800 soldiers simulating 'domestic emergency situation' in Huron-Bruce
Soldiers from across Ontario are converging in Huron and Bruce Counties this weekend to sharpen their skills in case of a “domestic emergency” that might require help from the military.
“This weekend, we are simulating a domestic emergency. It’s a heat wave. Along with that, we’ll be providing support to the community and doing different simulated scenarios, like search and rescue, obstacle clearance, and firefighting,” said Master Corporal Mike Couchie.
Emergency exercise “Trillium Venture” will bring together 800 soldiers from the 31st Canadian Brigade Group, who will be stretched across Midwestern Ontario doing everything from knocking on doors to conducting shoreline search and rescue training.
“We’re simulating wellness checks, so if you see soldiers out in your neighbourhood, feel free to stop them and ask them what they’re doing. They’ll be more than happy to answer your questions,” said Couchie..
Reservists from 31 Canadian Brigade Group, seen on May 3, 2024, will be in Huron and Bruce Counties from May 4-5, 2024, taking part in a simulated emergency training exercise. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
Those taking part in the training are reservists, which means they are people will regular day jobs who do military training in their spare time in order to learn skills and help out their communitiesAlthough they are militarily trained, no one will be carrying or using weapons as a part of this training exercise.
“These are primarily reservists involved in this exercise. They come from all different walks of life. Some of them are full-time, but most of them are part-time. They’re just coming out to see how they can contribute and make a difference in the community,” said Couchie, who started as a part-time reservist, but recently moved into a full-time role.
The emergency training exercise starts in earnest Saturday and runs through into Sunday.
Reservists from 31 Canadian Brigade Group, seen on May 3, 2024, will be in Huron and Bruce Counties from May 4-5, 2024, taking part in a simulated emergency training exercise. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
Public Affairs Officer Paul Verheye said they’re doing everything they can to minimize any inconvenience for the public, but communities from Hensall to Lion’s Head, and especially Blyth where the exercise headquarters are located, will likely see a soldier as part of the exercise this weekend.
“This kind of emergency we’re simulating is something that happens from time to time. People might remember the floods in Ottawa a couple of years ago. Domestic emergencies are a thing, and this kind of training helps us map out the logistics of what it would take to respond to these types of scenarios,” said Couchie, who hails from London, Ont.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Blaine Higgs 'furious' over sexual education presentation
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has shared his anger on social media over a presentation in at least four high schools.
Grayson Murray's parents say the two-time PGA Tour winner died of suicide
Grayson Murray's parents said Sunday their 30-year-old son took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
North Korea informs Japan of a plan to launch military spy satellite
North Korea has told Japan it plans to launch a satellite by early next week, an apparent effort to put its second military spy satellite into orbit.
2 died in plane crash near Squamish, B.C., police confirm
Two people died after a plane went down in a remote area near Squamish, B.C. on Friday, authorities have confirmed.
Driver, 18, gets $3,000 ticket, 32 demerit points after speeding on Laval boulevard
A young driver received a hefty fine from Laval police after they say he was driving nearly 100 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
At least 15 dead after severe weather carves path of ruin across multiple U.S. states in the South
Powerful storms killed at least 15 people and left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
Some birds may use 'mental time travel,' study finds
Real quick — what did you have for lunch yesterday? Were you with anyone? Where were you? Can you picture the scene? The ability to remember things that happened to you in the past, especially to go back and recall little incidental details, is a hallmark of what psychologists call episodic memory — and new research indicates that it’s an ability humans may share with birds called Eurasian jays.