Saanich schools under hold-and-secure orders after bear sighting

Two Victoria schools were under hold-and-secure orders after a bear was reportedly spotted in the area.

The Greater Victoria School District announced the order on Twitter at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Colquitz Middle School and McKenzie Elementary were both affected by the order.

At 4:16 p.m., the order remained in place.

"Parents and guardians are being asked to please pick their students up at school," the school district tweeted.

Both schools have contacted guardians to come and pick up their children or make another arrangements, according to school district spokesperson Lisa McPhail.

"School staff will remain on site until all children are safely dismissed," she said. 

ALERT: Colquitz and McKenzie are in a 'Hold & Secure' due to a reported bear sighting in the neighbourhood. Parents and guardians are being asked to please pick their students up at the school.

— Greater Victoria SD (@sd61schools) October 2, 2019

UPDATE (4:16 p.m.) - Colquitz & McKenzie remain in a "Hold & Secure". Parents/guardians are still being asked to pick students up at the school or to confirm other arrangements with school staff. School staff will remain on site until all students are safely dismissed. Thank you!

— Greater Victoria SD (@sd61schools) October 2, 2019