Canadian Army Training in Comox This Weekend - Detonations Planned for Sunday

Friday, March 18, 2022 at 8:30 AM

Comox residents may see Canadian Army members training near HMCS Quadra and Airforce Beach in Comox from March 18 to 20, 2022.

Approximately 70 Canadian Army Reserve personnel from 39 Combat Engineer Regiment will be participating in assault boat and demolition training.

Nearby residents can expect to hear occasional noise from demolition training at 19 Wing Demolition (EOD) Range near 19 Wing/Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Comox.

Approximately 20 detonations will occur as part of the training. These will occur between the hours of 7a.m.and 2p.m Sunday, March 20th.

The waters of Comox Harbor and the beaches around HMCS Quadra will be used for boat training and deployment rehearsals. The assault boats being used are inflatable boats propelled by outboard motors. Able to carry 10 to 12 personnel, they will be used to make beach landings. Up to 20 assault boats will be on the water at any given time.

All activities will happen throughout the day Saturday and Sunday.. The training is also being used to prepare for a larger Canadian Army exercise happening later this spring, which will see troops locate and attack mock missile targets.

This important training is being conducted in order to maintain and further develop the skills of Canadian Army Reserve soldiers in military operations.

It is not being held in reaction to events in Eastern Europe. As members of the Army Reserve in British Columbia, soldiers of the regiment train during evenings and weekends while serving as a part-time component of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Health Protection Measures will be enforced at all times. This training will adhere to the CAF Layered Risk Mitigation strategy, guidelines from the Public Health Agency of Canada, and guidelines from municipal and provincial health authorities.

All measures are being taken to ensure minimum inconvenience to those living near the exercise. Residents are asked to use extra caution when approaching military training areas.