TORONTO, Ontario — Riverdale Collegiate Institute was placed on lockdown on Friday, January 23, 2026, following a reported threatening phone call. Toronto Police responded to the school and investigated the report before determining that the threat was not credible. No injuries were reported.

The lockdown lasted approximately two hours, disrupting normal school activities while police assessed the situation and worked with school administrators to protect students and staff. According to the information provided, the lockdown was lifted at 1:15 p.m.

The incident prompted communication between school leadership and families, along with changes to the afternoon examination schedule. Although the threat was deemed non-credible, the response highlighted the importance of taking reports involving school safety seriously.

What Happened at Riverdale Collegiate Institute?

The incident began at approximately 10:50 a.m. Friday, when school staff reportedly received a phone threat involving Riverdale Collegiate Institute.

Toronto Police were notified and attended the school. Administrators implemented lockdown procedures while officers assessed the reported threat and checked the premises.

Police subsequently determined that the threat was not credible, and the lockdown was lifted at approximately 1:15 p.m. No injuries were reported among students or staff.

The information available for this article does not establish who made the call or whether an individual has been identified in connection with it.

Lockdown Timeline and School Response

The following timeline reflects the details provided about the incident:

• 10:50 a.m.: School staff reportedly received a threatening phone call.

• Police response: Toronto Police attended the school and began assessing the threat.

• Investigation: Officers worked to determine whether the report represented a credible danger to the school community.

• 1:15 p.m.: The lockdown was reportedly lifted after police determined the threat was not credible.

• Academic adjustments: Afternoon examinations scheduled for Friday were postponed until the following Monday, according to the information provided.

The precise arrival time of police and the timing of individual investigative steps have not been independently established here.

Police Investigation and School Safety

When a potential threat is reported at a school, police and school administrators must assess the information and take appropriate precautions while determining whether a danger exists.

At Riverdale Collegiate Institute, the reported phone threat prompted a lockdown and a police response. The subsequent determination that the threat was not credible allowed the lockdown to end.

The identity of the caller and the circumstances behind the threat remain unclear in the information available for this article. Any further claims about the caller, motive, or potential consequences should be based on confirmed information from Toronto Police or the school board.

Impact on Students, Staff and Examinations

The lockdown interrupted the school day and reportedly led to the postponement of examinations scheduled for Friday afternoon until Monday.

Even when a threat is ultimately assessed as non-credible, a lockdown can be stressful for students, teachers, school staff, and families. Clear communication from school leadership can help explain what happened and provide reassurance once authorities determine that the immediate risk has passed.

According to the information provided, Principal John Au communicated with parents, caregivers, and students following the incident. Social workers were also expected to be available at the school on Monday for students who wanted support.

Road Closures and Transportation

The information provided does not establish that any major or lasting road closures occurred around Riverdale Collegiate Institute.

Police activity may have affected access near the school during the response, but specific road restrictions and reopening times have not been independently confirmed. Anyone seeking current transportation information should consult official Toronto Police or school-board notices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Riverdale Collegiate Institute placed on lockdown?

The school reportedly received a threatening phone call at approximately 10:50 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, prompting a police response and lockdown.

Was the threat considered credible?

No. According to the information provided, Toronto Police determined that the threat was not credible.

When was the lockdown lifted?

The lockdown was reportedly lifted at approximately 1:15 p.m. Friday.

Were any students or staff injured?

No injuries were reported in the information provided.

Were school examinations affected?

Yes. Afternoon examinations scheduled for Friday were reportedly postponed until the following Monday.

Has the person responsible for the phone call been identified?

The information available for this article does not establish whether the caller was identified or whether any charges were laid.

Conclusion

The Riverdale Collegiate Institute lockdown on January 23, 2026, followed a reported phone threat that prompted Toronto Police to investigate. Authorities reportedly deemed the threat non-credible and lifted the lockdown, with no injuries reported.

While the incident disrupted classes and examination plans, the immediate response concluded without reported physical harm. Further information about the origin of the call should be confirmed through official police or school-board announcements.

Disclaimer: Information here is for general information purposes only. Details in this report are based on the information provided and have not been independently verified for this article. Readers should consult Toronto Police Service and official school-board communications for confirmed updates.