I’ve spent the afternoon tracking developments at an industrial site in southeast Calgary, where police conducted a series of controlled explosions that rattled nearby businesses and raised concerns among local workers. The police operation, which began early this morning in the 4200 block of 61st Avenue S.E., created quite a stir in the normally quiet industrial park.
Walking the perimeter established by officers, I noticed the tactical teams moving with practiced precision. This wasn’t their first rodeo with potentially hazardous materials. According to Inspector Keith Cain, who briefed media at the scene, the explosions were necessary to safely dispose of “chemicals of concern” discovered during an ongoing investigation.
“These controlled detonations are the safest way to handle potentially unstable substances,” Cain explained as another muffled boom echoed across the parking lot. “We understand the disruption to local businesses, but public safety remains our top priority.”
Several workers from adjacent buildings gathered behind the yellow police tape, watching the operation unfold. Mike Stevenson, who works at a nearby manufacturing facility, told me he felt the first explosion around 10:30 AM.
“It was like a truck had hit the building,” Stevenson said, sipping coffee from a travel mug. “Then we got the evacuation order. Most folks are just waiting it out, but some businesses have shut down for the day.”
The police haven’t released details about what prompted the investigation or what specific chemicals required disposal. This measured approach to information sharing is typical in ongoing operations where public safety concerns must be balanced with investigative integrity.
The Calgary Fire Department has maintained a strong presence throughout the day, with hazardous materials specialists supporting police efforts. Fire Battalion Chief Alistair Robin confirmed their involvement was precautionary.
“We’ve conducted air quality monitoring throughout the operation and can confirm there’s no risk to the general public,” Robin noted while checking readings on a handheld device. “These controlled environments allow us to mitigate potential hazards before they become emergencies.”
By mid-afternoon, police had conducted at least three controlled detonations, each preceded by announcements over loudspeakers warning anyone in the vicinity. The methodical pace of the operation suggests a careful, protocol-driven approach.
Calgary has seen similar operations in recent years, though they remain relatively uncommon. In 2021, police conducted controlled explosions in the northeast after discovering improvised explosive materials during an unrelated investigation. Last year, a hazardous materials call in Bowness required similar precautionary measures.
For the businesses affected today, the disruption meant lost productivity and confusion. Sandra Mikhail, who manages a distribution center across from the police perimeter, expressed frustration with the limited information provided.
“We understand safety comes first, but we’ve had to cancel all our shipments today with very little explanation to give our customers,” Mikhail said. “Some advance notice would have helped us prepare.”
As the sun began setting over the industrial park, police indicated operations would likely continue into the evening. Affected businesses were advised to follow police social media channels for updates on when normal operations could resume.
Calgary’s industrial areas have increasingly become focal points for various police operations in recent years. The clustering of warehouses, limited public access, and large storage facilities sometimes create environments where illegal activities can go unnoticed.
When I reached out to the Calgary Police Service for additional details about the nature of the investigation that led to today’s controlled explosions, they declined to provide specifics, citing the active status of their investigation.
“We anticipate providing more comprehensive information once the scene is fully processed and investigators determine releasing details won’t compromise their work,” said police spokesperson Constable Ryan Ayliffe.
For now, the businesses and workers in this corner of southeast Calgary are left waiting for the all-clear, reminded of the occasional unpredictability that comes with urban industrial life, even in a city as orderly as ours typically is.
