February 1999

Story written and photographs taken for the Royal Canadian Military Institute monthly newsletter "Sitrep"

Toronto thanks soldiers [page 4]

Mayor Mel Lastman thanks Capt John Fleet of the RCD.

A thank you dinner was held at the RCMI for 49 Regular Force soldiers who had been actively taking part in Operation Preamble helping Toronto recover from an over abundance of snow. The 47 troops and two officers were from the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD), and the Electrical and Mechanic Engineers (EME), both based at CFB Petawawa. The RCDs have been driving the Bisons providing support the Toronto Ambulance Service, and the EME were operating front-end loaders and dump trucks clearing the snow. Also in attendance were three Paramedics who had worked from the Bisons on a number of emergency calls.

Flanked by two soldiers in period uniform the Mayor of Toronto, Mel Lastman addressed the audience and thanked them for their dedication and service. After his speech the Mayor move through the room thanking soldiers individually and then he had to leave for a council meeting.

Mayor Mel Lastman stops tp speak to Cpl Ross Reid (L) EME and MCpl Casey Van Den Heuvel (R) RCD.

The dinner, which was actual breakfast for the soldiers, they were working nights, was sponsored by Molson's Breweries. The function was organised in less than two days by Joseph Gill, Chairman of The Friends of Fort York and Garrison Common. After the meal many of the soldiers toured the Institute while waiting for their bus to take them back to work.

The Toronto Battle Group Stands-Up [page 5]

LCol Julian Chapman (far R) and CWO Kevin Junor escort Mayor Mel Lastman as he stops to speak to soldiers. (photo by Capt Vic Goldman)

For the first time since Hurricane Hazel in1956, members of the Toronto army reserve were mobilised to serve their neighbours. The deployment started slowly at 1200hr on Thursday 14 January with the formation of a mixed company of 130 volunteers under the command of RCMI member, Major Liam Morrissey of the Queen's York Rangers. Designated as "A" Coy of the 32 Canadian Brigade Group, the soldiers were based at Fort York Armoury. At the same time, Moss Park Armoury was opened as warming centre for homeless people who could not find shelter in the overflowing municipal facilities.

On Friday morning at 0700hr, the troops moved to the Public Works yard of King Street to receive their taskings. The job was to sweep along King, Queen, Dundas and College Streets from Bathurst to Jarvis, digging out streetcar access. Because they were in the downtown core their job attracted a lot positive media attention.

At approximately 2330hr on Friday, a decision was made to Stand Up a reserve battle group. The additional troops, a 170+, would be drawn from units who had deployed on planned winter warfare training. The new organisation was dubbed the Toronto Battle Group and was commanded by RCMI member, Lieutenant Colonel Julian Chapman, of the Toronto Scottish Regiment. Chapman had to pull together a viable organisation consisting of several companies a Quick Reaction Force of engineers and medical personnel. All in a matter of hours, in the middle of the night. Staff positions were identified, people nominated and the telephone fan out took place between 0030 and 0200hr. The following RCMI members deployed, Capt Dwayne Hobbs was Operations Officer, Captains Sandi Banerjee, and Adam Saunders were Liaison Officers, and Capt Stephen Roberts and 2Lt Bruce Rolston co-ordinating public affairs.

Soldiers of The Royal Regiment of Canada dig out the streetcar stop at the northeast corner of Dundas and McCaul Streets.

During the course of their deployment, the men and women of the Battle Group dug through the snow banks at streetcar and bus stops on key arterial downtown routes. They cleared the snow on the sidewalks from in front houses owned by people physical disabilities who had registered with Public Works. Another task was clearing the snow from around fire hydrants. At the end of the day, and after a hot cantered meal, some 320 tried and satisfied soldiers bedded down at Fort York Armoury. Every lecture room in the building became a dormitory, and privacy was non-existent. Approximately 150 soldiers who could not find room in a classroom slept on the concrete floor of the armoury.

On Sunday afternoon, at 1500hr, after the troops returned to FYA to turn in equipment and begin stand-down procedures, the Mayor of Toronto, Mel Lastman visited to thank the troops. After a brief speech some of the troops in the rear ranks responded with a spontaneous "Nooooo Body." The Mayor took up the challenge and orchestrated an ear splitting response from all the soldiers followed by a round of applause.

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