Emergency response to simulated cargo jet crash in eastern Ontario successful: OPP

A major training exercise to test preparedness to respond to disasters by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and local first responders in eastern Ontario has been successfully completed. (OPP/X)

A major training exercise to test preparedness to respond to disasters by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and local first responders in eastern Ontario has been successfully completed.

The OPP said in an update Saturday emergency responders responded to a cargo jet crash on the Long Sault Parkway islands.

“This exercise is aimed to test and strengthen our response to catastrophic events, including natural disasters. It highlighted our agencies’ strengths and identified challenges we might face during major incidents,” the OPP said.

“It also provided an opportunity to enhance our partnerships and readiness for potential tragedies.”

The CAF brought around 400 members for the training exercise to Ottawa and parts of eastern Ontario this weekend.

Police officers, firefighters and paramedics participated in the response in the areas of Cornwall and United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Counties, the CAF said in a news release.

Residents in the area were asked to expect military traffic including helicopters, boats and vehicles on area roads, including Highway 138 and Highway 2, and local waterways around the Long Sault Parkway, and in the Ottawa area and in the airspace across the region, reads the release.

Soldiers and equipment were placed at Farran Campground and the Long Sault Parkway.

During the exercise, Farran Campground and the Long Sault Parkway from Milles Roches through to Ingleside were inaccessible, as the location served as a base for military personnel, vehicles and equipment, the CAF said, noting that residential access to Moulinette Island was not affected.

No weapons or ammunition were used but precautionary measures were put in place throughout the exercise, the CAF said.

“This important training supports year-round preparations for emergencies in Canadian communities, including natural disasters like flooding and wildfires, as our members maintain readiness to deploy in response to Requests for Assistance and to serve alongside community members and other first responders,” reads the release.

“All CAF vehicle operators train regularly and maintain specialized qualifications and proficiency in safe and effective vehicle and equipment operations, and regularly test discipline, safety, and effectiveness while operating various vehicle platforms.”

The training exercise is led by Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), headquartered in Toronto and includes approximately 1,500 members of the CAF from the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).

The emergency response training session is being held across Ontario and is called Exercise Trillium Venture.