Police, military to conduct public safety exercise in Toronto this week

A Toronto police officer is seen downtown on Sunday, March 6, 2022. (Simon Sheehan/CP24)

Toronto police say residents can expect to see more officers and military personnel in some areas due to a public safety exercise being conducted this week.

In a news release issued Monday, police said the exercise will take place on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

“Exercise Vital Archer is a routine, bilateral interagency training exercise and is not connected to any real-world threat. It is designed to strengthen coordination and readiness in response to complex, high-risk incidents, including terrorism and other major security events,” the news release read.

“While disruptions are expected to be minimal, some residents may notice an increased presence of police and military personnel, along with vehicles, aircraft, and some noise associated with the training.”

The exercise, according to police, involved the Canadian Armed Forces, the U.S. military, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Toronto Police Service, and other government partners from both sides of the border.

“The United States military is participating in the exercise from within the United States,” the release noted.

“Every effort will be made to minimize any impact on the community and we thank residents for their understanding.”