Case of the mysterious tunnel near York solved

Investigation closed after police learn two men in 20s built it as "man cave"

Police photo of the underground tunnel near York University. Courtesy of Toronto Police

After days of speculation about the mysterious tunnel near the Rexall Centre at York University’s Keele Street campus, the case has finally been cracked.

Police said the 10-metre-long tunnel was built by two men in their 20s who wanted a “man cave.”

“They thought it would be a good idea to build somewhere that they can hang out,” police spokesperson Victor Kwong said.

The tunnel was discovered in January, but was first reported by the media last week. The Rexall Centre will be a venue for the Pan Am Games this summer. National security officials were informed because of the possibility of a threat.

“This is not a criminal matter,” Kwong said.

One of the items found inside the tunnel was a rosary with a crucifix and poppy nailed to it. Police did not consider this irregular.

“There’s no deeper meaning into that.,” Kwong said. “That’s probably something that they found and hung up.”

The tunnel has now been filled and police will no longer discuss the case because it has been determined to be noncriminal.

However, the Toronto Region Conservation Authority has the right to fine the two men for digging a hole that large in a conservation area. The authority has yet to comment on the matter.

About this article

By: Nazaneen Baqizada
Copy editor: Kei Lam
Posted: Mar 4 2015 11:08 am
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Filed under: 2015 Pan Am Games News News Briefs
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