VicPd had to shut down Yates from Government to Wharf street for most of the day and night on Wednesday.
The incident started around 11:30 am Wednesday morning after police received a report of a suspicious package inside the Yates Street parkade. After an initial investigation, the block was cordoned off and nearby businesses were evacuated. The shutdown was then extended from Government to Wharf street and reinforcements were called in. "We brought in a team from the RCMP and we're very thankful for their help."
The bomb squad arrived around 6 p.m. Approximately 300 vehicles were stuck inside the parkade as they sent in the remote control bomb unit. Eventually detonating the suspicious package, not once but twice. "We used two different remote controlled detonations to neutralize any potential risk the package did hold."
The parkade was re-opened around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday night after being shut down for 10 hours.
The city helped out with bus passes and taxi chits for those whose vehicles and bikes were stuck inside the parkade.
The investigation into what was in the package and how it got there is continuing.