Possible UXO discovered in Cosens Bay

A possible unexploded ordnance has been discovered near a hiking trail in Kalamalka Provincial Park this morning.

On Thursday, February 8th, 2024, around 9:15 a.m., a crew working on fuel mitigation located what appeared to be the tail fin of a mortar round sticking out of the ground just off Sidewinder Trail in the Cosens Bay area of Kal Park. Police were notified and frontline officers are currently at the scene and have cordoned off the area to ensure the safety of the public.

The area historically had been a training area for the military and used as a firing range for mortars and other ordnance, states Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. Similar items have been found in the past by park users. We’ve consulted with our RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit and given the fact that the item is believed to be of military origin, we have secured the area and are awaiting direction from the Canadian Forces,

At this time, the Sidewinder trail will be closed and our officers will remain in the area to direct people away from the scene.