Youth safety at the former Blair Rifle Range

Find information about how to stay safe when you visit the former Blair Rifle Range to enjoy a walk, jog, or bike. You can print info sheets, download presentations and watch videos about how to practice UXO safety when you’re in the area, and what to do if you think you see UXO.

About the former Blair Rifle Range and UXO

The former Blair Rifle Range, located in the Northlands area of North Vancouver, was used by the Canadian Armed Forces for military training from the 1930s to 1960s. Soldiers trained in this area with different kinds of weapons and often used live ammunition. These weapons included different types of bombs called mortars and grenades, and some of it didn’t explode when it should have. These old bombs are called unexploded explosive ordnance or UXO.

What does UXO look like?

UXO can look like pieces of old junk, rusty pipes, rusted cans, pieces of metal, or discarded parts from a car engine. No matter how old UXO is, it’s always dangerous because of the way it was made and because it has explosives inside. Never touch anything that looks like it may be UXO.

UXO can be hard to spot. It can be covered with grass or leaves. Sometimes it’s covered in dirt or underneath snow, but it can even be underwater in a pond or beside a river.

Staying safe at the former Blair Rifle Range

There may still be UXO at the former Blair Rifle Range. To ensure the safety of people visiting the area, the Department of National Defence (DND) conducted a search, and cleared away UXO near the marked trails that people walk, jog and bike on.

We also put up safety signs to warn people about how to stay safe and what to do if they see something that may be UXO. 

UXO caution sign

UXO caution sign

Caution!

Caution!
Former military training area

If you see something that looks like it may be Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO):
Don’t touch it
Turn around and leave the area
Call 911 or local police

No dig area | Stay on trails | No camp fires

Because this is an old military training area, it’s important to practice UXO safety whenever you’re in the area. Always stay on marked trails for walking, jogging or biking. Do not dig or start a campfire, and never touch anything that looks like it could be UXO.  

If you see something that looks like it may be Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO):

  • Don’t touch it
  • Turn around and leave the area
  • Call 911 or local police

For more information about UXO safety, check out these safety videos and presentations. Please contact us if you have any questions or to provide feedback on these resources.

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