No invasion as army training exercise in Petawawa bringing troops to local roads from Windsor to Oshawa
Published August 14, 2024 at 2:32 pm
Increased military traffic can be expected on major highways in southern Ontario beginning Friday but residents need not worry of an impending invasion.
Canadian Army Reserve personnel and vehicles from across the 4th Canadian Division will conduct convoy operations as they travel to Camp Worthy, a major Royal Canadian Armoured Corps field exercise happening at the Petawawa Garrison from August 16-30.
The reservists will be traveling on pre-planned routes from Windsor to London, through the GTA into Oshawa and up into Peterborough and Bancroft before reaching Petawawa, about two hours north of Ottawa.
Members of the public may see increased military traffic with Canadian Army vehicles on local roads and highways 401, 407, 115, 28, 62, 66 and others. Participating personnel will conduct planned, short stops and longer halts throughout the duration of the trip, stopping for rest, fuel, scheduled maintenance and other training.
The uniformed Canadian Army personnel will be carrying unloaded weapons.
The training exercises supports year-round preparations for international operations and maintains 4th Canadian Division readiness to support Canadian partners and allies overseas.
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The exercises also help maintain readiness to respond, alongside first responders, to emergencies in Canadian communities, including natural disasters like flooding and wildfires.
The 4th Canadian Division is one of the five major formations that report to Army headquarters in Ottawa and is responsible to provide combat-ready land forces, conduct general purpose training in preparation for various land operations, and provide support services to other organizations. It includes most Regular and Reserve Force army units in Ontario.
Public Affairs Officer Lt(N) Andrew McLaughlin said all measures are being taken to ensure minimum inconvenience in these areas during the exercise dates, and members of the public are asked to take extra caution when approaching military vehicles and are also thanked in advance for their understanding and co-operation.
