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UPDATE: All-clear given after reported cougar sighting in north Nanaimo

B.C. Conservation called near Frank J. Ney Elementary School, unconnected sighting in Victoria
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(Black Press file)

Students of two north-end Nanaimo schools will be able to play outside again after a cougar was sighted in the area Friday morning.

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools kept students from Frank J. Ney and nearby École Hammond Bay elementary schools indoors after the reported sighting, enacting a “shelter-in-place” order. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service was called and gave the all-clear at around 11:30 a.m.

Under the shelter-in-place, students are kept indoors, but aren’t locked down, said Dale Burgos, school district spokesman.

“Shelter-in-place is very different than a hold-and-secure, for example,” said Burgos. “We don’t lock the doors, but we do keep everybody inside, so that’s the only similarity. So everyone stays inside, classes remain, business as usual. No kids are allowed to go outside.” 

Burgos said parents were still allowed to come into the school to pick their children up for appointments during that time.

Meanwhile, Victoria police this afternoon sent out a warning for the public to avoid the 100-block of Gorge Road East after a confirmed cougar sighting.



reporter@nanaimobulletin.com

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Karl Yu

About the Author: Karl Yu

After interning at Vancouver Metro free daily newspaper, I joined Black Press in 2010.
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