Update, 11:30 a.m.
OPP confirms that threats were made towards multiple schools in different boards in the northeast and northwest regions. The threats demanded payment, said OPP.
"As a precaution, the majority of the targeted schools have been closed while the investigation continues. Parents are encouraged to contact their schools or school boards for more information. In addition to local officers, the OPP Cyber Investigation Team is engaged," said police in a news release.
Anyone with information is urged to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Original story:
All Timmins-area schools are closed today due to a reported bomb threat.
The closures affect the English and French public and Catholic boards in the area.
Conseil scolaire catholique de district des Grandes Rivières said on Facebook that an overnight bomb threat has closed all its schools in the district.
Schools in the Northeastern Catholic District School Board and District School Board Ontario North East are also closed across the region, according to notices emailed to parents.
Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l'Ontario has also closed its schools, with schools sharing that information just after 9 a.m. The notice says that the board has not received a threat, but the closure is recommended by OPP.
DSB1 says its schools also did not receive a direct threat.
"We closed our schools for caution to student and staff safety due to the breadth of the threat directed at another school board," reads a statement from the public school board.
NCDSB says its board office is also closed for the "emergency situation relating to student and staff safety."
The decision to close was done under the advisement of OPP, says the board.
The boards cover a vast area in northeastern Ontario.
The catchment areas vary slightly for each board but generally extend from Hearst to Temiskaming Shores to Timmins.
Buses had already started picking up some students prior to the closure.
The DSB1 notice to parents says that students who were already on buses were brought to a central public location in each community.
"Schools will contact families to confirm this location and arrange student pick-up," reads the letter.
DSB1 students will have online learning today.
More details will be shared when available.
