Photo: Madison Erhardt UPDATE 2:04 p.m. Kelowna RCMP says it is continuing to investigate a “threat” at Quigley Elementary School in Rutland. The Mounties say they responded to a threat made just before noon at Quigley Elementary School in Kelowna and due to a lot of attention, the school was evacuated. School principals have asked parents to pick up their children from a nearby safe location. Schools are expected to resume normal work tomorrow. RCMP inspector Beth McAndie says, “We take these calls very seriously and commit our resources to ensuring the safety of our children and our community.” The nature of the threat will not be revealed as the Kelowna RCMP continued to investigate. UPDATE 1:30 p.m. Hollywood Road in Rutland is now open, but RCMP officers are still concentrated at Quigley Elementary School. Okanagan Central School District Superintendent Kevin Caardal tells Castanet that the school was evacuated at noon due to a great deal of attention. “Everyone is safe and we have asked all students and staff to gather at the Hollywood Road Education Center where parents can pick up their children.” The rumors that something was happening started shortly after noon. Police were seen searching the school premises and unconfirmed reports say there may have been a bomb threat, which caused the evacuation. The RCMP tells Castanet that it will issue a statement later this afternoon. ORIGINAL 1:12 p.m. The Kelowna RCMP blocked Hollywood Street in Rutland, near Quigley Elementary School. The road is closed between Hollydell Rd. and White Rd. Two students who were in the Quigley Elementary School area Monday afternoon told Castanet that they were told by the RCMP to stay out of the area. The school itself has been evacuated, according to parents and residents of the neighborhood. Several RCMP vehicles and at least one ambulance are on standby. Castanet has a reporter on stage and we contacted RCMP for more information. Photo: Madison Erhardt
