Residents in Northumberland County can expect to see more Canadian Armed Forces vehicles on local highways over the next two weekends.
Army Reserve personnel from 32 and 33 Canadian Brigade Groups will be conducting transport and supply convoys on Highway 401, Highway 115/35, and Highway 7 between Toronto, Peterborough, and Ottawa on August 15 and 16, with return trips scheduled for August 23 and 24.
The increased traffic is in support of Exercise Stalwart Guardian, an annual end-of-summer training event taking place at Garrison Petawawa from August 13 to 24. The exercise will involve approximately 1,500 soldiers and their equipment, travelling in both Department of National Defence vehicles and chartered buses.
Officials say convoys will make planned, short stops along the routes for rest, fuel, and scheduled maintenance. Soldiers will not be carrying weapons or ammunition during public stops.
Exercise Stalwart Guardian is a major readiness activity for Army Reserve personnel from across the Greater Toronto Area and Northern, Central, and Eastern Ontario, including infantry, armoured, artillery, and signals units. The training will feature simulated combat operations as part of the Canadian Armed Forces’ preparedness mission.
The Canadian Armed Forces says all measures are being taken to minimize inconvenience and is asking motorists to use extra caution when approaching or passing military vehicles.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
