Expect increased military vehicle traffic in eastern Ontario this weekend

Military vehicles are seen being driven on a highway in this undated photo. (DND/supplied)

The Department of National Defence (DND) says residents in Ottawa, Petawawa, and surrounding areas can expect to see increased military vehicle traffic this weekend as transport and supply convoys move down several highways in the region.

“Members of the public may see increased military traffic with Canadian Army vehicles operating on various area roads including Ontario Highways 7, 17, 26, 41, 55, 115, 401, 403, 407, 417, and the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW),” a news release said. “This increased military traffic is in support of the annual Exercise STALWART GUARDIAN and will follow pre-planned routes between Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa and Petawawa.”

DND says the vehicles will be transporting approximately 1,500 soldiers and their equipment on Aug. 15 and 16, and again Aug. 23 and 24.

Participating personnel will conduct planned, short stops along the routes, stopping for rest, fuel, and scheduled maintenance.

“Participating soldiers will not carry any weapons or ammunition while making public stops on the designated routes of travel to and from this annual, regularly scheduled exercise,” DND says.

The Stalwart Guardian exercise is an annual training event held every August at Garrison Petawawa. The event features simulated combat operations as part of the Canadian Armed Forces’ mission for preparedness and readiness. It involves troops from across Ontario.

“All measures are being taken to ensure minimum inconvenience in these areas during the exercise dates. Members of the public are asked to take extra caution when approaching military vehicles and are thanked in advance for their understanding and co-operation,” the military says.

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