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Military to conduct winter training at Pointe des Chenes

Yes, they'll have guns. But no ammo
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Artillery conversion training for the M777 howitzer took place in February, 2016 at the Pine Street armoury in Sault Ste. Marie. From the Sault, the state-of-the-art weapon can accurately hit house-sized targets in Richards Landing. David Helwig/SooToday

Canada's 49th Field Artillery Regiment is planning to deploy an artillery battery next week at Pointe Des Chenes.

The historic regiment intends to "confirm the techniques, tactic and procedures learned while conducting a basic winter warfare course," says a proposed contract with the City of Sault Ste. Marie, which owns the lakefront property.

"Equipment will include land-over-snow vehicles [snowmobiles] to be used as safety vehicles, shelters and assorted winter survival equipment. Radios and weapons with no ammunition will also be used," the document states.

Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority has agreed to the plan, which calls for training to take place from Friday, Jan. 31 to Sunday, Feb. 2.

City Council will be asked tonight to approve the training.

The meeting will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m.



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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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