Chatham-Kent residents can expect to see an increased presence of military vehicles throughout the municipality this weekend.
On Saturday, Canadian Army Reserve personnel from 31 Canadian Brigade Group will move to Cedar Springs Range and Training Area near Chatham to conduct a winter training exercise.
According to Public Affairs Officers Andrew McLaughlin, the activities will include multiple vehicles moving through the Chatham-Kent area to the training grounds.
All activities will happen throughout the day on Saturday.
Members of the public may see military vehicles on both Highway 401 and 402 as well as Highway 3 and surrounding areas south of Highway 401 including Huffman Corners and Blenheim.
According to McLaughlin, participating members will be issued unloaded weapons and no ammunition will be present.
"All measures are being taken to ensure minimum inconvenience to those in the area," McLaughlin said through a media release. "The public are asked to take extra caution when approaching military vehicles, and are thanked in advance for their understanding and co-operation."
The training is being conducted in order to maintain and further develop the skills of Canadian Army Reserve soldiers in Armoured Reconnaissance operations, and to practice discipline, safety and effectiveness while operating specific vehicle platforms in cold weather conditions.
Anyone travelling throughout southwestern Ontario over the next few days may notice military vehicles as well, with the 31 Canadian Brigade Group taking part in a tactical armoured patrol vehicle driver and maintenance course from Thursday through Sunday with routes planned from Windsor to London to CFB Borden near Barrie.