Capilano University to reopen after ‘threat of violence’

A university in North Vancouver is reopening its campuses Monday after days of closures due to a police investigation into a “threat of violence against a student on campus.”

Capilano University first announced the closure of its main and Lonsdale campuses on Friday due to what it called a “targeted and specific security threat.” The university initially said it would open as usual on Saturday, but changed course late Friday night.

On Sunday, an update was posted on the university’s website stating that all campuses would be open as usual from Monday.

“The university has followed up on reports of a threat of violence against a student by another student,” the statement said, adding that the threat was specific to the student who was on campus Friday. “The university has reassessed the threat based on information gathered, including assessments from law enforcement and student affairs, and has determined that there is a low risk to the university.”

In a statement on Friday, university President Paul Dangerfield said the school was notified of the threat on Thursday.

“We learned that a student at the university had been threatened with violence by another student,” Dangerfield said.

Dangerfield said at the time that he did not believe there was an ongoing risk to the safety and security of students.

“Violence, intimidation and bullying are unacceptable at Capilano University,” the university said in a statement.

With files from Ian Holliday of CTV News Vancouver