Large section of downtown Halifax evacuated due to suspicious vehicle, bomb threat

The Purdy’s Wharf parkade on Upper Water Street in downtown Halifax is pictured on Aug. 10, 2026. (Mike Lamb/CTV Atlantic)

A large section of downtown Halifax is being evacuated Monday morning after a man allegedly made a bomb threat.

The Purdy’s Wharf parkade on Upper Water Street downtown was first evacuated around 8:45 a.m.

Police said a suspicious vehicle was being searched in response to the threats.

At 10:15 a.m., the evacuation area was expanded to include the following:

• The intersection of Barrington Street/ Amalamek Way is closed
• Upper Water Street is closed
• Brunswick Street/Dr. Aldred Waddell Street to Brunswick Street/Cogswell Street
• Duke Street/Barrington Street is closed to vehicle traffic down to Upper Water Street

“This evacuation order includes all businesses in this area. Pedestrians are asked to leave the area as well,” reads an update from Halifax Regional Police.

An emergency alert was issued around 10:30 a.m. It says police have the area, including the suspicious vehicle, contained and officers are investigating.

Suspect arrested in Clayton Park

The suspect was arrested on Thomas Raddall Drive near the Canada Games Centre in Clayton Park.

Police say there will be an increased presence in both areas of the city.

People are being asked to avoid the scenes.

Police say they will release more information once it is available.

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