Undefined Explosive Device (UED) event in Canada on Thu 19th March 2026

Mortar is 'easy to miss'

A local resident is warning the public to stay on marked paths after discovering an unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the Cosens Bay area of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.

On Thursday, March 19, Laura Schwartz was off-trail setting up a trail camera when she noticed a mortar tail fin partially buried in the dirt.

"It was blending in and would have been very easy to miss," Schwartz said, who then immediately pinned the location, left the area, and contacted the RCMP.

Vernon RCMP media relations officer Chris Terleski confirmed an officer attended the scene and located the tail fin. The RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit was consulted, and the Department of National Defence (DND) subsequently dealt with the item.

The area has a long history of military use as a live firing range for mortars and other explosives. Terleski noted that reports of these items surfacing in the park are common every year.

"As always, we remind everyone, do not touch them and leave them in place," Terleski said. "Record the location and call us so we can come deal with it."

This marks the second time Schwartz has made such a discovery as she found another UXO while hiking near a creek bed in 2024.

"I’m seriously going to stop going off-trail," she added. "I know a lot of people like exploring, but these are likely going to keep showing up for years given the history of the area."