Article content

A private downtown construction project was halted after workers discovered bones while digging Thursday afternoon, say Ottawa police.

Const. Chuck Benoit confirmed the discovery in a narrow parking area off Queen Street, near Elgin Street.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Discovery of bones halts downtown Ottawa project Back to video

“It’s (unclear) whether it’s animal or human bones, so we are just getting those checked out,” he said. ” Until then, the construction will be stopped until further notice.”

In 2013, the discovery of what turned out to be human bones a few blocks west on Queen Street delayed a water main project related to construction of a light-rail tunnel beneath downtown Ottawa until the remains could be relocated.

The work taking place where bones were found Thursday is not related to any City of Ottawa project, a municipal spokeswoman said.

pmccooey@ottawacitizen.com