Unit responded to the scene and determined there was no threat, police said in a news release. Police have cleared the area and all roads have reopened. Residents who were evacuated are able to return.
Original story
A few blocks around the Orillia City Centre are currently closed to traffic as the Orillia OPP investigate an ‘active threat’ in the area.
Details are scarce, but Orillia OPP Const. Brett Boniface urges people to avoid the area.
Roads in the area are closed until further notice. Colborne Street is closed from West to Andrew Street, while Andrew Street is closed from Barrie Road to Colborne Street and West Street South is closed from Colborne Street to Elgin Street.
Essentially, that shuts down the whole block which houses Orillia City Centre, home to Orillia’s municipal offices, city hall and various other offices and condominium units. The building has been evacuated.
Boniface, however, could not confirm that the City Centre is the target of the probe.
“I can’t elaborate as this is an active and ongoing investigation,” said Boniface, who noted there are numerous officers and police vehicles in the area.
A news release from the OPP encourages residents in the immediate area to stay in their residences. However, Boniface said there is “no threat” to the public.
