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RCMP members were out on a boulevard near the intersection of Harvey Avenue and Cooper Rd in Kelowna this afternoon, presumably looking for evidence as their investigation into yesterday's bomb discovery continues.
The IED (improvised explosive device) forced the shutdown of the highway for several hours yesterday.
A news conference today shed little light on why it might have been left there.
“The initial investigation has shown that the IED is not linked to any other incidents," said Inspector Beth McAndie of the Kelowna RCMP.
"There is no evidence," she continued, "that this was a targeted event, however the RCMP takes this matter very seriously."
Inspector McAndie told reporters that had the device been activated, it had the capability of being detonated.
“The IED appears to be sophisticated but the purpose of it, is not known," she explained.
"Further forensics are taking place and we are in the infancy of our criminal investigation.”
The incident forced the closure of the main highway for seven hours while the Explosive Device Unit made its way up from Surrey to render the device safe.
McAndie offered thanks to the public for its patience, but the disruption raises questions about whether there should be such a team located in Kelowna.
"That's not something I have the capacity to comment on," said Inspector McAndie.
"I believe the response from our EDU team was exceptional."
The RCMP had nothing to offer when asked about suspects, saying only that the investigation is in its infancy.
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