Military traffic will increase significantly on major highways across Northern and Central Ontario beginning August 27, 2024. Canadian Army Reserve personnel and vehicles from the 4th Canadian Division (4 Cdn Div) will be conducting convoy operations in connection with Exercise STALWART GUARDIAN, an annual Canadian Army field exercise. This year, the exercise will be held at the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre (4 CDTC) in Meaford from August 18 to August 27, 2024.
Hundreds of Canadian Army Infantry and support personnel will participate in the exercise, which involves an extended period of simulated combat operations. The exercise is led by 33 Canadian Brigade Group, headquartered in Ottawa, and includes soldiers from 32 Canadian Brigade Group, headquartered in Toronto.
Members of the public may observe increased military traffic, including Canadian Army vehicles, on various highways. These include Ontario Highways 400, 401, 407, 410, 416, 417, 115, 69, 11, 10, and others. The military convoys will travel along pre-planned routes between the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Peterborough, Brockville, Kingston, Belleville, Sudbury, North Bay, Cornwall, and Ottawa. They will also transit through Barrie, Orillia, Huntsville, Collingwood, Parry Sound, Bancroft, and other locations en route to Meaford.
During the road movements, participating personnel will conduct scheduled stops for rest, refueling, maintenance, and other training activities. Uniformed Canadian Army personnel, carrying unloaded weapons, will be seen traveling on area roads and highways. No ammunition will be carried by the soldiers.
This training exercise supports ongoing preparations for international operations and ensures that 4 Cdn Div remains ready to support partners and allies overseas with trained and professional soldiers. Additionally, Canadian Army exercises like this one help maintain readiness to respond to emergencies within Canadian communities, including natural disasters such as floods and wildfires. The soldiers are prepared to deploy in response to Requests for Assistance, working alongside community members and first responders.
The 4th Canadian Division is one of five major formations reporting to Army headquarters in Ottawa. It is responsible for providing combat-ready land forces, conducting general-purpose training in preparation for various land operations, and providing support services to other organizations. The division includes all Regular and Reserve Force army units in Ontario, excluding a portion of Northwestern Ontario.
Canadian Army Reserve vehicle operators are regularly trained and maintain specialized qualifications in safe and effective convoy and vehicle operations. Discipline, safety, and effectiveness are emphasized in their training.
Efforts are being made to minimize inconvenience to the public during the exercise period. The public is advised to exercise caution when approaching military vehicles and is thanked in advance for their understanding and cooperation.
Photo: DND/CAF 2024
