Send this page to someone via email

The Department of National Defence confirmed on Saturday that a live explosive was found in Vernon’s Commonage Area.

The explosive, believed to be a mortar, was found in Vernon on Friday, though no precise location was given.

However, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP tweeted that the mortar was located south of the army camp and Allan Brooks Way.

Also, the City of Vernon issued a brief press release on Friday, stating that traffic was being detoured in the Commonage Area.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are currently on scene for a live mortar that has been located between the army camp and Allan Brooks way on Mission Rd. The road will remain closed. DND will attend to dismantel the device safely. Avoid the area. Updates to come. — Vernon North Okanagan RCMP (@VernonNOkRCMP) November 23, 2018

READ MORE: Suspected mortar round turned in by resident leads to evacuation of Brantford fire hall

The press release, titled ‘Commonage Road temporary detour in effect,’ said:

Story continues below advertisement

“Due to unplanned circumstances relating to construction on Mission Road, temporary detours are in effect on Commonage Road. Mission Road will be detoured at 15th Avenue and closed at the DND Park entrance. Commonage Road will be detoured at Bench Row Road and closed at Allan Brooks Way. Large trucks are to use Highway 97 to access Vernon. It is expected that the detour will be in effect until [Saturday].”

The Department of National Defence said it was sending a unit to assist in the recovery of the mortar. All of the roads have since been reopened.

From time to time, mortars are found in the area, remnants of military training from the past.

According to a Canadian Armed Forces website page , “there have been several [unexploded explosive ordnance] encounters in the area, including fatal incidents in 1948 and 1963. The exact nature of its former use is still being researched.”

Story continues below advertisement