The shelter in place order for residents of Deep River, Ont., was lifted Thursday afternoon after about 20 hours.
This followed a stabbing that happened Wednesday afternoon, which left one person with life-threatening injuries, according to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
No arrests have been made so far, and authorities are still asking residents to be vigilant for any suspicious activity and avoid Golf Course Road and Mc Elligott Drive between Banting Drive and Granite Lane.
OPP stated Thursday that officers responded to what they initially referred to as a “serious incident” around Mc Elligott Drive at 4:30 p. m. on Wednesday.
One individual was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. They were still alive as of 11 a. m. Thursday, OPP confirmed.
has learned that the victim was a woman.
Wyatt Krueger mentioned that one of his friends and colleagues brought the victim to the hospital. “Obviously it’s something traumatic, but [my friend] seems all good,” he said.
‘Like a ghost town’
Deep River Mayor Suzanne D’Eon described it as a very unusual situation for her community.
“I’m worried for the family and friends of the victim,” she said. “I don’t know who the victim is, but my heart goes out to them.”
D’Eon noted that during the lockdown period, the community felt “like a ghost town.”
“I’m sure everybody had a bit of anxiety,” she said. “[It’s] a lot to deal with the unknown. We don’t know too much in terms of details right now, but there was a threat.”
D’Eon encouraged residents to reach out to friends if they feel uneasy about leaving home.
“I know there’s people watching out for each other,” she said.
‘We pride ourselves on being a safe, active, inclusive community. This is not who we are. This is such an unusual situation and it’s heartbreaking that we are where we are today,’ said Deep River Mayor Suzanne D’Eon. (Francis Ferland/CBC)
Asked to take precautions
Initially, residents in the area were asked to shelter in place; then that expanded to cover the entire town around 7:20 p. m.
The town of about 4,200 people along the Trans-Canada Highway was instructed to stay inside, lock their doors and windows, close their blinds, and avoid interaction with anyone they did not know.
WATCH | Reporting from Deep River early Wednesday afternoon:
Shelter in place ongoing for Deep River following reported stabbing: policeResidents of Deep River, Ont., were told to shelter in place following reports of a stabbing Wednesday evening, according to police. The Ontario Provincial Police informed around 7:15 a. m. on Thursday that the shelter in place order remained active.
, Deep River police stated they and OPP were actively investigating and “are working to locate the suspect involved.”
Some schools and businesses within the community announced closures until further notice on Thursday morning. The town delayed waste collection services while some nearby schools cancelled bus service.
OPP Constable Mike Mahon explained that implementing the shelter in place order served “several reasons,” including finding a suspect while ensuring police resources were effectively utilized.
“With Deep River not having as large of a police force as we do,” he remarked about requesting assistance from neighboring areas. “We needed to ensure we could enter safely and manage what needed attention.” He added that protecting public safety was their primary focus.
Ontario Provincial Police Constable Mike Mahon provided an update for in Deep River on Sept. 10, 2026.(Francis Ferland/CBC)
Deep River serves as an essential stopover between Ottawa and North Bay. Both it and Mattawa nearby act as hubs before heading through more remote areas along the Ottawa River just east of Algonquin Park.
Krueger shared with Thursday morning how much quieter things felt around town compared to normal days. He was at work when his boss called occasionally just checking up on him and his coworkers.
“The community has been really good at trying to follow all guidance” from law enforcement officials-Mayor D’Eon acknowledged-while also expressing her desire for better communication methods regarding alerts outside social media or using fire trucks equipped with loudspeakers.
“I certainly want to look into that and try resolving it right away,” she mentioned.
When asked why phone alerts weren’t sent out instead，Mahon indicated officers acted based on what seemed appropriate at that moment.
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