Over the last week, cottagers may have noticed a military presence in Oro-Medonte, Ont., from June 8 to12, personnel from the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) were conducting training in the area.
Local residents were advised of the increase in military vehicles, equipment, and personnel. According to the advisory, military personnel were in the area to practice operating in an unfamiliar rural environment.
CANSOFCOM is a “high-readiness organization able to deploy agile, special operations forces on very short notice” to help protect Canadians from threats at home and abroad.
Navy to hold training exercise in Muskoka Wharf
On June 21, the HMCS York—a division of the Royal Canadian Navy—will also be spotted in Muskoka. Naval Reserve sailors from Toronto and members of the 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron from CFB Trenton will be conducting a small boats and search and rescue exercise at the Residence Inn at Gravenhurst’s Muskoka Wharf.
As a reserve division in the Royal Canadian Navy, the HMCS York could be assigned to help respond to natural disasters, such as forest fires, floods, ice storms, or hurricanes as a part of operation LENTUS. The operation aims to help provincial and territorial authorities respond effectively to a crisis and to help stabilize conditions during a natural disaster.
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