© Global NewsSo far, no one can explain why these craters are suddenly appearing in Quebec City.
"I've lived here 30 years, it's a mystery," said resident Edwin Richard.
About 40 sinkholes between five and eight meters wide began eating out a hill in the Charlebourg borough. They're so big, they've put nearby homes in danger. On Friday, experts were on hand to try to figure out what's causing the craters.
"We have a problem here, it's not possible to say the cause," said city engineer Marcilio Gama Coehlo.
"We spoke to specialists at the ministry and at the university - they have no idea," said city engineer Daniel Lessard.
The only thing they do know is that the hill used to be the site of a sand pit.
For now, the only thing they can do is more tests.
"We're using radars and sonar equipment to see what's happening under the soil," Richard said.
While the tests continue, roughly 40 people have been told to leave their homes. Eighteen residents have been taken in by the Red Cross.
Others have stayed, despite the city's warnings. "It's at their own risk if they stay. We tell them to go but it's their choice," said city spokesperson Francois Moisan.
"We saw these holes in 1976, just not as big," said resident Andree Bourget.
© Global NewsRoughly 40 residents have been asked to leave their homes since craters like this one started springing up.
After much discussion, the couple has decided to leave until there are more answers. "We're leaving, but it's hard because people keep coming to visit and look at the holes," Andree said.
"We're worried," Claude added.
Resident Michel Pageau has chosen to stay. "I sleep fine, and in the morning, I drink my coffee and see if the hole has gotten bigger," Pageau said. If it does, he says he'll consider staying with friends for a while.
The city says it will take two weeks to figure out exactly what's happening. They'll meet with residents on June 7 to let them know when it's safe to return home.
that "it will take two weeks to figure out exactly what's happening" if, they "spoke to specialists at the ministry and at the university - they have no idea,"? I'm not crying foul play or anything, but what a strange statement.