'Potential weapon' at West Ferris prompts police lockdown

Students and staff at West Ferris Secondary School were subjected to a 17-minute lockdown in the middle of the school day on Friday.

"At approximately 11:36 a.m., we were made aware of a potential weapon in the school by the North Bay Police Service, who issued a lockdown for the school," writes Gillian Kajganich, the school's principal in a letter about the incident to the West Ferris school community.

Kajganich shares that there were no injuries to students or staff during the lockdown. "NBPS investigated and determined that there was no threat to West Ferris Secondary and were able to lift the lockdown approximately 17 minutes later."

NBPS says the investigation continues but there is "no danger to the public or any students or staff at this time."

“We take every threat to public safety seriously, and we have determined that there is no further risk to any staff or students. The lockdown was put in place out of an abundance of caution in relation to information that was received about the school earlier today,” says NBPS Staff Sgt Brad Reaume.

Friday's lockdown was accompanied by email and automated phone messages from the school and board, instructing family members not to contact their loved ones inside West Ferris for their safety.

The Near North District School Board has been fine-tuning its lockdown protocols for months.

See related from February: VIDEO: Police emerge from West Ferris lockdown situation

It was a lockdown at West Ferris in February that prompted the directives about contact by cell phone or other devices by concerned family members with students inside the school amid the lockdown. During that incident earlier this year, many parents and guardians — some aware and some unaware of the situation — arrived at the school for the final bell and parked, causing congestion for first responders at the school's front entrance.

"We thank you for your patience as we worked to keep everyone safe," the letter from the WFSS principal continues. "We are grateful to North Bay Police Services for their support. We are very thankful to our staff for their work in keeping our students safe, calm and supported throughout this event.