Increased military activity, emergency vehicles expected as part of 17 Wing training exercise

Emergency response training will be taking place at 17 Wing on Thursday.

Residents near a Winnipeg air force base may notice some increased activity this week.

17 Wing, the Royal Canadian Air Force base in Winnipeg’s St. James neighbourhood, announced it will conduct a base-wide emergency exercise on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will simulate a response to a natural disaster, a 17 Wing spokesperson said.

“During this time, residents near the base may notice increased activity, including military and civilian emergency vehicles entering and leaving through the Wihuri Road gate, as well as military personnel with simulated injuries participating in the exercise,” 17 Wing said in a public service announcement.

According to the base, the planned training event is part of ongoing efforts to maintain the readiness and coordination of base personnel and local emergency response crews.

The announcement notes this is only an exercise and there is no cause for concern.