The military’s 4th Canadian Division Training Centre in Meaford is holding an Open House in July.
It’s set to take place on the 19th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“It’s going to be great day for basically anybody who wants to see behind the scenes of what life is like in the Canadian Army while also having access to a bunch of family friendly, fun events,” says Maj. Simon Kassissia, Officer Commanding Bravo Company, 4th Canadian Division Training Centre.
Kassissia says there will be lots of kids activities in the gym including bouncy castles and an kids obstacle course. The Canadian Army mascot Juno (a polar bear) will also be there.
On the parade square, there will be information booths, some favourite local food vendors, and a falconry display and military vehicles to check out.
You will be able to try on the gear and check out some of the weapons. Recruiters will be on site to answer questions and the Grey Wolf summer program for Indigenous people will be there. Kassissia says there will also be federal government department experts who are able to talk about the proposed TC Energy pumped storage project.
The parade square will also be a transportation hub. Kassissia says they’ll be taking people into their range and training area, which is not normally accessible to the community.
Kassissia says plans include opportunities to fire some of the guns with supervision and coaching. “We’ll have a canoeing stand set up at our mountain lake, there’s going to be a rappelling tower and a zip line available for people to partake in.” He adds, “We’re going to have a 105mm artillery piece people will be able to see firing.”
There is also a simulated firing range with modified weapons that is similar to the game Duck Hunt for people to try.
There will be an obstacle course, and some safer obstacles may be open to the public.
They’ll have a close-quarter combat demonstration as well as a demonstration of a live-fire section attack. Kassissia says, “People will be able to see what it looks like when eight soldiers are basically closing with, and destroying an enemy.” Then with blank ammunition they’re planning a platoon sized attack with 35 soldiers.
They’re planning guided tours of some of the cemeteries. He says the military has preserved and maintained them since the local community was moved when the base was formed.
“Just being able to move around this training area and see the beauty of natural environment and also some of the things that we do here will be interesting for people,” says Kassissia.
He says there will be no shortage of parking.
The open house is set to go July 19th.
