Cenotaphs and Memorials

In the Okanagan Valley

Canadians have served in almost every corner of the world during the First World War (FWW), the Second World War (SWW), Korea, defence of western Europe with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, various humanitarian and peace-keeping missions for the United Nations, and most recently in Afghanistan.

Most communities have a cenotaph marking the loss of life of their residents and acknowledging veterans’ service. They are the focus of Remembrance Day ceremonies today. You may find other Honour Rolls in churches, schools, museums, community organizations, and Royal Canadian Legion branches throughout the valley.

North Okanagan

Armstrong

Cenotaph in Armstrong, BC

3285 Pleasant Valley Road

The Armstrong cenotaph is located in Memorial Park on the west side of Pleasant Valley Road, south of downtown Armstrong.

The cenotaph was erected by the municipalities for Armstrong and Spallumcheen in honour of ‘The Men of Armstrong, Spallumcheen and Surrounding Districts Who Fell in World War I and World War II’, as well as the Korean War.

Coldstream

Cenotaph in Coldstream, BC

9907 Kalamalka Road

The Coldstream Cenotaph is located between the Coldstream Municipal Office and the Women’s Institute Hall on Kalamalka Road.

The Cenotaph recognizes locals who fought in WWI, WWII, and the Korean War.

Enderby

Cenotaph in Enderby, BC

603 Mill Avenue

The Enderby Cenotaph was erected thanks to the efforts of the ‘Cenotaph Committee’, established in 1936. It is located in Veterans Park, across from the Royal Canadian Legion and it honours locals who fought in WWI and WWII.

Lavington

Cenotaph in Lavington, BC

6401 Lavington Way

Lavington’s war memorial is located at Lavington Centennial Park. It was unveiled by H.R.H. Prince Edward in September 1919.

Lumby

Cenotaph in Lumby, BC

1800 Glencaird Street

The Lumby cenotaph honours area residents who died during the First and Second World Wars. The monument was erected by John Kirchsteiger in 1953.

Okanagan Indian Band

Okanagan Indian Band Cenotaph

12420 Westside Road

The Okanagan Indian Band cenotaph is located near the band office. It was erected in 2007 and honours band members who served in military operations.

Vernon

Cenotaph in Vernon, BC

31 Avenue and 30 Street

Vernon’s Cenotaph Park is located at the corner of 31st Avenue and 30th Street. The centerpiece of the park is a cenotaph which displays plaques honoring the fallen from the First World War, Second World War, and Korean War.

Central Okanagan

Kelowna Fire Hall

War memorial at the Kelowna Fire Hall

1916 Water Street

The Kelowna Fire Hall’s War Memorial is located on the corner of Water Street and Lawrence Avenue. It honours members of the Kelowna Fire Brigade who did not return from service in WWI and WWII.

Kelowna

Cenotaph in Kelowna, BC

1600 Abbott Street

Designed by artist Andrew Gibbs, the Kelowna cenotaph honours Kelowna’s war and peacekeeping personnel lost in World War I, World War II, and other military operations. You can learn more about the cenotaph and plaza on the City of Kelowna website.

Lake Country

Cenotaph in Lake Country, BC

3721 Berry Road

The Lake Country cenotaph is located at the Lake Country Lions Memorial Park, which also encompasses the Memorial Wall, paying tribute to veterans in the community.

Peachland

Cenotaph in Peachland, BC

5806 Beach Avenue

The Peachland cenotaph is located in Cenotaph Park downtown, along Okanagan Lake.

Rutland

Cenotaph in Rutland, BC

175 Gray Road

Located in Rutland Lions Park, the cenotaph was restored in 2009 and honours area veterans.

Westbank

Cenotaph in West Kelowna, BC

2466 Main Street

The Westbank Cenotaph is located on Main Street between Brown and Elliott Roads. It is in front of the Westbank Lions Community Centre, next to St. George’s Anglican Church.

Winfield

Cenotaph in Winfield, BC

10130 Bottom Wood Lake Road

The Winfield Memorial Hall was constructed in 1947-48 as a memorial to residents who served, and died, in WWI and WWII.

South Okanagan

Okanagan Falls

Cenotaph in Okanagan Falls, BC

5009 Veterans Way

The memorial in Okanagan Falls is located in front of the Legion Hall and honours locals who fought in WWI, WWII, and Korea.

Oliver

Cenotaph in Oliver, BC

6150 Main Street

Constructed in 1948, the Oliver cenotaph honours local residents who fought in WWI and WWII. A plaque was also added to acknowledge local contributions to the Korean War.

Osoyoos

Cenotaph in Osoyoos, BC

8713 Main Street

The Osoyoos cenotaph was dedicated in 1963 and honours the memory of locals who died in WWI, WWII and Korea.

Penticton

Cenotaph in Penticton, BC

100 Main Street

The Penticton cenotaph was erected by the Great War Veterans’ Association in 1920. It honours WWI and WWII veterans from the Penticton area.

Summerland

Cenotaph in Summerland, BC

9900 Wharton Street

The Summerland cenotaph is located in Memorial Park and honours the fallen from WWI, WWII and Korea.

Make History

Or at least help preserve it. Join the Kelowna Museums Society and keep history alive through exhibitions, programming, collections, conservation, and research. Our vision is to inspire a community to be alive with its history – connecting people and place.

During WWI and WWII, women took over the work of the men, while maintaining their traditional roles at home. They ran Kelowna’s fire brigade, forming the ‘Ladies Hose Reel Team.’