Caution urged after explosives discovered in Weaselhead area

The Calgary Police Service and The City of Calgary Parks remind Calgarians to use caution after two military explosives were found in Weaselhead Park over the past two weeks.

While most of the park remains closed due to recent flooding, the regional pathway is open.

Since the beginning of July, two explosives, also known as “unexploded explosive ordnance” or UXO, have been found in the area by members of the public.

One was found on Tuesday, July 2, and another on Monday, July 15, 2013.

In both cases, people saw what appeared to be a bomb, and immediately called 911. The CPS Tactical Team rendered the devices safe.

Weaselhead Park was part of the former Sarcee Military Training Range and was used for munitions training. Parks has been working with the Department of National Defence (DND) on an ongoing basis to screen the park and ensure that it is safe for all users.

The recent flood activity is likely to have exposed some previously buried UXO.

The DND has conducted a site visit with Parks and CPS representatives, and is presently assessing the situation to determine if additional measures are required to ensure public safety.

Should a member of the public find what they believe is a bomb, they should not touch it, rather record its location and call 911 right away.

The Calgary Police Service reminds Calgarians that suspicious devices should never be disturbed, regardless of where they are located.

Media contacts:

DND Media Liaison Office: 1-866-377-0811

The City of Calgary Media Line: 403-828-2954

CPS Media Line: 403-428-7979

Members of the public can contact the UXO and Legacy Sites Program at 1-800-207-0599 or visit the Program's website at http://www.uxocanada.forces.gc.ca/index-eng.asp.