Police are asking the public to avoid Soper Park this morning and have closed off access around Dundas Street North and Beverley Street for what they're calling an ongoing investigation.
Monday, at around 6 a.m., police responded to the area of Beverly Street and Dundas Street North for a report of a missing two-year-old boy.
"Upon arrival, police located the child unresponsive. Life-saving measures were provided and the child was transported to a local hospital. Unfortunately, the child was later pronounced deceased," said WRPS communications officer Chris Iden in an email to CambridgeToday.
Terry Anne Howard was walking her dog through the park when she learned the reason behind the police presence.
"This is just absolutely devastating," she said. "It's every parent's nightmare to hear this; there's nothing worse than finding a child."
Police tape could be seen sectioning off large parts of the park from the playground to Mill Creek, which runs through Soper Park.
Pedestrian traffic is still allowed, but the walking bridge over the creek near the tennis courts is currently closed.
Verissimo Santos and Matthew Jakab have been playing tennis at the Cambridge Tennis Club at Soper Park every week for the past 35 years, and say they've never had to cancel a game.
Both were shocked to learn the body a young boy had been discovered less than 100 meters away from where they play.
"When we came to play today we saw that the police were here and we knew something was wrong," said Santos.
The first reaction to the police presence for both of the players was that an unhoused individual passed out and fell into the water. Neither of them could have imagined that a two-year-old boy would have been discovered.
"There is unfortunately not a lot we can do at this time, but pray for those people. What a sad day," added Santos.
Police on the scene also noted that the major crimes division is still investigating however, there is no concern for public safety.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-570-9777.
Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
