Toronto police are investigating the discovery of a mysterious, seven-metre long tunnel near York University.
A source with knowledge of the investigation said the tunnel, about 2 1/2 metres underground and large enough for a person to walk around in, was found in a wooded area near the university in January. The discovery was made by an employee of the nearby Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and found inside the tunnel were lights and a generator.
It is not yet known who built the tunnel or why, though the discovery has since been flagged with national security officials as well as the Toronto Police Service.
The large tunnel is near the Rexall Centre on the western edge of the York University campus – a stadium that will serve as the official tennis venue for the Pan American and Parapan Am Games in July.
"There is no defined threat to the Games at this point," said a statement from Ontario Provincial Police Sergeant Peter Leon, who is part of the OPP-led Integrated Security Unit for the Pan Am Games. Sgt. Leon added that the threat level set by the federal government "remains at medium level."
"Security planning for the Games continues," Sgt. Leon said. "We are constantly monitoring the situation and, if necessary, will adapt our plans, which are flexible and scalable."
A spokesperson for York University referred all questions to police. Toronto Police, meanwhile, are expected to provide details on the discovery on Tuesday.
On Monday, some officials played down any suggestion the tunnel is akin to a threat. One official pointed out that students have been broadly known to stage elaborate pranks on university campuses and that authorities had first learned of the tunnel weeks ago. Since then, it has not since been regarded as a major security issue.
The tunnel was filled in by authorities.