IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Map sparks scare at Whistler athletes’ village

A security scare prompted police to search the athletes' village in Whistler with bomb sniffing dogs, but no problems were found, officials say.
/ Source: msnbc.com staff and news service reports

A security scare prompted police to search the athletes' village in Whistler with bomb sniffing dogs, but no problems were found, officials said Saturday.

The search was launched on Friday after a map was found in Whistler with notations on it "that raised concerns for us," said Staff Sgt. Steve LeClair, a spokesman for the Olympics Integrated Security Unit.

Police refused to say what the notations were.

"Nothing of note was found," LeClair said.

The Winter Games has two villages for athletes, one in Vancouver and another in Whistler, where the alpine, Nordic and sliding sport competitions are being held.

Officials say the threat of a terrorist attack on the Vancouver Olympics is considered low, but Canada is spending $866 million to ensure the Games security.

Meanwhile, Vancouver police said they will boost their presence in the downtown core after a surge of people into the city Friday night, many drinking openly or already intoxicated, the Vancouver Sun reported.

Police Constable Lindsay Houghton estimated the crowd at at least 150,000, the Sun reported.