Update from Red Deer RCMP: 5:55pm.

The RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit have determined that the subject package which triggered a police response and a community disruption is not dangerous nor suspicious.

The streets are no longer blocked to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. A total of two businesses and two apartments were evacuated, affecting a small number of people. Public safety was a primary concern throughout the police response.

The public is thanked for their patience.

The investigation into this package will be ongoing by the RCMP. If you have any information about this incident, please contact Cst. Valade at the Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com. If your information leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward up to $2,000.

From Red Deer RCMP: 2:33pm.

In response to a complaint of a suspicious package, the RCMP are on scene at an apartment building on 47 Avenue and 48 Street.  Residents and employees have been evacuated from the first floor of the apartment building as a precautionary measure.

At 12:10 p.m., the RCMP were alerted to a complaint of a suspicious package and are investigating it as a possible explosive device.  In collaboration with the businesses in the building, a decision was made to evacuate people within proximity of the incident, and to block traffic in the vicinity of the building. 

Road closures to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic are as follows: 

47 Avenue is closed between 48 – 50 Street.

49 Street is closed between 46 – 48 Avenue.

The RCMP are effecting these measures in the interest of public safety while this investigation is ongoing.  The Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU) has been deployed and will attend to provide assistance.  The public is asked to avoid this area and have patience while the RCMP and EDU do their job.

It is anticipated that these closures will remain in effect until at least 5:00 p.m.  An update will be provided when available.