Navy warns South Island residents of explosives training on Bentinck Island

A series of land-based demolition training exercises are scheduled next week on the Southern tip of Vancouver Island.

The Canadian military is warning South Island residents not to be alarmed if they hear explosions coming from the demolition range on Bentinck Island near Rocky Point off the Strait of Juan de Fuca, just south of Metchosin.

The training events are taking place between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily from Wednesday, May 22 to Friday, May 24, and are described as critical to ensure military members gain core skills and maintain operational readiness.

Local residents will likely be unaware of the activities except on days when atmospheric conditions affect how far sound may travel.

Training events at Bentinck Island are guided by strict mitigation measures and procedures to limit acoustic impacts to marine mammals.

These operations involve a third party Marine Mammal Observer to advise military staff when the range is clear of whales prior to demolitions.

If whales are observed in or transiting towards the range, training events are delayed and will not re-commence until the Marine Mammal Observer provides the all-clear.

The public is reminded that no unauthorized person may enter this area and trespassing is prohibited.

SEE ALSO: Western Canada’s first Arctic navy vessel coming to CFB Esquimalt

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