Update #4: Hazardous materials incident resolved

The Calgary Police Service has safely completed the disposal of hazardous material discovered earlier this week in the Manchester Industrial area. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 27, CPS began controlled detonations of the material at the site where it was found. After further analysis and the development of a secure transport plan, officers relocated the remaining material to a designated safe site. Controlled detonations continued at the designated safe site today. 

There is no ongoing risk to the public. 

“This was a dynamic situation and as it progressed, we continually assessed our tactics to ensure the safety of the community, while trying to minimize disruption to residents and businesses in the area,” says Deputy Chief Cliff O’Brien with the Calgary Police Service. “Throughout the entire incident, the safety of the public and emergency services personnel was our top priority.” 

Manchester Industrial area has been rendered safe by specialized teams and the evacuation perimeter has been lifted, along with the previously issued NOTAM (Notice to Airmen). Roads reopened and CTrain and bus service returned to normal overnight.  

As the situation is now stable, the Calgary Emergency Management Agency deactivated the Municipal Emergency Plan and closed the Emergency Operations Centre today at 2 p.m. 

“We would like to sincerely thank Calgarians and businesses for their patience and co-operation during this response, as well as Calgary Police tactical teams and all of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency partners involved in this response for their hard work and support,” says Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Sue Henry. 

The incident began around 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26, when the CPS Tactical Unit responded to a report of a suspicious package in the Manchester Industrial area. Upon arrival, officers worked with the Calgary Fire Department and determined the material — now believed to include picric acid — was unstable and posed a safety risk. The area was evacuated while a safe disposal plan was developed. 

Investigators believe a local moving company had been contracted to dispose of several substances that were mislabelled before transport. The materials then sat for about 10 days. When the package was opened, the actual contents were discovered. The Tactical Unit then became involved to determine a plan for disposal. 

The investigation into the circumstances leading to this incident remains ongoing. Updates will be provided as they become available.