Ottawa travellers and residents may notice extra emergency vehicles, uniformed personnel and simulated response activity around the airport on Wednesday, May 13, but organizers expect flights and passenger services to continue without disruption.
The emergency exercise is scheduled for approximately 9 a.m. to noon Eastern time on airport property and at other locations in the National Capital Region, according to an RCMP news release issued Tuesday.
The RCMP is conducting the exercise with the Ottawa International Airport Authority and emergency response partners. The Ottawa Police Service and NAV Canada are among the participating agencies identified in the release.
Organizers say the additional vehicles and personnel, along with simulated emergency activity in designated areas, will be part of the planned exercise. They are advising passengers and the public that unusual activity at or near the airport should not be cause for alarm.
No impact on the surrounding community is anticipated, according to the release. Organizers also say procedures will be in place to allow a rapid response if a real emergency occurs while the exercise is underway.
Testing how agencies respond together
The annual exercise is carried out under Canadian Aviation Security Regulations. Its purpose is to test how multiple agencies coordinate an emergency response and identify where their procedures and communication can improve.
RCMP Senior Deputy Commissioner Bryan Larkin said in the release that practising alongside airport officials and other partners gives responders an opportunity to assess their ability to work together.
“This exercise provides a tremendous opportunity to work with our interagency counterparts, practicing our collective ability to keep Canadians safe,” Larkin said in the release.
Ian Kerr, vice-president of operations for the Ottawa International Airport Authority, said the exercise also allows airport teams and emergency responders to practise procedures and strengthen communication between agencies.
“Exercises are an essential part of maintaining a safe, secure and resilient airport environment,” Kerr said in the release. “They allow airport teams, emergency responders, and partner agencies to test procedures, strengthen inter-agency communication and coordination, and reinforce a strong culture of safety.”
Organizers say the safety and security of the public, airport staff and travellers remain their priority, and they will work to limit any effects on the community during the exercise.
