St. Boniface University to reopen campus Friday after suspicious package prompted evacuation

Manitoba's only French-language university was evacuated on Thursday morning after police were told about a suspicious package on campus, which was later deemed harmless.

A bomb squad was "able to verify that the package did not contain any elements of a dangerous nature," St. Boniface University said in a statement Thursday afternoon. Police determined it was safe to return to the campus following an inspection.

Several police vehicles blocked the streets surrounding the school during the evacuation, and officers were seen tearing down police tape around the vehicles shortly after 10 a.m.

Winnipeg police were called about the suspicious package shortly after 8 a.m. The university said police recommended the campus be evacuated, and everyone left the premises around 9 a.m.

Classes were cancelled on Thursday, and the school said campus will remain closed,except for the 4 p.m. opening event of a conferencecelebrating the 50th anniversary of Franco-Manitoban book publisher ditions du Bl.

All classes, activities and other services at the school will resume Friday morning.