Don’t be alarmed if you notice an increase in helicopter activity above Metchosin this May long weekend—it is a pre-planned training event.
On Saturday May 21st and Sunday May 22nd, residents will likely see an increase in military activity at the Rocky Point training area located near Beecher Bay and Pedder Bay.
The Canadian Army said it will be conducting an exercise that includes the use of ATVs, horses, small pleasure boats, and a helicopter.
“The Canadian Ranger 75th Anniversary Rendezvous (CR75RV) is a multi-day event held […] in Victoria. The event is to honour the formal establishment of the Canadian Ranger Corps that occurred on May 23, 1947, and is the official kick-off event for the ‘Year of the Canadian Ranger’” said Captain Natasha Tersigni, Public Affairs Officer of the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.
Over the two days, a civilian helicopter will be transporting participants throughout the training area and over the coastline to and from Victoria Harbour. The helicopter will be landing several times over the two days at various locations throughout Rocky Point.
As part of the exercise, five small pleasure boats will be operating along the training area coastline demonstrating marine search and rescue techniques.
The ATVs and horses will remain within the boundaries of Rocky Point for the duration of the weekend.
This weekend’s training will be focused on operations that are common for Canadian Rangers (CRs) in British Columbia to conduct.
According to Tersigni, the four stands of round-robin training include helicopter operations, ATV familiarization, boat familiarization, and equine mobility.
“This training will provide Canadian Rangers and Junior Canadian Rangers from across Canada with an opportunity to take part in the common operations that CRs in British Columbia conduct on a regular basis,” said Tersigni.
