White Rock waterfront cleared after suspicious item deemed safe

A stretch of Marine Drive on White Rock's waterfront was temporarily closed Wednesday after RCMP responded to reports of a suspicious item believed to be an improvised explosive device.

White Rock RCMP officers secured the area around the intersection of Marine Drive and Centre Street shortly after 11:30 a.m. and established a safety perimeter. "Due to the nature of the report, officers immediately secured the area and established a safety perimeter to ensure public safety," said Sgt. Vanessa Munn.

Marine Drive was closed between Fir Street and Cypress Street while the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit assessed the item. After evaluation, the unit "rendered it safe" and removed the item from the area. Testing confirmed it contained no explosive material.

While the immediate threat was neutralized, the investigation into the origin of the item remains ongoing. No further details have been released.

For a waterfront community, the precaution was warranted—better a brief closure and a thorough check than any assumption.