Military training exercise to take place in Ottawa on Sunday

Canadian Army Reserve personnel from 33 Combat Engineer Regiment take part in a training exercise on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. Aug. 3, 2025. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa)

The Canadian Armed Forces says a military training exercise will be taking place on the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal on Sunday.

Canadian Army Reserve personnel from 33 Combat Engineer Regiment will conduct convoy and assault boat training in the area, a news release from the Department of National Defence (DND) said Friday.

“Activities will include convoy drills on planned routes and the deployment of inflatable boats and Army personnel on the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal,” the release says.

DND says the training will begin in the morning and end by the evening. People will see military vehicles on city streets and around Dow’s Lake, and uniformed soldiers in inflatable boats on the Ottawa and Rideau rivers and on the Rideau Canal. Participating soldiers will not have weapons or ammunition.

“This important training is being conducted to maintain and further develop the skills of Canadian Army Reserve soldiers in convoy and small boat operations, and to test discipline, safety, and effectiveness while operating specific equipment platforms,” the news release said.

Several roads along the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal will be closed Sunday for the Ironman Canada triathlon in the city. Public Affairs Officer Lt(N) Andrew McLaughlin says measures are being taken to ensure minimal inconvenience to people in the area and to any events taking place, including the Ironman, but the public is advised that some areas might be inaccessible during the exercises.

“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,” DND says.

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