Increased military traffic to be expected along Highway 401

Photo via DND/CAF 2024.
Canadian Army vehicles will conduct convoy operations as they travel various roads in the province over the next week, to and from Exercise STALWART GUARDIAN, a major annual Canadian Army field exercise, happening this year at 4th Canadian Division Training Centre (4 CDTC) in Meaford from Sunday, Aug. 18 to Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024.
According to a release from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), hundreds of Canadian Army Infantry and support personnel will converge on 4 CDTC for an extended period of simulated combat operations led by 33 Canadian Brigade Group (headquartered in Ottawa) and including soldiers from 32 Canadian Brigade Group (headquartered in Toronto).
“Members of the public 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. This military traffic 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 on the way to Meaford,” the release reads.
“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.”
According to the release, residents and motorists may see uniformed Canadian Army personnel with unloaded weapons travelling on area roads and highways. Participating soldiers will not carry any ammunition, the CAF noted.
“This important 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,” the release continues.
“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.”
The military said that 4 Cdn Div is one of the five major formations that report to Army headquarters in Ottawa and 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. According to the release, 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,” the CAF detailed.
“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.”