CFB Kingston advises of upcoming training using blank ammunition

Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Kingston is advising the public of an upcoming training session that will employ the use of blank ammunition and take place outside of the “typical” training areas.

On Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023, personnel from the Peace Support Training Centre (PSTC) and Global Affairs Canada will be conducting the training from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Because this is occurring in the vicinity of 5 Mons Way on CFB Kingston property – and not in an area typically used for such training – the Canadian Armed Forces want to make the public aware the training session will be taking place, according to Lieutenant John Byrtus, a public affairs representative for CFB Kingston.

“Persons driving or walking along Highway 2 may hear the blank ammunition being fired during the training. This training will be done in an enclosed area and the use of blank ammunition presents no risk to persons in the area,” Byrtus said in a press release on Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023.

The training exercise will not affect regular traffic flow.

According to the Government of Canada, the PSTC is a “joint, inter-agency and multinational training establishment” here in Kingston, which conducts hazardous environment training, security force capacity building, and individual pre-deployment training. Global Affairs Canada works to “define, shape and advance Canada’s interests and values in a complex global environment.” The department manages diplomatic relations, promotes international trade, and provides consular assistance, while also leading international development, humanitarian, and peace and security assistance efforts, according to the Government of Canada.