Threats that closed 2 Kitchener high schools were fabricated, police say

Waterloo regional police no longer believe there are any safety concerns atSt. Mary's High School and Cameron Heights Collegiate Instituteafter threats of violence closed both schools this week.

Cherri Greeno, Waterloo Regional Police's director of corporate affairs, says investigators believe the threats were fabricated. They are now focused on identifying the people behind the hoax.

The person responsible could face significant charges, includingpublic mischief, uttering threats or other serious criminal charges.

Cameron Heights reopened on Friday with increased police presence in the school area.

St. Mary's High School is scheduled to reopen on Monday and stay closed on Friday because it is a scheduled PD day for staff and students.

St. Mary's remained closed on Wednesday and police confirmed the closure was due to a report of threatened violence.

In a memo, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) said the school remained closed for an additional day off on Thursday to potentially"aid the investigation and allow us to explore and implement any potential safety measures that may be required."

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) announced Thursday morning Cameron Heights would be closed that day as staff work with police to investigate a second threat.Police saidthey received athreat of violence against the Cameron Heights at 1:20 a.m. Thursday similar to that of St. Mary's.

Students at the public high school continued their day learning virtually through asynchronous resources.