The Coquitlam RCMP has placed several schools in Coquitlam under hold-and-secure protocols after receiving alleged threats via phone calls on Wednesday afternoon.
According to authorities, these precautions have been implemented as a proactive measure to ensure the safety of students, staff, and teachers.
Police responded promptly to the threats, beginning at around 12:25 p.m., and are currently present at the affected locations.
Ken Hoff, assistant director of School District No. 43 (Coquitlam), explained that during a hold-and-secure, students are kept in their classrooms while staff, including the RCMP in this instance, assess and secure the school premises.
In addition to the schools, local businesses in the vicinity also reported receiving similar threats.
The Coquitlam RCMP has advised the public to avoid the area as the situation continues to develop.
Initially, it was reported that Centennial Secondary received the initial threat, but it was later confirmed that several schools and businesses had been impacted.
Further details are pending as 1130 NewsRadio seeks additional information from the Coquitlam RCMP.