CAF advise of increased military traffic in northern, central, and eastern Ontario
Motorists and residents in general across a large swath of Ontario can expect to see an influx of military vehicles and personnel in the coming days and weeks, according to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
A public service announcement (PSA) issued by the CAF and the Department of National Defence (DND) on Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026, indicates that “transport and supply convoys” will be present on various highways and local roadways in northern, central, and eastern Ontario beginning on Friday, Mar. 20, 2026. Canadian Army Reserve personnel from 33 Canadian Brigade Group (33 CBG) will conduct these convoys between multiple Ontario communities and Petawawa. The convoys will travel to Petawawa on Friday, Mar. 20 with return traffic on the same routes on Sunday, Mar. 22, 2026. The same activity will occur again on Friday Mar. 27, with return traffic to follow on Sunday, Mar. 29, 2026, the CAF explained.
Army Reserve members will be making the trek to participate in “Ex WOLF AMBUSH” at Garrison Petawawa, which the military referred to as the “training grounds of the warriors,” from March 20 to 22, and 27 to 29, 2026.
“This is a major Brigade-level training event featuring simulated combat operations as part of the Canadian Army’s mission for preparedness and readiness to support international operations when called upon,” the CAF stated.
The PSA detailed that troops from a number of Ontario communities will participate, including infantry, artillery, engineer, and signals units from 33 CBG units in:
- North Bay
- Sudbury
- Sault Ste. Marie
- Peterborough
- Kingston
- Belleville
- Oshawa
- Cornwall
- Brockville
- Ottawa
The CAF advised that members of the may see increased military traffic with Canadian Army vehicles following pre-planned routes on various area roads, including Ontario Highways 7, 17, 26, 41, 55, 115, 401, 416, and 417. The convoys will transport approximately 300 soldiers and their equipment in CAF vehicles and buses, with personnel conducting “planned, short stops along the routes, stopping for rest, fuel, and scheduled maintenance,” according to the PSA.
“Participating soldiers will not carry any weapons or ammunition while making public stops on the designated routes of travel to and from this routine combat readiness exercise,” the CAF stated.
“All measures are being taken to ensure minimum inconvenience in these areas during the exercise dates. Members of the public are asked to take extra caution when approaching military vehicles and are thanked in advance for their understanding and co-operation.”