Two educational facilities in the southern part of Thunder Bay are currently under lockdown due to a potential threat nearby, as confirmed by Lakehead Public Schools on Thursday morning. The Jim McCuaig Education Centre and Lakehead Adult Education Centre, situated on Lillie Street South, were initially placed on hold and secure status before transitioning to full lockdowns.
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) issued a news release around 11:15 a.m. ET, advising of increased police presence in the vicinity of the 600 block of Victoria Avenue East, close to the aforementioned education centers. This police response follows an initial dispatch to the area on Monday in response to a service call.
According to TBPS, the investigation is ongoing with no further details available at this time. Updates will be provided as new information emerges. CBC News reported a significant police presence in the neighborhood later on Thursday morning.
This incident follows a recent weapons call that led to the deployment of nine police cruisers in the Tarbutt Street South area, approximately two kilometers south of the education centers. Due to these events, Lakehead Public Schools recommended that students at Kingsway Park Public School opt for an alternative route home for safety reasons.