Don't be alarmed by sounds of 'blank firing' ammunition at convention centre: VPD

If you heard what sounded like gunshots near the Vancouver Convention Centre on Wednesday morning, don't be alarmed.

The Vancouver Police Department gave the public a heads-up that a real-life training emergency was planned, warning it may lead to sounds of "blank firing" ammunition. 

Businesses along the waterfront also warned the public that police officers may be seen carrying weapons and there could be vehicles with flashing lights and loud noises. 

Training was scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. with convention centre staff and VPD's emergency response team. 

The convention centre's west building was closed during the training operation.
 

Will you be near the Vancouver Convention Centre this morning? #VPD Emergency Response members and staff from the Convention Centre are involved in an important training exercise, and you may hear "blank firing" ammunition. https://t.co/0MND5WGECm

— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) July 17, 2019