Harmless substance found in suspicious envelope: fire department

Workers were evacuated from a downtown office building Thursday while Saskatoon emergency crews – including a hazmat team – responded to a suspicious package.

Police received a call just before noon from River Centre, located at the intersection of 2nd Avenue South and 19th Street East.

An employee at the centre confirmed to 650 CKOM the package was delivered to the KPMG office.

Several floors of the building were evacuated and air vents were turned off in the building.

Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Rodger described the investigation as a slow process, with crews working to isolate the affected area.

“It’s the uncertainty, the unknown of actually what the product is. So when we respond to these types of incidents, we have to respond with the idea it could be a worst-case scenario,” Rodger said.

Rodger confirmed an envelope containing a substance, later found to be a harmless antacid, was delivered to the fifth floor.

While there’s no danger to the public, two workers who were exposed to the substance were decontaminated as a precaution.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wrapped up at the scene several hours later and turned everything over to city police for further investigation.

KPMG is one of several businesses located inside River Centre.  

On its website, KPMG describes itself as a professional services firm, providing business with audits and accounting, risk management, business advisory, tax and private company services.

Previous incidents

Thursday’s suspicious package scare is the third in Saskatoon since November 2016.

Hazmat and fire crews responded to five locations throughout the city on Nov. 29 after envelopes with talcum powder and baking soda were delivered by individuals. Three people were initially arrested, but two were released without charges.

Amanda May Totchek, also known as Alexa Emerson, 31, pleaded not guilty to coordinating the deliveries. She was released on bail Jan. 20 with the condition she live in Alberta and not appear in Saskatoon except for court.

A suspicious package also shut down the UPS Store on the corner of 21st Street and 4th Avenue on Jan. 26, after an employee came across an open box with a dark, dirt-like substance. Analysts found the box contained methamphetamine and marijuana.

Police have not established a connection between Thursday’s incident and any prior situations.