Skip to content

UPDATE: Bomb squad remains on scene in Barrie inspecting vehicles

One of the vehicles in Anne Street parking has damage around its gas cap on the driver's side
09272023bombscenekl
An officer inspects vehicles in an Anne Street parking lot following an explosion earlier in the morning, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023.

Investigators have narrowed in on vehicles in an Anne Street parking lot after an explosive device was detonated earlier this morning in Barrie. 

Around 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 27, an officer with the explosive disposal unit could be seen inspecting vehicles in the parking lot near Edgehill Drive. 

One of the vehicles, a white SUV, has damage around its gas cap on the driver's side.

They were also checking the undercarriage of other vehicles nearby. 

Around 10:30 a.m., what appeared to be a bomb-sniffing dog was let loose in the parking lot and checked several vehicles. 

A police perimeter remains in effect in the area this morning. Roads are still closed around the bridge and up the Anne Street hill. 

At around 8:45 a.m., a shielded robot was used to purposely detonate what appeared to be a cylindrical device in the apartment parking lot at 108 Anne St. N., creating a loud explosion. Dust came off the device and the robot was jostled from the explosion. 

Emergency crews had responded to the scene shortly before 3 a.m. for a "very fluid" situation. Several roads were closed in the area.

Residents who live near the Anne Street bridge over Highway 400 had also been asked to stay in their homes as police investigated. 

An update from Barrie police is expected soon.