Timmins area schools back open Thursday after threats

Bomb threat closes schools in Timmins region Ontario Provincial Police are investigating after a bomb threat was made to a Timmins area school board, demanding money.

Northern Ontario schools north of Gogama are back open Thursday after 'multiple bomb threats' targeting schools across the province were determined to be unfounded.

Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release Wednesday no actual devices were found after several schools and school boards received electronic threats demanding payment.

The OPP Cybercrime Investigations Team and OPP Crime Units, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, continue to investigate bomb threats, sent electronically to multiple schools, school boards and other facilities across parts of the province. pic.twitter.com/d2cGBIvC2G

— OPP North East Region (@OPP_NER) November 2, 2023

CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca has confirmed all four boards in the Timmins area have reopened to students and staff Nov. 2.

Conseil scolaire catholique de district des Grandes Rivieres (CSCDGR) is one of the school boards that received a threat Wednesday.

"We were able to inspect all our schools and now that we can say that the premises are safe, our schools will be open again tomorrow (Thursday)," Sylvie Petroski, director of education and secretary-treasurer, said in a letter to families on Wednesday.

"The safety of our students is always our top priority. If your child is feeling anxious as a result of this morning's events, let your school staff know as support is available if needed."

Northeastern Catholic District School Board said in a social media post Thursday morning it has "followed all necessary safety procedures and there is no further safety concern at this time."

"We thank all members of the NCDSB community for their prompt action and support during the emergency situation earlier today," it said.

The District School Board Ontario North East (DSBONE) said in a social media post it is looking forward to welcoming students back to school Thursday.

"Although the bomb threat was not specifically directed at DSB1 schools, we understand that yesterday’s events can bring up difficult feelings for students and families," DSBONE said.

"The OPP has confirmed that our schools can reopen as the threat directed at other schools in the region was unfounded. We continue to be vigilant to ensure the safety of students and staff in our schools. If you feel your child requires additional support, please contact the school."

Guylaine Scherer, a spokesperson for Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l'Ontario, confirmed with CTV News in an email Thursday morning the CSPNE is also back open.