Shilo Stag
With active posting season soon to commence with advent of May, there will be many new faces soon to call CFB Shilo home.
As with every posting there are new rules, regulations, and laws one must become familiar with arriving in Manitoba.
The purpose here with this story is to help you get a head start on this.
• Emergency contacts — 911 for all emergencies, on base 204-765-3337 for Military Police non-emergency matters. Crime Stoppers is available via 1-800-222-8477, text “CRIMES” or online at manitobacrimestoppers.com
• Vehicles — You have 90 days to have your vehicle registered and insured in Manitoba. A safety inspection will likely be required from an accredited shop, with the garage on Base across from CANEX able to accommodate this before you obtain insurance from MPI, located in CANEX. Front license plates are mandatory, and obstructing covers are prohibited. Registration, insurance, and a valid personal driver’s license must be accessible by the driver at all times.
• Parking — On-street parking is authorized from May 1 to Oct. 31, and is prohibited in the winter for snow clearing. Vehicles must be parked in the direction of traffic. All passenger cars must be insured to drive year-round. Long-term parking is available for recreational vehicles and trailers in the winter months and is co-ordinated by PSP at General Strange Hall (GSH). The access key is held by the Military Police dispatcher at Building L134.
• Impaired Driving — the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.05 under the Provincial Highway Traffic Act. Criminal consequences begin at a BAC of 0.08. CFB Shilo has a zero tolerance for drinking and driving; always plan a safe ride home. Free shuttle service is available daily, and information is available at www.familyforce.ca
• Passing troops — formed groups, as with all pedestrians, have right of way on roads throughout the Base. Slow to a reasonable speed when passing troops for everyone’s safety.
• Off-road vehicles — off-road vehicle tracks are available on base. All off-road vehicles shall be registered and are subject to a 30 km/h speed limit which is enforced by Military Police.
• Bicycles — all bike riders on Base must have a helmet on. It will soon be provincial law for those aged 18 and younger must have a helmet on to ride a bicycle at all times. Only children may ride on sidewalks on Base; adults are to ride on-road and use bike lanes where available.
• Animal control — Military Police only deal with emergencies involving animals. Contact the Rural Municipality of Cornwallis bylaw officer at 204-724-7999 for routine matters. Neighbours are encouraged to speak to one another prior to making a formal complaint.
For information regarding community policing call 204-765-3000, local 3378 or online at www.facebook.com/ShiloCommunityPolice
Soldiers often march on Royal Avenue and other roads on the Base. Motorists need to slow down if they come upon troops on a march. Bike helmets are mandatory when cycling at CFB Shilo. Be careful driving in the Q Patch when a moving van is parked on the road during posting season. Photos Jules Xavier/Shilo Stag
