Skip to content

Increased military traffic on area roads this weekend

'All Canadian Army Reserve vehicle operators train regularly and maintain specialized qualifications and proficiency to maintain and further develop their skills in safe and effective convoy and vehicle operations, and to test discipline, safety, and effectiveness while operating specific vehicle platforms'
2024-canadian-army-reserve-personnel-from-33-service-battalion
Canadian Army Reserve personnel from 33 Service Battalion will be travelling area roads this weekend. Photo 2Lt Colin Schlachta.

Canadian Army Reserve personnel from 33 Service Battalion will conduct convoy and supply operations training on roads and highways between Ottawa and North Bay this weekend.

You may see increased military traffic with Canadian Army vehicles on various area roads, including Highways 11, 17 and others. 

Exercise OWL PERCH will follow pre-planned routes between Ottawa and North Bay, going through Mattawa.

"Participating personnel will conduct planned, short stops and longer halts throughout the duration of the exercise, stopping for rest, fuel, scheduled maintenance and other training," says a news release.

Participating soldiers will not carry any weapons or ammunition.

"This important training supports year-round preparations for emergencies in Canadian communities, including natural disasters like flooding and wildfires, as our members prepare to deploy in response to Requests for Assistance and to serve alongside community members and other first responders," explains the release.

All Canadian Army Reserve vehicle operators train regularly and maintain specialized qualifications and proficiency to maintain and further develop their skills in safe and effective convoy and vehicle operations, and to test discipline, safety, and effectiveness while operating specific vehicle platforms.

"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," explains the release.