On August 6, the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus’ Environmental Sciences and Chemistry building (EV) and Instructional Centre (IC) were evacuated after Campus Safety officers found a “suspicious package” resembling an explosive. Further police investigation revealed that it was a hoax and contained a non-explosive device, and no injuries were reported.

During a regular patrol of the EV building, campus safety officers found the package, after which they contacted Toronto Police Services (TPS) and evacuated the building at around 5:00 pm. 

Following the incident, police closed Military Trail from Ellesmere Road to Pan Am Drive, along with parking lots G and J. 

At around 6:00 pm, UTSC posted an update on its campus status page stating that TPS had also asked for the IC building to be evacuated. The update noted that daycare and Camp U of T pickups will take place from the main campus south of the EV and IC buildings, which includes the UTSC Student Centre and Highland Hall. It also urged “parents and caregivers who have picked up kids but cannot leave campus [to] wait in the Student Centre.”

Third-year biochemistry student Abdulrahman Gafaar was in IC at the time of the evacuation alert. “We were told there was a mysterious package around IC and EV and had to wait outside for about two hours. I was able to leave early because I walked to the bus loop,” Gafaar said.

While the buildings and parking lots on the south side of campus remained open, some students expressed confusion over whether or not it was safe to leave. 

Upon hearing the evacuation alerts, fourth-year biotechnology student Kobiga Seralathan stayed in Highland Hall. 

“Since the situation went on for a few hours with no further updates and the road continued to be closed, I thought maybe it was better to get out as soon as possible,” said Seralathan. “But during that time, I wish I had more information on what was going on.”

All clear

At 6:58 pm, TPS gave the all-clear and reopened Military Trail and IC after detonating the device and determining it was non-explosive. 

EV stayed closed until the morning of August 7. The Office of the Vice-Principal Academic & Dean announced in a community alert that the TPS is investigating the incident and that the Office is cooperating with the investigation.

“It’s a good reminder that we all need to be vigilant, and we ask that if you do see an unattended item to report it immediately to Campus Safety,” the announcement read.