Practicing UXO Safety at the Former Saint-Bruno Range, parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno, Montérégie, Québec
Training at past military sites often involved the use of ammunition that contained explosives, some of which did not function as intended. These old military munitions are called unexploded explosive ordnance (UXO). UXO may still be present at the former Saint-Bruno Range and can be dangerous if disturbed.
History of the former Saint-Bruno Range
From 1938 to 1947, the former Saint-Bruno Range was used for military training and weapons practice. The military then used it as a rifle range until its closure in 2017.
In 2000, part of the former range was transferred to the Government of Québec and it now forms part of the parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno (figure 1). The Department of National Defence (DND) is working closely with the ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs and the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec to ensure safe community use of the site.
UXO risk reduction work
DND completed biological and UXO surveys in the east corner of the park in July 2023 and started removing UXO from targeted areas in fall of 2023. UXO removal work will continue throughout 2024. All UXO work will be performed between trees with environmental conservation measures in place. UXO safety signs will be installed in the area (figure 2).
Upcoming site work
- UXO removal: May 21, 2024 to late fall 2024
- Location: east corner of the parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno
Trail use
Trails will remain open while this work is underway, with limited temporary closures expected.
We encourage you to use good judgement and caution when using this part of the parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno. This includes staying on designated trails and avoiding digging or starting campfires.
UXO program
Through its UXO program, DND is working to reduce UXO risks at former military sites across Canada and ensure these areas are safe for Canadians. DND conducts ongoing research, interviews, and in-person site visits. If any possible risks are identified, steps are taken to inform the public and perform the necessary UXO site surveys and clearance work. To learn more about UXO safety and DND’s UXO program, visit Canada.ca/UXO-Safety.
If you see something that looks like it may be UXO, please follow these steps:
- Don't touch it.
- Turn around and leave the area the same way you came in.
- Call 911 or local police.
If you have any questions about DND's UXO activities at the former Saint-Bruno Range, please contact us by e-mail at UXOCanada@forces.gc.ca
Figure 1 – Map of the former Saint-Bruno Range, and area of UXO survey and
removal work in the east corner of the parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno
Figure 1 – Long description
Map of the former Saint-Bruno Range (DND property numbered 3) with the parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno (numbered 4) to the left. Part of the former Saint-Bruno Range that was transferred to the Government of Québec and is now part of the park has a low UXO risk (numbered 1) while the rest has a medium UXO risk (numbered 2). Summer trails are numbered with a 5 on the map.
Figure 2 - UXO safety sign
Figure 2 – Text version
Caution!
Former military training area
If you see something that looks like it may be Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO):
- Don’t touch it
- Turn around and leave the area
- Call 911 or local police
No dig area | Stay on trails | No camp fires
www.canada.ca/uxo-safety
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