KAWARTHA LAKES-The Canadian Armed Forces says increased military traffic can be expected on major highways in Southern and Central Ontario beginning on August 16, 2024. Canadian Army Reserve personnel and vehicles from across 4th Canadian Division (4 Cdn Div) will conduct convoy operations as they travel to Camp Worthy, a major Royal Canadian Armoured Corps field exercise happening at Garrison Petawawa from August 16 to 30, 2024.
Members of the public may see increased military traffic with Canadian Army vehicles travelling on various area roads including Ontario Highways 401, 407, 115, 28, 62, 66, and others. This military traffic will follow pre-planned routes between Windsor, Sarnia, London, The Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and Oshawa and transit Peterborough, Barry’s Bay and Bancroft, on the way to Garrison Petawawa.
Participating personnel will conduct planned, short stops and longer halts throughout the duration of the road moves, stopping for rest, fuel, scheduled maintenance and other training.
Residents and motorists may see uniformed Canadian Army personnel with unloaded weapons traveling on area roads and highways. Participating soldiers will not carry any ammunition.
Officials say this training supports year-round preparations for international operations and maintains 4 Cdn Div 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.
4 Cdn Div is one of the five major formations that report to Army headquarters in Ottawa and is responsible to provide combat-ready land forces, conduct general purpose training in preparation for various land operations, and provide support services to other organizations. It includes all Regular and Reserve Force army units in Ontario, with the exception of a portion of Northwestern Ontario.
All Canadian Army Reserve vehicle operators train regularly and maintain specialized qualifications and proficiency in safe and effective convoy and vehicle operations, and constantly practice discipline, safety, and effectiveness on various vehicles.
All measures are being taken to ensure minimum inconvenience in these areas during the exercise dates, and 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 according to the Military.
