Increased military presence expected in northern, central Ontario again this week

Increased military traffic can be expected on major highways in northern and central Ontario on Aug. 27.

As Exercise Stalwart Guardian, a major annual Canadian Army field exercise, that is taking place at the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre in Meaford, Ont., wraps up on Tuesday and Canadian Army Reserve personnel and vehicles from across 4th Canadian Division will conduct convoy operations to head home.

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“Members of the public may see increased military traffic with Canadian Army vehicles travelling on various area roads including Ontario Highways 400, 401, 407, 410, 416, 417, 115, 69, 11, 10 and others,” said the 33 Canadian Brigade Group on social media.

“This military traffic will follow pre-planned routes between the Greater Toronto Area, Peterborough, Brockville, Kingston, Belleville, Sudbury, North Bay, Cornwall and Ottawa and will transit Barrie, Orillia, Huntsville, Collingwood, Parry Sound, Bancroft and other locations.”

An undated photo of Canadian Armed Forces vehicles travelling down an Ontario highway. (Supplied/Department of National Defence & Candian Armed Forces)

Ontario Provincial Police said that the participating military personnel will conduct planned, short stops and longer halts throughout the duration of the road moves, stopping for rest, fuel, scheduled maintenance and other training and residents and motorists may see uniformed Canadian Army personnel with unloaded weapons traveling on area roads and highways.

“Participating soldiers will not carry any ammunition,” the Department of National Defence said in a news release earlier this month.

Canadian Armed Forces vehicles shortly after arriving at the military base in Meaford, Ont., for Excersise Stalwart Guardian. (Facebook/33 Canadian Brigade Group | Photo Credit: Corporal Clemente of the 32 Canadian Brigade Group)

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Nearly 300 reservists from across Ontario participated in intense and detailed training exercise in Meaford. Operations at the CFB were led by the 33 Canadian Brigade, headquartered in Ottawa and will include soldiers from the 32 Canadian Brigade Group which is headquartered in Toronto.

Military officials said this important training supports the operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces, allowing for greater tactical mobility and flexibility on the modern battlefield.

Combat training at CFB Borden in Meaford, Ont., on Thurs., Aug. 22, 2024. (CTV News/Rob Cooper)

CTVNews.ca Barrie video journalist Rob Cooper caught up with military personnel during Exercise Stalwart Guardian last week.

Participants in the training who spoke with CTV News described it as valuable practice and experience.

The combat rehearsals were a combination of urban operations as well as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear drills.

The group took part in a large-scale simulated battle that tested them on everything they were during the training exercise.

“Canadian Army exercises also help maintain readiness to respond to emergencies in Canadian communities, including natural disasters like flooding and wildfires,” said the defence department.

“Our members always prepare to deploy in response to requests for assistance and to serve alongside community members and other first responders.”

With files from CTV News Barrie journalist Ron Cooper