A mysterious 30-foot long tunnel discovered in Toronto in January was created by two men for "personal reasons," according to police.
Toronto Police Const. Victor Kwong told local news organization CP24 that the tunnel was intended to be used as a "man cave" and that no criminal intent was involved.
The tunnel, located in a secluded spot just a few hundred feet from the fence of the Rexall Centre entertainment complex, has baffled police and city residents. Police found plywood wall supports, a gas generator, moisture resistant light bulbs, a sump pump for removing ground water, a wheelbarrow and food and beverage containers. They also found a rosary with a Remembrance Day poppy nailed to a wall.
Police investigators said Monday they had verified the account given by the two men and were satisfied there was no criminal intent or any threat to the public. Neither man has been identified.
2 men ID'd who built mysterious tunnel in Toronto. No criminal intent. Investigation closed. Thanks for help ^sm pic.twitter.com/5mRgmUBdYi— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) March 2, 2015
The Rexall Centre entertainment complex is where the city hosts several high-profile sporting events, including the Canadian Open. It will also be used to host tennis events for the Pan American Games in July. At first, some feared the tunnel could be terror-related, but last week, police said it didn't represent a threat to the games.
Monday's police statement left many asking what those "personal reasons" for digging a 30-foot long tunnel could be.
Who builds a tunnel for "personal reasons?" #TorontoTunnel— Simon Ostler (@SimonOstler) March 2, 2015
"We just wanted a man cave" - two dudes in Toronto http://t.co/z5HZeXgEbe #torontotunnel pic.twitter.com/nqPDaOXDzH— Fabiola Carletti (@FierceFab) March 2, 2015
Deputy Police Chief Mark Saunders said last week that conditions inside the tunnel were warm and comfortable. Police believed it was used during the winter.