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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
5806 Beach Avenue
The Peachland cenotaph is located in Cenotaph Park downtown, along Okanagan Lake.
Rutland
175 Gray Road
Located in Rutland Lions Park, the cenotaph was restored in 2009 and honours area veterans.
Westbank
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
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
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
8713 Main Street
The Osoyoos cenotaph was dedicated in 1963 and honours the memory of locals who died in WWI, WWII and Korea.
Penticton
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
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.’