Military personnel traversing through central Ontario

Residents of Central Ontario may see military convoys in the region Tue., Aug. 27, 2024. (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)

Increased military traffic can be expected on major highways in Central Ontario.

Canadian Army Reserve personnel and vehicles from across the 4th Canadian Division will conduct convoy operations as they travel to and from Exercise STALWART GUARDIAN, a major annual Canadian Army field exercise, happening this year at the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre in Meaford from August 18-27.

Hundreds of Canadian Army Infantry and support personnel will converge on at the training centre for an extended period of simulated combat operations led by 33 Canadian Brigade Group and including soldiers from 32 Canadian Brigade Group.

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.

This military traffic will follow pre-planned routes between the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Peterborough, Brockville, Kingston, Belleville, Sudbury, North Bay, Cornwall and Ottawa.

It will travel through Barrie, Orillia, Huntsville, Collingwood, Parry Sound, Bancroft, and other locations on the way to Meaford.

Participating personnel will conduct planned, short stops and longer halts throughout the road moves, stopping for rest, fuel, scheduled maintenance and other training.

Residents and motorists may see uniformed Canadian Army personnel with unloaded weapons travelling on area roads and highways. Participating soldiers will not carry any ammunition.

This important training supports year-round preparations for international operations and maintains the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre trainees’ readiness to support our partners and allies overseas with trained and professional soldiers.

Canadian Army exercises also help maintain readiness to respond to emergencies in Canadian communities, including natural disasters like flooding and wildfires, as our members always prepare to deploy in response to requests for assistance and to serve alongside community members and other first responders.