Burnaby RCMP is warning the public there will be a large police and fire department presence at the Metrotown mall for eight evenings in October and November as emergency responders conduct joint training exercises.
The large-scale "rescue task force" training will allow police, firefighters and other partners, such as E-Comm, to prepare together for multiple situations, including active-threat scenarios, according to a news release Thursday.
Volunteer actors will also be on hand, standing in as civilians in the scenarios.
The exercises will take place in a contained area after the mall is closed, and the public can expect to see multiple emergency vehicles and first responders inside and outside the mall during those times.
Police will also 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," Burnaby RCMP Cpl. Mike Kalanj said in the release. "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 first two exercises will take place between 5 p.m. and 2 a.m. on Oct. 6 and 7 and between 5 p.m. and 2 a.m. on Oct. 7 and 8.
"This is an incredibly valuable and important training opportunity," Kalanj said. "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."
Burnaby RCMP said it will post on social media as future training dates approach throughout October and November.
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