Mount Allison University to stay closed on Thursday, Friday after ‘concerning message’ found

Mount Allison University in New Brunswick is closed this week after a “concerning message” was found on campus.

Mount Allison University in Sackville, N.B., will remain closed on Thursday and Friday after a “concerning message” was found at the campus earlier this week.

The university previously said it would shut down all classes and on-campus activities on Wednesday after they found a message that referenced Feb. 11, 2026.

Student Monique MacPherson-Beck said she was in class when she heard the news.

“It’s a little scary,” she said. “We weren’t sure what to make of it. A lot of us just kind of found each other after class and we we’re discussing what it was. I think especially with the news this morning about the one in B.C. that it’s a lot scarier.”

In a statement on Wednesday, the university said normal operations will resume on Saturday.

“While there is no indication of an ongoing threat, we recognize that this has been a stressful time for many members of our community,” the statement reads. “Closing campus for the remainder of the week will allow time for our community to pause and reset before resuming normal operations.

“All academic classes, both in-person and online, are cancelled February 12 and February 13, with operations occurring remotely except for essential services continuing on campus.”

In an email, Jonelle Mace, media and external communications officer for the university, said the written message was “ambiguous.”

“The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff are our highest priorities,” Mace said. “Members of the community are asked to contact Campus Security if they have any information regarding the situation at 506-364-2228.”

“I honestly think that the person who wrote it probably was joking, but obviously the university needs to take precautions because you don’t know what’s going to happen,” said student Caleb MacPhee. “I know some people who have gone to Moncton or have gone to other places because they’re scared. I think the university did the right thing in closing the school.”

There was a heavy police presence at the university on Wednesday.

Cpl. Hans Ouellette, media relations officer with the New Brunswick RCMP, said officers “responded to an incident of concern” at a university on York Street on Monday.

“Police are currently at the location to investigate the incident,” Ouellette said. “At this time, police do not believe that there is a concern for public safety at the university, and no arrests have been made.”

Several RCMP vehicles could be seen driving around and through the campus on Wednesday.

The Anglophone East School District said they contacted the RCMP and has been advised there are no concerns around the security of students or staff at Salem Elementary School, Marshview Middle School or Tantramar Regional High School. All schools were open on Wednesday.

CTV News Atlantic requested an interview with someone from the university’s administration but no one was made available.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Derek Haggett

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