Abandoned rowhouses in the Herongate area have now become the sight of crucial police tactical explosive exercises.

The Ottawa Police Tactical Unit has been given the rare opportunity to use vacant homes as a site to simulate possible situations where explosives would be necessary.

“The times we would use explosives in an incident is when all things have been exhausted,” says Staff Sgt. Paul Burnett. “It's not every day we have a venue like this to for lack of a better word, destroy it.”

The large property of dozens of rowhomes in the Herongate area between Baycrest and Sandalwood has been vacant for months and are slated for demolition. By using this site, they are able to train what they would do in a real-life situation without worrying about preserving the structure of the homes since they will eventually be torn down.

All week, police have surveyed the site, examine situations, and have been practicing using explosives by mimicking situations such as hostage takings, executing warrants, or barricaded individuals. They have practiced on different areas of the homes, including windows, doors, and walls. They say this is important because every situation is different and requires examination.

Burnett says safety has been key as well as strong communication between all officers involved. Paramedics, engineers, as well as the bomb squad were all present.

Burnett says, “The fact that we can do that here, helps the bomb technicians, helps the officers, the team train, so that when we do have to use it. It’s not our first time.”

The team executed several situations that they will examine and discuss when debriefed.

Staff Sgt. Burnett says using explosive is a last resort and one they hope they don’t have to put into practice in a real life situation- but these rare opportunities to use the vacant building as a way to perfect crucial skills.