Hold and Secure Protocols at Multiple Waterloo Region Schools

Waterloo Regional Police confirmed that hold and secure protocols were activated at multiple schools in the region on April 5, according to a statement released Tuesday. The measure, which restricts student and staff movement within school premises, was implemented as a precautionary response to an unspecified threat, the statement said. No injuries or arrests have been reported, and the status of the protocols remains active as of late afternoon.

The hold and secure procedures, described by a police spokesperson as “a standard safety protocol during uncertain situations,” were initiated after a “potential risk” was identified through a security alert system, according to a municipal official who spoke on condition of anonymity. The official did not specify the nature of the threat or the source of the alert. A separate statement from the Waterloo Region District School Board reiterated that “student safety is the top priority” and confirmed that all affected schools are cooperating with authorities.

At least four schools in the region—Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate Institute, St. Agnes Catholic School, Conestoga Valley Secondary School, and Wilfrid Laurier University’s Kitchener-Waterloo campus—were placed under hold and secure measures, according to a list compiled by local media. Students and staff were instructed to remain indoors, and external visitors were barred from entering. Transportation services for affected schools were suspended for the remainder of the day, a school board representative confirmed.

Parents and community members expressed concern over the sudden action. “It’s alarming to see such measures taken without clear communication,” said Sarah Lin, a parent at St. Agnes Catholic School. “We were told to keep children home, but no details were provided.” A separate statement from the Waterloo Community Action Group called for transparency, stating, “The public deserves to know the nature of the threat and the steps being taken to address it.”

Waterloo Regional Police declined to comment further beyond their initial statement, citing an ongoing investigation. A scheduled press conference is set for 4 p.m. local time, according to a police calendar. The school board has not yet announced whether classes will resume as scheduled on April 6, pending updates from authorities.