Possible Military Round Found at Pumphouse Beach

Coldstream, BC - July 14 2026: A suspicious cylindrical object resembling an unexploded incendiary mortar round from the WWII era was discovered at Pumphouse Beach on Kalamalka Lake.

Preliminary assessment suggests the round may still have its primer intact, making it potentially hazardous until properly disarmed by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team

The heavily corroded device, estimated at roughly 10 - 12 inches long, was found and placed on a tree stump.

Once alerted to the discovery RCMP officers taped off a section of a trail near Pumphouse Beach. A police officer is maintaining the safe perimeter.

Military officials have been notified and are responding.

Preliminary assessment suggests the round may still have its primer intact, making it potentially hazardous until properly disarmed by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.

The area around Camp Vernon was used extensively for live-fire training during the Second World War, and similar unexploded ordnance finds have occurred occasionally in the Kalamalka Lake region over the years.

Authorities remind the public not to touch or move any suspicious objects. Anyone who finds something that could be unexploded ordnance should leave it in place and contact police immediately.

The taped-off section of trail is expected to reopen once the device has been safely removed or neutralized by the military bomb squad.

Tragic accidents have occurred in the past when people found and disturbed similar devices in the Vernon area. In some cases these incidents have resulted in serious injury or death, underscoring why such items must only be handled by trained experts.

Possible Military Round Found at Pumphouse Beach