Powell River RCMP have confirmed that a suspected explosive device found at the resource recovery centre and waste transfer station was later determined to be a prop.
On July 10, the police received a report of a suspected explosive device at the centre on Marine Avenue. According to a media release from the RCMP, police and fire personnel attended the scene, and out of an abundance of caution, evacuated the facility. The area remained closed until the RCMP explosive disposal unit (EDU) attended the morning of July 11 and determined it was simply a prop made to look like an explosive device.
The release stated that investigators believe the prop was discarded into household garbage, where it was then discovered while staff processed the materials.
“The precautions of evacuating and securing the area are necessary to ensure public safety, but fortunately, no one was ever actually in any danger,” stated Powell River RCMP sergeant Graham Kerr. “This incident is not believed to be a deliberate act.”
The facility has since reopened to normal operations.
Due to the resource recovery centre being closed, City of Powell River was unable to collect organics from route C on July 11.
qathet Regional District, which operates the centre and waste transfer station, deferred comment on the incident to Powell River RCMP.
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