Kingston, Ont. City Hall reopening Thursday after closing due to reported online threat

City Hall in Kingston, Ont. is seen in this undated photo.

The city hall in Kingston, Ont. will reopen for business Thursday after being closed following an online threat this week.

Kingston police said in a news release Wednesday afternoon that they were made aware of online comments on Monday that suggested a risk at Kingston City Hall.

"The comments, which were not directed toward any individual or group of individuals, indicated a potential threat to the safety of persons at City Hall," the release said.

A 27-year-old suspect was arrested Monday and is facing a charge of uttering threats.

The City of Kingston issued a statement just after 2 p.m. Tuesday to say that City Hall, including the Market Wing Cultural Space, would be closed for the remainder of the day. Staff were asked to work remotely or at other City of Kingston sites.

While normal operations were expected to resume Wednesday, staff said in an email to CTV News Ottawa Tuesday afternoon that the closure would remain in effect for at least another day.

"Out of an abundance of caution, City Hall will remain closed on Wednesday with a decision being made at that point about the following days," said communications officer Kelsey Pye.

"The safety of our staff is of the highest importance and we decided to take this extra step with the understanding that all other City buildings are open and we will continue to issue information about alternative services for the public," said Kingston CAO Lanie Hurdle in a statement.

Pye said in a statement Wednesday afternoon that city hall would reopen Thursday.

"We understand the temporary closure of City Hall has created concern and curiosity in the community. As noted in the media release issued by Kingston Police, this was an isolated incident and, in the interests of being as cautious as possible, we took the additional step of closing City Hall, as a temporary measure," a statement said.

"City Hall will be re-opening and operating as usual on Thursday, Nov. 30, following the temporary closure earlier this week. The City has been notified by Kingston Police that the individual who was arrested in connection with this incident remains in custody. We thank everyone for their concern and patience in dealing with this matter."