Residents in Sarnia, Ontario, were temporarily evacuated from their homes late in the evening on March 29, 2026, after a suspicious object was discovered. Officers from the Lambton County Ontario Provincial Police responded to the scene around 11 p.m., where they identified the item as an old mortar shell dating back to the Second World War. The area was cleared as a precaution, and officials confirmed that no injuries occurred during the incident.
While the specific origin of this mortar shell remains under investigation, the region has a long history of military activity. Camp Ipperwash, located nearby in Lambton County, served as a significant training centre for thousands of troops between 1942 and 1995. The discovery of such items, though uncommon, serves as a reminder of the military heritage found across the province.
According to the Department of National Defence, Ontario contains roughly 150 sites where unexploded wartime materials may still be present, with about 10 confirmed sites requiring ongoing management. To address these potential hazards, the federal government has invested $70 million through its UXO and Legacy Sites Program since 2005.
Authorities emphasize that public safety relies on a simple three-step protocol if a resident encounters a suspicious, potentially military-grade object: do not touch the item, remember its location, leave the area, and call 911 or local police. While there have been no fatalities in Canada related to leftover wartime weapons since 1997, police often coordinate with military experts to ensure these items are handled and disposed of safely.
