Report of threats to use firearms at 3 elementary schools in Ottawa Valley

The Upper Ottawa Valley detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated threats to three elementary schools in Pembroke and Petawawa Thursday morning.

According to police, two schools in Pembroke and one in Petawawa had reports of threats to use firearms at them. The threat was made on a messaging application, officials said.

The schools were placed in a “hold and secure,” but have now been lifted.

At about 9:45 a.m., officers responded to the schools.

“We can never assume a threat of any kind is a hoax and will continue to work with school officials to support students and staff to ensure a safe learning environment,” Bill Dickson, media relations officer with OPP, said.

No threats have been sustained.