For the past few weeks, people in a Hanmer have been feeling less certain about the ground they walk on, after a sinkhole was discovered in a backyard.

Melissa Bertrand and her family live next door. Here's how she's feeling about her new neighbour.

Guido Mazza, the chief building official with the City of Greater Sudbury, said there is no threat to public safety in this case.

He said officials with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines are investigating.

So far, the belief is that it is an exploration shaft — likely from the 1920s, Mazza said. He noted it is not part of a larger mine and the presence of a network of tunnels in the area is unlikely.

Mazza said the hole does appear to be limited to on person's property.