Northeast Edmonton homes being evacuated for potential explosives, hazardous materials

Police say the presence of hazardous materials and possible explosives inside a northeast Edmonton home is forcing dozens of neighbouring residents to evacuate.

The Edmonton Police Service and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services will clear the home in question – part of a townhouse complex near 50 Street and 131 Avenue – on Wednesday.

Residents from 46 homes are being asked to temporarily leave their homes by Tuesday 9 p.m. It’s not clear when they will be allowed to return home, but police have told residents to prepare to be gone for “up to several days.”

Authorities first became aware of the possibility of hazardous materials on April 26 when officers conducted a welfare check on a suicidal man living at the home. Police say officers observed unknown chemicals and substances, as well as materials known to be precursors in manufacturing explosives.

“The chemicals could be related to the harvesting of precious metals off electronics,” Insp. Sean Anderson told CityNews “Some of them are precursors to explosives, so until we go in and do a proper search of the residence, we don’t know what we’re dealing with.”

The property was then secured and held as a crime scene by police, who determined there was no immediate threat to public safety “until (the materials) are removed from the residence.”

Police say it took nearly two weeks to begin removing the chemicals because EPS had to consult with hazmat and bomb disposal experts across the country.

The man was not known to police, and it’s not yet clear if or when charges are expected.

Displaced residents who do not have “suitable accommodations” will be given temporary housing and food, police say, and transportation will be provided by Edmonton Transit Services. Red Cross will be assisting.

Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and councillor for the area Aaron Paquette knocked on doors Tuesday afternoon to speak with residents.

While police can’t force anyone to leave, Paquette urged residents to take the situation seriously.

“There are many people who may feel they do not want to evacuate because you have specific challenges or concerns,” said the Ward Dene councillor. “I understand this, I am with you. However, every accommodation has been made.”

CityNews spoke to some residents forced to leave, though several expressed concerns about speaking out for fear of retaliation from the neighbour at the centre of the incident. They expressed their frustration about the short notice for evacuating, only learning about it Tuesday.

Police warn that natural gas to some of the homes in the affected area may be shut off during the operation, and that roads in the area will be limited to essential traffic outside of the area of the operation.

–With files from Darcy Ropchan