Today, the Saskatoon Police Service is beginning its search of the City of Saskatoon landfill for evidence relevant to the Mackenzie Trottier missing persons investigation. As a result of investigation, the SPS Major Crime Section has coordinated an extensive search of an approximately 930 m³ area of the landfill. The search will be conducted in consultation with forensic anthropologist Dr. Ernie Walker and draw on resources from the SPS as well as purpose-trained dogs from the RCMP “E” Division and Calgary Police Service.

The search is scheduled for a duration of 33 days, beginning May 1, 2024 and concluding June 3, 2024; it will take place during daytime hours. As this is a search of a potential crime scene and out of respect for the Trottier family, members of the public and media are asked to avoid the area. Transport Canada has declared the airspace above the landfill a no-fly zone effective immediately until June 4, 2024; this includes a 1000 foot ceiling and two nautical mile radius surrounding the landfill. Private drones and civilian aircraft are prohibited from entering into the no-fly zone; violations will be addressed accordingly. A police drone has been authorized for use in the restricted airspace.

Regular updates regarding the search of the landfill will be provided publicly as required. Anyone with information believed to be relevant to the investigation or planned search is asked to contact police directly at 306-975-8300 or report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.