Practicing UXO Safety at the Former Tracadie Range, New Brunswick
Training at past military sites often involved the use of ammunition with 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 Tracadie Range and can be dangerous if disturbed.
Through its UXO program, the Department of National Defence (DND) is working to reduce UXO risks at former military sites across Canada and ensure these areas are safe for Canadians. DND is resuming UXO clearance work at the former Tracadie Range to ensure the land remains safe for recreational activities.
UXO clearance work in 2025
To ensure safe community use of the site, DND will be clearing UXO from targeted areas of the former range from May to December 2025 in ARA-1 West and ARA-6 Extension where historical surveys identified the possible presence of UXO.
- Start of work: May 5, 2025
- End of work: December 2025
- Locations: southern section of ARA-1 West, and select areas of ARA-6 Extension (see UXO risk map below for locations)
The work is conducted in open areas and between trees for public safety reasons and not to support blueberry development. Trees will not be clear cut. Only trees that pose a hazard to workers will be removed if necessary and low-lying brush will be removed in areas with dense vegetation.
Figure 1 – UXO Residual Risk Map of the Former Tracadie Range
Figure 1 – Long description
The map shows the boundaries of the former Tracadie Range. The range is divided into different sections of various sizes called Ammunition Related Areas (ARAs) which are numbered from ARA-1 to ARA-11. The scale is 1:70,000.
Each ARA is coloured according the UXO residual risk rating.
High-risk areas
Red: ARA-5 is a medium-sized area found in the centre of the map. ARA-1W is a small area near the central eastern boundary that is light green except for its southern zone which is red.
Medium-risk areas
Yellow: the medium-sized ARA-3 and ARA-6 are found in the centre of the map. ARA-7 and ARA-8 are medium-sized areas in the northwestern quadrant are also in yellow but with dispersed smaller dark green areas where clearance activities have been completed.
Yellow stripe: Yellow stripes identify a temporary medium-risk rating which is under further investigation. A small area identified as ARA-6 extension is between ARA-1W and ARA-6 is yellow striped.
Low-risk areas
Light green: ARA-1E, ARA-2, ARA-4, and ARA-11 are located mostly on the perimeter of the range and cover the majority of the affected area. ARA-9 is a small area identified in the central northern section of the map and is light green with a small dark green section on its south-eastern side.
Dark green for low-risk high-munition debris: ARA-10 is a medium-sized area in the northeastern quadrant of the map.
Practicing UXO safety
We encourage you to use good judgement and caution when at the former Tracadie Range. This includes staying on designated trails and avoiding digging or starting campfires.
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 Tracadie Range, please contact us by e-mail at UXOCanada@forces.gc.ca.
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
History of the former Tracadie Range
From 1939 to 1994, the former Tracadie Range was used by DND for military training and weapons practice. As this property was transferred to New Brunswick in 1997, the province is responsible for any land development plans. DND continues to work closely with the province to support safe community use of the site.
To ensure former military sites remain safe for Canadians, DND regularly assesses these areas for UXO. Through its UXO program, DND conducts ongoing research, interviews, and in-person site visits. If any risks are identified, active steps are taken to inform the public and perform the necessary UXO site surveys and clearance work.
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