RCMP are combing a rural property about 150 kilometres west of Edmonton, hoping to find evidence that relates to the disappearance of St. Albert couple Lyle and Marie McCann.
Investigators announced their search warrant on Friday, which focuses on private land located between Niton Junction and Nojack, just off Hwy. 16 and R.R. 120. It's expected they'll take until Sunday afternoon looking for clues.
Major Crimes will not say what led them to the area, but CTV News has learned police have searched this property before.
Area residents say RCMP were on scene three weeks ago for a short period of time, then returned last Wednesday with a large search team that included dogs and up to 20 officers.
One neighbour who asked not to be named said the land owner used to be friends with Travis Vader – a man who's been named a suspect in the couple's disappearance. But according to the source, it's believed that relationship ended a number of years ago.
RCMP say this is one of several privately-owned areas they've scoured in the past few weeks.
"We've gathered enough information to suggest it was relevant to search this property and this property may or may not be related to Mr. Vader - that is part of this investigation," said RCMP Sgt. Tim Taniguchi on Friday.
"We've done other searches."
Lyle and Marie McCann left for B.C. on July 3rd and have not been seen or heard from since.
The elderly couple's burned-out motor home was found on July 5th near the Minnow Lake campground approximately 35 kilometres southeast of Edson. On July 16th, their green Hyundai SUV was located deep in the bush about 30 kilometres east of Edson near Carrot Creek.
RCMP say they are treating the investigation as a suspicious missing person case, which is believed to be the result of foul play.
The latest search comes at the same time the couple's children announced a special reward for information that leads to the whereabouts of the couple will be capped at $60,000.
To date, Crime Stoppers has received 170 tips related to the case. The McCann family says anyone attempting to claim the reward will have to contact the investigating officer, meaning they won't remain anonymous.
With Files from Kevin Armstrong