Motorists on Ontario highways may run into increased military traffic starting today (Tuesday), as a couple of annual military exercises – Stalwart Guardian in Meaford and Camp Worthy in Petawawa – come to an end.
Stalwart Guardian kicked off Aug. 18 and ends today.
Camp Worthy kicked off Aug. 16 and is slated to end Friday, Aug. 30.
“Today (Tuesday, Aug. 27) is a big travel day for Stalwart Guardian and Aug. 30 for Camp Worthy,” confirmed public affairs officer Lieutenant (Navy) Andrew McLaughlin.
Both exercises are under the auspices of the 4th Canadian Division and both will “conduct convoy operations” as they travel back from their respective annual exercises, according to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) news releases.
Stalwart Guardian
A CAF news release on Stalwart Guardian said increased military traffic can be expected on major highways in northern and central Ontario today. Members of the public, it said, “may see increased military traffic with Canadian Army vehicles travelling on various area roads including Ontario Highways 400, 401, 407, 410, 416, 417, 115, 69, 11, 10 and others.
Military traffic leaving the Meaford exercises “will follow pre-planned routes between the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Peterborough, Brockville, Kingston, Belleville, Sudbury, North Bay, Cornwall and Ottawa and will transit Barrie, Orillia, Huntsville, Collingwood, Parry Sound, Bancroft, and other locations.”
Camp Worthy
A CAF news release on Camp Worthy said the increased military traffic can be expected on various area roads, including Ontario Highways 401, 407, 115, 28, 62, 66, and others.
The news release said that military traffic leaving the Petawawa exercises “will follow pre-planned routes between Windsor, Sarnia, London, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and Oshawa and transit Peterborough, Barry’s Bay and Bancroft.”
Canadian military vehicles will be using Ontario highways this week as they return from military exercises in Meaford and Petawawa.
Planned stops
In both cases, said the news releases, 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, it added, “may see uniformed Canadian Army personnel with unloaded weapons travelling on area roads and highways. Participating soldiers will not carry any ammunition.”
The training supports year-round readiness, explained the news releases.
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.”
