Wolseley Barracks Grounds Transformed for Canadian Armed Forces Disaster Preparedness Drill – London | The Canadian News

Londoners near Wolseley Barracks may be noticing a bit more action than usual this weekend, with the 31st Canadian Brigade Group of the Canadian Armed Forces executing realistic disaster scenarios.

The planned training is especially relevant as soldiers are practicing for scenarios similar to the massive floods in British Columbia right now.

“It is ironic that we are here at our headquarters when a similar headquarters has been deployed to assist in flood situations, so our service is very relevant as it is a real life situation,” said Lt. Col. Alex Colic.

Approximately 100 local Army Reserve Soldiers are conducting an exercise based on a simulated emergency scenario in Ontario.

The scenario is designed to provide a realistic, simulated reaction to a Canadian community request for assistance (RFA), such as the COVID-19 pandemic, an ice storm, or a natural gas leak.

With climate change making problems like wildfires or floods more common, Colic said it is important that military members are trained to respond at any time.

“This is all designed so that when the Canadian government requests assistance, we can mobilize high-performance teams and send them anywhere in Canada to support our fellow Canadians,” Colic said.

A semi-permanent tent-like structure is installed on the floor of the Wolseley barracks, which can house up to 150 soldiers and serves as a mobile command base with flooring, heating, lighting and insulation.

Navy Lt. Andrew McLaughlin noted that Canadian Army Reserves have two jobs: one to help missions abroad and the second to help Canadians in need.

“Being there for Canadians when they need us most, and that means that in crisis situations when Canadian communities go through the process of applying for assistance and are in need, CAF can step in.”