Soldiers deploy an inflatable boat. File photo courtesy of Canadian Armed Forces/DND 2020Soldiers deploy an inflatable boat. File photo courtesy of Canadian Armed Forces/DND 2020
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Convoy, assault boat training brings military personnel to Port Stanley

Port Stanley residents are being told not to fret if they see military personnel in the Lake Erie village on Thursday.

Canadian Army Reservists from 31 Combat Engineer Regiment will be taking part in convoy and assault boat training in the Port Stanley area from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The planned activities include convoy drills and the deployment of inflatable boats on Lake Erie. None of the participating soldiers will be carrying weapons or ammunition.

Military vehicles will be located on Sunset Drive, local streets in the village, and in the vicinity of Little Beach.

"This important training is being conducted in order to maintain and further develop the skills of Canadian Army Reserve soldiers in convoy and boating operations, and to test discipline, safety and effectiveness while operating specific equipment platforms," the Canadian Armed Forces said in a statement.

Measures are being taken to limit any inconvenience to those in Port Stanley, however, some areas may be inaccessible during the exercises.

All participating soldiers will follow public health guidelines to protect against COVID-19 including wearing masks, extra sanitizing of equipment and hands, and physical distancing where possible.

The public is asked to use caution when approaching military vehicles being used in the training.

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