BURNABY RCMP are advising the public of an upcoming joint training exercise with the Burnaby Fire Department which will result in a large number of emergency vehicles and a visible police presence at Metrotown during eight evenings in October and November.

The exercise, which involves Burnaby RCMP, the Burnaby Fire Department and partners such as E-Comm, will take place at the mall between 5 p.m. and 2 a.m. on the following dates:

• Sunday, October 6 (ending 2 a.m. on Monday, October 7)
• Monday, October 7 (ending 2 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8)

Further dates will continue to be added to this list.

The public can expect to see multiple emergency vehicles and first responders inside and outside the mall during those times. The training scenarios will take place in a contained area after the mall is closed, however, police will be noticeable in the area while the mall is still open.

“We want the public to be aware of this training so they are not alarmed if they notice a large police presence at Metrotown,” said Cpl. Mike Kalanj with Burnaby RCMP. “Despite the large number of police vehicles and first responders in the area, we want people to know this is not a critical incident, but a scheduled training exercise.”

The large scale Rescue Task Force training will allow police, firefighters, and partners to train together for multiple situations, including active threat scenarios. Volunteer actors will also be taking part.

“This is an incredibly valuable and important training opportunity,” said Kalanj. “We would like to thank and acknowledge all of the partners involved for making this possible, including Concord Pacific, which is supporting this important training exercise by allowing use of their facility at Metrotown.”